Important: This page is an independent reference summary. Verify classification decisions against the official ABS source before using them for tax, licensing, immigration or compliance purposes.

Role overview

Veterinarians are healthcare professionals who diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries in animals. In Australia, they provide medical and surgical care to a wide range of animals, including companion animals, livestock, wildlife, and animals in zoos or research facilities. Their work is critical for animal welfare, public health through the management of zoonotic diseases, and food safety within the agricultural sector. The ANZSCO classification 234711 is a legacy system still used for migration, statistical, and archival purposes, providing a standardised way to categorise this profession across government and industry.

Key tasks in practice

While a specific task list is not provided by ANZSCO for this unit group, the core duties of a Veterinarian typically include:

  • Examining animals to diagnose their health problems and determine the best course of treatment.
  • Performing surgeries, setting fractures, and dressing wounds.
  • Vaccinating animals against infectious diseases and advising owners on animal nutrition, hygiene, and general care.
  • Prescribing medications and providing emergency care.
  • Conducting post-mortem examinations to determine the cause of death.
  • Some veterinarians may specialise in areas such as pathology or parasitology, focusing on research and laboratory analysis.

Skill level explanation

Veterinarian is classified as an ANZSCO Skill Level 1 occupation. This is the highest skill level and indicates that the occupation requires a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. In Australia, this means registration as a veterinarian is contingent upon holding a Bachelor of Veterinary Science or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from an accredited university. The classification system uses skill level to indicate the formal education and training typically required for competent performance in the occupation, which is a key factor in skills assessment for migration purposes.

Industry context

Veterinarians in Australia are employed across a diverse range of industries. Related ANZSIC industry classifications provide context for their primary work settings. These include Veterinary Services (ANZSIC 6925), which encompasses private clinical practice. They are also employed in Animal Husbandry (ANZSIC 9112) to maintain the health of livestock, and in Scientific Research Services (ANZSIC 6910) for biomedical and agricultural research. Other employment contexts can include government roles in biosecurity, quarantine, and public health, as well as roles in zoos and wildlife parks.