Veterinary graduates are entering a field full of choice, opportunity and change. The perception that vets fall into just two categories - small or largeanimal practitioners - is old hat, as superintendant veterinary inspector John Magee explains: "There are around 2,000 vets registered in the State. Some 1,200 to 1,300 are in private practice, then there are 330 State vets, about 30 local authority vets, 20 to 30 in industry and a small number in teaching and research in the veterinary faculty in UCD."

Private practitioners, the largest group within the profession, were in the past either small- or large animal vets but this too is changing, says Magee. "The preferred term for small-animal vets is `companion-animal vets' - it's used Euro-wide and it's gaining currency here." Magee says there are fewer and fewer vets who specialise solely in farm animals. "The majority of vets are in mixed practice rather than farm or companion only." There are also a small number of vets who specialise in equine private practice.

State vets, the veterinary civil servants who work with the Department of Agriculture, are further divided into three groups: district veterinary officers, public health vets and research vets.

The district veterinary officers are the largest of the three groups. Their main job is in ensuring animal health and welfare. They are responsible for major programmes such as the eradication of bovine tuberculosis, brucellosis and "various diseases of animals on an epidemic level". Vets can be involved in checking for exotic diseases such as rabies or foot-and-mouth. They can also engage in BSE investigation and animal welfare cases. "We conduct routine examinations of farms to make sure people are treating their animals properly and we also advise the Gardai when necessary."

There is some overlap between State vets and public health vets, says Magee. "TB and bovine brucellosis are communicable to man and the public health vets would deal with advising farm families on how to protect themselves from illness." Public health vets are also involved in ensuring the safety of the food produced from animals.

The rest of the State vets research animal diseases and medicines in the national network of veterinary labs. The job of the local authority vet is similar to the State vets but on a smaller scale. They look after small abattoirs, while State vets look after smaller abattoirs and dairies.

Local authority vets also have responsibilities under the Control of Dogs and Control of Horses Acts.

Drug companies employ vets for research and technical advice on the drugs supplied to vets. The Irish Medicines Board also employs two or three vets who work in the licensing of veterinary drugs.

"Certain aspects of the profession are contracting while others are expanding," says Magee. Farm animals are decreasing in value, so there is less call for vets to see animals on an individual basis, while the area of companion-animal practice is expanding due to the increasing affluence of society. "Some 30 years ago dogs and cats were expendable - now people pay for laser surgery or orthodontic treatment for their pets."

Magee also says that more women are going into veterinary medicine as are more city-dwellers and they tend to prefer companion-animal rather than farm-animal practice.

Despite the wealth of opportunities, Magee warns that it is generally a physically demanding career. The hours are long and can involve a lot of on-call and night work.

The only veterinary course within the State is the degree in veterinary medicine at UCD. Michael Monaghan, dean of the faculty, advises applicants to make sure they know what they're getting into. "It's most important to talk to vets in practice to dispel any unduly romantic notions."

However he says the job prospects for vets are promising. "The career requires a high level of commitment, but there are great opportunities and virtually full employment."