A veterinarian is a person who not only treats animals but also helps animals to remain in good health. Veterinary profession is suitable for those who love animals and has a compassionate predisposition for animals. Primary object of a veterinarian is to render service to the community by facilitating health care of animals, ensuring veterinary public health, caring for sick animals and alleviating their sufferings. Whosoever chooses the profession assumes the obligation to conduct oneself in accordance with the noble ideals of serving the dumb and mute creatures. She/He shall conduct herself/himself with propreity and professionalism which shall be obvious in all actions of her/his life. It shall be necessary for a veterinarian to be temperate in all matters of practice of profession and to exercise clear and vigorous application of mind. A veterinarian shall merit the trust and confidence of the clients, rendering their animals with full measure of service and devotion. Since animals are not able to verbally explain their pain and suffering, a veterinarian has to study the animal behaviour that helps diagnosing any expression of pain or abnormal behaviour. Remember that it is a profession where service delivery with compassion is of primary importance; rewards and remuneration are of secondary importance. Brief historical background of Veterinary Science in India Veterinary Science was well developed in India as early as Vedic period. Atharava Veda (1500-500 B.C.) has reference on horse management and treatment, elephant management and health care etc. Emperor Ashoka the grandson of Chandra Gupta Maurya who turned to Buddhism, had given Veterinary Science in India a new turn. It is described that world’s first veterinary hospital on record, existed in Ashoka’s regime. (Schwabe C.W. 1978; Cattle, Priests and Progress in Medicine, University Minnesota Press Pp 13 & 1331). During the period of Ashoka, human and animal hospitals existed side by side. The Veterinarians were among the few privileged persons who had an endowment of land from the ruler. Medicines and herbs were regularly supplied and were even imported when needed. Large areas were earmarked for cultivating medicinal plants and herbs. Hospitals had well defined wards, where patients were housed and treated indoors. The Baniyan Hospital of Surat is believed to be one of them. It consisted of a large piece of ground enclosed by high walls and sub-divided into several courts (or wards) for accommodating of animals.Period of renaissance, saw a decline of Veterinary Science. Around 1791-99 (British Rule) due to large scale epidemics and economic losses some interest aroused in Veterinary science. The first veterinary training school came into existence in 1862 (in Pune). In 1882 the first veterinary college was established at Lahore; this was followed by establishment of other colleges viz. Bombay in 1884, in Bengal in 1893, in Madras in 1902 and in Bihar in 1930. At the time of independence there were 9 veterinary colleges in India.There are 33 veterinary colleges at present in the country. Two or three more are likely to be established during Fifth Five Year Plan period. The Veterinary Council of India is a statutory body of the Government of India framed under an Act of Parliament i.e. Indian Veterinary Council Act, 1984 (52 of 1984). This is an Act to regulate Veterinary practice and Veterinary education. The Act stands extended to all the States of India except Tamilnadu and J&K as on date. Only those who possess recognised veterinary qualification and registered can practice in the country. Veterinary Council of India, Address:16/15,W.E.A, Arya Samaj Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi – 110 005 Phone : 011-2575 0323 Fax : 011-2575 0311 http://www.indiaveterinarycommunity.com