1 Interview: Vet Doctor of Small Animals
For as long as I can remember, my mom’s clinic has felt like a second home — the sound of paws on the floor, the smell of shampoo after a pet’s bath, and the quiet moments when she comforts worried owners. This week, I had the chance to interview her about her journey as a small-animal veterinarian. From funny patient stories to heartfelt lessons, her words reveal the love and responsibility behind caring for animals every single day.
🎓The Beginning of the Journey
What inspired you to become a veterinarian?
There wasn't a single inspiration; I've been saying I wanted to be a veterinarian since I was a child.
Did you always want to work with dogs and cats?
No, I used to want to work with wild animals. But when I entered college, I became more attracted to small animals, and I also realized that wild animals didn't have a future in Brazil.
What was the most difficult part of college?
Seeing the dead animals in pathology class and getting used to studying.
What was your biggest challenge when you started your career?
When we leave college, we don't come out prepared; we come out half-baked, ha ha ha, so facing that was quite challenging.
🏥 Day-to-Day Life at the Clinic
What is your work routine like?
I care for the animals, operate on them, and also provide guidance for the animals at the clinic.
What are the most common cases you see?
Animal with diarrhea, vomiting, and kidney disease
How do you deal with emergency situations?
I get nervous, but I try to do what I have to do to find the animal's main problem.
💡 Golden Tip for Pet Owners
What is the most important tip you would give to someone who has a pet at home?
Visit the vet, not only when the pet is sick, but also as a way to prevent illness in the future.
🐕🐈 Animal Behavior
Are cats really more difficult to deal with than dogs?
No.
What is the difference between an aggressive animal and one that is just scared?
An animal's posture, the way it behaves in front of you. Does an aggressive animal come to attack you?
Have you ever become particularly attached to a patient?
Yes.
📖 Curious Stories
What was the most unusual or unusual surgery you had to perform?
One that lasted 9 hours because the dog had a complete subcutaneous detachment.
Has anything funny ever happened during a consultation?
Yes, once a guy said he had hemorrhoids, ha ha ha.
Has a pet ever run away during a consultation?
No.
📈 Changes in Veterinary Medicine
What has changed in the profession since you started?
Medicine is advancing and is increasingly closer to human medicine. And young people want to work less and earn more.
Are pet owners more aware nowadays?
Yes.
Is veterinary medicine more humanized? How do you see it?
Yes. Sometimes there's even a certain exaggeration on the part of owners.
👩👧 Veterinarian and Mother
Is there anything you brought from motherhood to your veterinary practice?
No.
Have you ever had to deal with an emergency at the clinic while worrying about something at home?
Yes.
What lesson would you like to teach your children about love and responsibility toward animals?
Animals aren't toys and you have to be responsible for caring for them.
🎓 For Those Who Dream of the Profession
What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue this career?
Study, because it's not easy.
What does no one tell you about being a veterinarian, but is important to know?
It's hard work, but it's worth it when you see an animal leave happy and recovered.
💌 Conclusion
What does this profession mean to you?
Everything, I can't see myself doing anything else.
How do you see the future of veterinary medicine?
Increasingly specialized, and people are spending more and more on animals.
