What is expected of you as an employee veterinarian (and what your employer hopes in return)
Let’s get real.
Veterinary medicine is a noble profession.
And yes, veterinarians deserve to be paid well.
But sometimes, there’s a growing mismatch between the salary we want and the effort we’re willing to give.
If you’re aiming for ₱50K, ₱80K, ₱100K++ monthly, plus mentorship, travel opportunities, continuing education sponsorships, and a growth-rich environment, your mindset, work ethic, and accountability must rise to match.
So What Is Expected of You as an Employee Veterinarian?
1. Reliability & Flexibility
“You don’t grow in your comfort zone.”
- Show up on time and consistently.
- Be open to shifting schedules.
- Understand that overtime and weekend duties are part of the reality of animal care.
- Be willing to help in other branches when needed. It’s teamwork, not punishment.
Reliability is one of the most valuable traits an employer can have in a veterinarian.
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2. Client Communication
“You’re not just treating pets. You’re guiding people.”
- Communicate confidently with clients.
- Explain diagnoses and treatment plans clearly.
- Educate pet owners with patience.
- Show empathy during difficult situations.
Excellent communication builds trust.
Great communicators often become great earners because clients value veterinarians they understand and trust.
3. Case Ownership & Accountability
“If you want the perks, you need to handle the pressure.”
- Don’t choose only the easy cases.
- Accept challenging medical situations.
- Follow through from diagnosis to recovery.
- Take responsibility for your patients.
Clients and employers remember veterinarians who take ownership of their cases.
4. Surgical & Diagnostic Willingness
“Saying ‘I don’t want to do surgery’ in this field is like a chef saying ‘I don’t want to cook.’”
No one expects perfection on day one.
What matters is the willingness to learn.
- Observe.
- Assist.
- Practice under supervision.
- Continue improving your surgical and diagnostic skills.
Clinics naturally invest more in veterinarians who continuously expand their capabilities.
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5. Weekend & Holiday Shifts
“Sick pets don’t rest on holidays.”
Veterinary clinics often remain open when others are closed.
While everyone values personal time, patient care depends on team members who are willing to share responsibilities fairly.
6. Continuous Improvement & Humility
“High salary comes with high standards.”
- Don’t wait to be taught everything.
- Read.
- Attend continuing education programs.
- Ask questions.
- Seek mentorship.
- Volunteer to learn new skills.
Ask for mentorship, but also demonstrate that you are committed to growth.
Employers appreciate mentees who learn, improve, and eventually help others grow.
7. Value Alignment
“You’re not just an employee—you’re part of a mission.”
- Respect clinic policies.
- Protect the clinic’s reputation.
- Support a positive client experience.
- Align yourself with the long-term goals of the practice.
Treat the clinic as if it were your own, and one day you may be ready to build one yourself.
Final Thoughts
There is absolutely nothing wrong with aspiring to earn a higher salary or seeking outstanding career opportunities.
However, ambition should be matched by commitment.
Entitlement without effort is a dead end.
Entitlement + effort = success.
Entitlement + effort + excellence = leadership.
You are not just a veterinarian.
You are potentially a future clinic owner, mentor, business partner, educator, or industry leader.
So perhaps the better question is not, “How much do I want to be paid?”
It is, “How much am I willing to give, grow, and become?”
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Dr. Geoff Carullo is a Fellow and the current President of the Philippine College of Canine Practitioners.
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