What is Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)?
The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) is a five-year degree focused on animal health, disease prevention, and food safety. With Pakistan’s livestock and poultry industry growing rapidly, the demand for qualified veterinarians is increasing. Read this article on the Top 5 Medical Fields in Pakistan after FSc Pre-Medical to learn more about the different options available.
If you’re considering DVM, you may be wondering:
- What is the scope of DVM in Pakistan?
- What is the salary of a DVM doctor in Pakistan?
- Which HEC recognized universities in Pakistan offer this degree?
This guide answers these questions with insights into career options, salary prospects, and future opportunities.
Quick Look
- What is Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)?
- What do DVM doctors do?
- What is the Scope of DVM in Pakistan?
- Major Subjects Taught in DVM
- DVM Scope in the World & Abroad
- DVM Scope in Pakistan for Females
- DVM Salary & Earnings in Pakistan
- DVM vs Pharm D – Which is Better?
- DVM Merit & Admission Criteria in Pakistan
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
What do DVM doctors do?
DVM doctors take care of animals by treating illnesses, performing check-ups, and giving medicines. They work with pets, farm animals, and even wildlife. Some vets do surgeries, while others help prevent diseases and ensure food from animals is safe to eat. They can work in pet clinics, farms, research labs, or with the government to improve animal health.
What is the Scope of DVM in Pakistan?
The scope of DVM in Pakistan has been increasing due to the booming livestock, dairy, and poultry sectors. With over 200 million livestock in the country, veterinarians are needed in multiple industries, including:
- Livestock & Dairy Farms – Managing the health of cattle, buffalo, and goats.
- Poultry Industry – Ensuring disease control and poultry farm management.
- Pet Clinics & Hospitals – Providing care for domestic pets like dogs and cats.
- Government Veterinary Services – Working in research, public health, and disease control.
- Pharmaceutical Companies – Developing and testing veterinary medicines.
- Meat & Dairy Processing – Ensuring food safety and quality control.
💡 Pro Tip: If you specialize in pet care, artificial insemination, or livestock management, you can even start your own veterinary clinic or consultancy.
Major Subjects Taught in DVM
The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program covers a broad range of subjects to prepare students for careers in animal healthcare, livestock management, and veterinary research. The curriculum includes both theoretical and practical courses to ensure a comprehensive understanding of veterinary sciences.
Key subjects in DVM include:
- Veterinary Anatomy & Histology – Understanding the structure of animals, including bones, muscles, and internal organs.
- Veterinary Physiology – Studying body functions such as digestion, respiration, and circulation in different animal species.
- Animal Nutrition – Learning about dietary needs, feed formulation, and nutrient metabolism for livestock and pets.
- Veterinary Microbiology & Immunology – Exploring microorganisms that cause diseases and the immune response of animals.
- Pharmacology & Toxicology – Studying veterinary drugs, their effects, and toxic substances harmful to animals.
- General & Systemic Pathology – Diagnosing diseases through laboratory tests and post-mortem examinations.
- Livestock Production & Management – Managing dairy, poultry, and meat-producing animals for sustainable farming.
- Epidemiology & Public Health – Understanding disease outbreaks, zoonotic diseases, and food safety regulations.
- Clinical Medicine & Surgery – Performing medical treatments, surgeries, and diagnostic procedures on animals.
- Reproductive Physiology & Theriogenology – Studying animal reproduction, artificial insemination, and fertility management.
Complete this quiz to see if DMV is the right fit for you:
DVM Scope in the World & Abroad
The scope of DVM in the world is significant, especially in Europe, the Middle East, Canada, and Australia. Many Pakistani DVM graduates migrate for better salaries and career opportunities, especially considering that MBBS programs are highly competitive and some students do not wish to repeat the MDCAT if they do not achieve their desired score.
Countries with high demand for veterinarians:
- Canada & USA: Vet professionals are highly paid and respected.
- Gulf Countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar): High-paying jobs in animal health and food safety.
- Australia & New Zealand: Growing demand for livestock veterinarians.
How to work abroad?
To practice as a veterinarian in foreign countries, you may need to clear licensing exams such as:
- NAVLE (USA & Canada): The North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) is required for veterinarians to practice in the United States and Canada, testing clinical knowledge and decision-making.
- RCVS (UK): The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) registration exam is necessary for foreign veterinarians to work in the United Kingdom, ensuring they meet UK veterinary standards.
- AVBC (Australia): The Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC) oversees the National Veterinary Examination (NVE), which international veterinarians must pass to practice in Australia and New Zealand.
DVM Scope in Pakistan for Females
A burning question that arises across the internet is: Is DVM a good career for females?
To answer that, Yes! Many female veterinarians work successfully in pet clinics, research labs, and government roles.
Best job options for women in DVM:
- Pet clinics & animal hospitals (indoor, safe environment)
- Teaching & research roles (universities & private institutions)
- Government positions (veterinary officers, food safety experts)
💡 Fact: Many female DVM graduates also start their own pet clinics, making it a lucrative career for women.
DVM Salary & Earnings in Pakistan
The salary of a DVM doctor in Pakistan varies based on experience, location, and the sector they work in. As you keep reading, you will find a breakdown of the average earnings as well as other sources of income to consider.
Salary Breakdown:
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💡 Additional Income Sources:
- Private practice (own clinic)
- Livestock consultancy
- Government jobs (competitive salaries & benefits)
DVM vs Pharm D – Which is Better?
Both degrees have their pros and cons, but your choice should depend on your interests and career goals.
DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine):
- Focus on animal health, livestock, and pet care.
- High business potential (own clinic, consultancy).
- Best for those passionate about animals.
Pharm D (Doctor of Pharmacy):
- Focus on human medicines & pharmaceuticals.
- More job opportunities in hospitals & pharma companies.
- Less fieldwork, more lab-based roles.
💡 Verdict: If you prefer outdoor, hands-on work with animals, choose DVM. If you prefer lab work and human medicine, choose Pharm D.
DVM Merit & Admission Criteria in Pakistan
DVM admission in Pakistan requires FSc (Pre-Medical) with at least 75% marks. Some universities also require MDCAT or entry tests. Enrol now in Maqsad’s Online MDCAT preparation batch and learn from some of Pakistan’s top educators.
Top DVM Universities in Pakistan
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore
- University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF)
- Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam
- Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), Multan
The DVM merit in Pakistan varies but remains competitive in leading universities. Explore an exhaustive list of Best Medical Universities in Pakistan for a better understanding of the offerings and processes.
Final Thoughts
The scope of DVM in Pakistan is steadily increasing, making it a great career choice for those passionate about animal health. With opportunities in livestock, pet care, government services, and abroad, DVM offers financial stability and growth.
Key Takeaways:
- High demand for veterinarians in Pakistan.
- DVM salary in Pakistan per month starts from PKR 40,000+.
- Best universities: UVAS, UAF, SAU, BZU.
- Great career choice for both males and females.
If you're an animal lover looking for a rewarding career, DVM might be the perfect fit for you!
FAQs
What is the salary of a DVM doctor in Pakistan?
A fresh DVM graduate earns between 40,000 to 60,000 PKR per month, while experienced veterinarians can earn 200,000+ PKR monthly, especially in private practice.
What is the scope of DVM?
DVM professionals work in livestock farms, poultry industries, pet clinics, research labs, and pharmaceutical companies. Many also move abroad for higher-paying jobs in veterinary sciences.
Which is better, DVM or Pharm D?
DVM is better if you like working with animals and want to work in pet healthcare, livestock, or veterinary research. Pharm D is better for those interested in human medicine, hospital pharmacies, and pharmaceuticals.
What is the merit of DVM in Pakistan?
The DVM merit in Pakistan is usually 75%+ in FSc (Pre-Medical). Entry into top universities like UVAS and UAF requires high merit and good MDCAT scores. Use this MDCAT Aggregate Calculator to quickly and accurately estimate your chances of admission.
What is the scope of DVM in the world?
DVM has global demand, especially in Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, and the UAE. Many Pakistani veterinarians move abroad for better salaries and career growth.
What is the DVM salary in Pakistan per month?
A fresh DVM doctor’s salary starts from 40,000 PKR per month, but experienced vets earn over 150,000 PKR monthly, especially in private practice and livestock consultancy.
What are the best DVM universities in Pakistan?
The best DVM universities in Pakistan include UVAS (Lahore), UAF (Faisalabad), SAU (Tandojam), and BZU (Multan).
What is the DVM scope in Pakistan for females?
DVM is a great career option for females in pet clinics, research labs, teaching, and government veterinary jobs. Many female vets run successful clinics and research programs.
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