To become a veterinary surgeon, you will need to have:
an interest in the welfare of animals
a commitment to training throughout your career
a high level of scientific ability
a willingness to work long and irregular hours
physical fitness, practical skills and good powers of observation
the ability to make difficult decisions
assertiveness, to enforce public health and hygiene laws
a patient, sensitive and sympathetic manner with animal owners
management and business skills to run a veterinary practice.