Vet Files - WSPA's Vets - Animal Mosaic

Dr Roberto Vieto
Our main purpose as vets
is to safeguard animal
health, and their welfare is a
huge part of this and key to
achieving it.
Name: Dr Roberto Vieto
Age: 27
Location: Heredia, Costa Rica
Role: WSPA programmes officer for
Mexico, Central America and
the Caribbean (working equines,
farm animals and dolphin and
whale welfare)
Education: San Francisco de Asís
Veterinary School, Costa Rica
Practice as a vet: Four years as a companion
animal and wildlife clinician
Favourite animal: It is difficult to choose just
one – some of my favourites are
armadillos, sloths, tapirs,
alpacas and anteaters
About ROBERTO
Very early on, my parents encouraged me to have a pet and to
assume responsibility for it. They also took me to local beauty
spots where we could watch and learn to recognise native
wildlife. I have them to thank for inspiring me to become a vet!
Our main purpose as vets is to safeguard animal health, and
their welfare is a huge part of this and key to achieving it. I feel
we should be the pioneers of animal welfare, regardless of
one’s specific area of work. And we should remember that we
chose this career looking to protect animal health and not to
please owners’ whims!
The concept of animal welfare consists of three basic aspects
– physical health, psychological health and the nature of
the species. The five freedoms are a good tool to measure
or comprehend animal welfare better, but it is important to
consider that these only represent the minimal conditions
that animals require. We must teach the next generation that
animals have intrinsic value and to respect ALL forms of life.
We also need to make governments listen. A huge challenge
that faces us as vets is the inclusion of animal welfare when
addressing the economic needs of a country. Economic need
can actually be considered as an opportunity, because good
animal welfare is proved to have many positive impacts on
people, including their financial wellbeing.
For those who want to be a vet, I would say they are about
to choose the best career, and although they will encounter
some difficult moments, working with animals is incredibly
gratifying. They will need to dedicate a lot of time to studying
but they will be able to communicate in a very special way with
animals, save lots of lives and make this world a better place
for humans and animals alike.
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