03/08/2025
A Community Message: Let's Get Clear on What a Vet Is – SPCA FIJI Response to Article published by Fiji Times.
Suva, Fiji – 4th August 2025 –
There's a lot of information flying around these days, and it's easy for things to get mixed up. One thing we want to clear up is what it really means to be a veterinarian, or a vet.
A vet is a doctor for animals. Just like human doctors, they earn the title of "Dr" after years of tough schooling and hands-on training. They have a deep understanding of animal bodies, from their anatomy to how their medicines work.
It’s easy to underestimate the job. Animals can't tell you what's wrong, so vets have to be like detectives, using their skills and knowledge to figure out the problem. A medication that works for a dog could be deadly for a cat, and treating a cow is completely different from treating a horse. This is why vets need such a broad and thorough education.
Becoming a registered vet is a long road. It usually takes a five-year degree, followed by at least two years of internship. This is all before they can officially register and use the title of veterinarian.
It's really important to separate this from other important roles.
For example, some people, like agriculture officers in rural areas, get basic training from the Pacific Community and the Ministry of Agriculture. This para-vet training is fantastic and a crucial service for animal welfare. But it's not the same as being a fully qualified vet. These officers aren't trained to do surgeries or decide on medication dosages—that's a job for a registered vet.
In Fiji, we've got a specific situation to highlight. About twenty young people who finished a six-year Veterinary Science course at the Fiji National University (FNU) are still trying to get officially registered. They’ve put in so much hard work and are preparing for their final exams to get their qualification here in Fiji. Their story shows just how much dedication it takes to become a vet.
We're asking our friends at the Fiji Times to help us with this. We'd love it if they could be more precise in their reporting. It's so important that we make a clear distinction between a fully qualified vet and other people who help with animal care.
This not only respects the profession but also supports the FNU graduates who have worked so hard. A simple clarification that an agriculture officer is not a vet would be a great start. Accurate reporting helps everyone—the public, the dedicated vets, and the amazing graduates who are our future.
Vinaka,
SPCA Fiji Islands
