Equine vets often work long and unpredictable hours. Here's why:
* Emergencies: Horses are prone to emergencies, so vets are on call 24/7. This means evenings, weekends, and even holidays can be filled with emergency calls.
* Farm Visits: Equine vets often travel to farms and stables, so they can have long days driving to appointments.
* Surgery: Some surgeries require long hours, especially if they are complex or require specialized care.
* Breeding Season: During breeding season, vets can be very busy with pregnancy checks, artificial insemination, and foal care.
Average Work Week:
It's difficult to give an average work week, as it can vary greatly. But, many equine vets work 50-70 hours per week, with some working even longer during busy periods.
Typical Shifts:
* Daytime hours: Typical office hours, often spent in the clinic, but with farm visits mixed in.
* On-call hours: After regular hours, vets are often on call for emergencies, which can involve being available for several hours at a time.
* Weekends and holidays: Weekends are often busy with emergency calls and farm visits, and holidays can also involve work.
It's important to note that the hours can be demanding, but many equine vets are passionate about their work and find it very rewarding.