Saaniya Chandhok, daughter-in-law of Sachin Tendulkar and wife of cricketer Arjun Tendulkar, has achieved a truly meaningful milestone in her professional life. Moving beyond her background in business, Saaniya Chandhok pursued her passion for animal welfare by undergoing formal medical training. She has now become a certified veterinary technician under the ABC program conducted by WVS, also known as Worldwide Veterinary Service. Saaniya Chandhok currently operates 'Mr. Paws Pet Spa & Store' in Mumbai, but chose to expand her expertise into hands-on veterinary care. Her recent qualification has once again brought the veterinary and pet care sector into the spotlight across the country. For individuals who wish to dedicate their career to helping animals, pursuing a path as a veterinary doctor or technician after the 12th grade offers clear educational and career opportunities.
Eligibility and Admission Process for Veterinary Science
Becoming a qualified veterinary doctor requires pursuing specialized education in the veterinary stream of medical science. Candidates aspiring to enter this field must complete their school education with a focus on biology. Students who have passed their 12th grade examinations with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, commonly known as PCB, securing at least 50 percent marks are eligible to apply for veterinary courses. Admission to most government and private veterinary colleges is granted on the basis of scores obtained in the NEET UG examination. In addition, several state governments conduct their own independent entrance tests for candidates. Upon completing the requisite degree program, graduates must register themselves with the Veterinary Council of India, known as VCI, or their respective state veterinary council. Obtaining this professional registration is a mandatory requirement before practicing legally as a licensed veterinary doctor.
Available Course Paths: Degree versus Diploma Programs
Students looking to build a career in animal care can choose between two main educational pathways based on their career goals. The first major option is the BVSc & AH program, which stands for Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry. This is the primary undergraduate degree required to become a fully licensed veterinary physician. The total duration of this program is 5.5 years, which comprises 4.5 years of comprehensive theoretical and practical coursework followed by 1 year of compulsory internship. The second pathway involves diploma courses for candidates interested in working as veterinary technicians, nurses, or assistants, similar to the training undertaken by Saaniya Chandhok. Students can secure admission to a 2-year Diploma in Animal Husbandry or Veterinary Nursing based on their 12th-grade merit without appearing for the NEET entrance examination.
Core Duties and Responsibilities of Veterinary Professionals
The primary role of veterinary doctors and technicians centers on diagnosing, treating, and managing the health of sick, injured, or vulnerable animals. Professionals in this domain fulfill a wide spectrum of critical duties. They perform clinical diagnoses to identify animal illnesses and prescribe appropriate treatment protocols. Their daily responsibilities also include executing surgical procedures, administering timely vaccinations, and handling wound dressing. Beyond direct medical treatment, veterinary experts advise pet parents on proper diet, nutritional requirements, and daily care practices. In commercial agricultural setups, such as dairy farms and poultry farms, these specialists monitor animal health, living conditions, and productivity levels to ensure optimal livestock management and prevent disease outbreaks.
Salary Expectations and Financial Career Prospects
The veterinary and pet care sector offers promising career growth along with strong earning potential. A fresher entering the profession as a veterinary doctor can expect an initial starting salary ranging between 35,000 rupees and 60,000 rupees per month. As professionals gain practical experience over time, their remuneration increases significantly. After completing 3 to 5 years of service in government animal hospitals, military dog squads, or established private clinics, monthly salaries typically range from 80,000 rupees to 1.5 lakh rupees or higher. Furthermore, individuals who choose to establish their own private clinic, pet grooming center, or pet care enterprise, similar to Saaniya Chandhok, face no fixed upper limit on their earnings, with income depending entirely on client base and business scale.
