Pete the Vet: Want to be a vet? Here's what you need to know

"You may not think about your vet as being a scientist, and we don’t wear white coats or goggles, but there’s no doubt that vets really are scientists in action."

This is Science Week, a week-long event held in Ireland each November, celebrating science in our everyday lives. Many people contribute to this, including industry, colleges, schools, libraries, teachers, researchers and students across Ireland. I’m taking part myself this year, giving a talk in Tullamore about something I’m passionate about: the science behind my job.

The work of a vet really is science in action. The focus on science starts in secondary school: if you want to get into a veterinary course, you need to shine in as many science topics as possible. You’re expected to get top grades in physics, chemistry, biology and maths. There’s no time for arts type subjects such as English, history or languages. In your mind, you are a scientist from then on.