2007-01-26 13:15:11 · 7 answers · asked by Maria L 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Vets don't make all that much money, so they can't retire as soon as a doctor would. Those in the profession love what they do, and generally stay until they can't do the job anymore. 65+ is not at all uncommon.
2007-01-26 13:25:41 · answer #1 · answered by maguire1202 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Many veterinarians work for themselves or in small partnerships, so there is no mandatory age at which they must retire. Vets make a decent living, but often have no pension plan and are responsible for their own retirement savings. For this reason, many veterinarians will choose to work longer so that they will be able to afford to retire comfortably.
Some vets may semi-retire several years earlier so that they have some income but some free time as well. Most vets love their work and continue to do it longer than people in less satisfying jobs. Also, if the vet is the owner of a corporation, they may continue on as shareholder and manage other vets who work for them. Succession planning is important in this situation so that the "patients" have continuous care when the vet does retire. Someone needs to take over the business, and a vet may stay on well into their 70s if they don't have someone suitable to take over.
One more thing to consider - vets don't start working until at least 8 years after high school, due to the extensive education and training requirements of the job. This means they have a late start on retirement saving. If you estimate a 30 year mortgage and then two kids through college, you can see why they wouldn't be ready to retire until at least 65!
There are many factors that contribute to a vet's decision to retire, so the age can vary greatly. Anywhere between 50 and 80 is entirely possible!
2007-01-26 21:24:36 · answer #2 · answered by sankayak 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I retired from my big practice at 40 when my horse ranch took off and my NARHA facility opened. I still do private practice and am the resident vet on my ranch. But many of my older friends that are in their 60's and still have a working practice. Many people never stop because they love helping animals and people so much. If I didn't have my ranch then I would still be in the field.
2007-01-26 23:31:01 · answer #3 · answered by silvaspurranch 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on what the animal specialty is: 1 dog year = 7 human years. So, 65/7 = 9.3 years of working as a vet!
Depends on where you live actually. Cost of living vs. how much money the vet can charge and have a fair price range.
2007-01-28 05:05:58 · answer #4 · answered by moabmusher 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When he starts loosing his thermometers in his patients. Just kidding. When should anyone retire....when they have had enough.
My daughter is a vet, her boss is 72 and not ready to retire.
2007-01-26 21:22:10 · answer #5 · answered by danielle Z 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's up to your goals and needs. and....just about the time your ready to retire, you will tell yourself, I can't go just yet, the animals need me, one more year! and when that year goes by...well I think you get my drift. Your love and compassion for animals will be your worst demise.
2007-01-26 21:31:01 · answer #6 · answered by dhwilson58 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
55 or 66 mabey even 75
2007-01-26 21:21:58 · answer #7 · answered by MZ 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋