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The Secret Life of a Vet
Honest and heart-warming account of the highs and lows of life as a vet, by lovable TV star Rory Cowlam.
Rory Cowlam, otherwise known as Rory the Vet, has had a passion for animals for as long as he can remember. As a young boy, growing up in the countryside, he fell in love with the creatures that could be found both at home and in the neighbouring farms and fields. There was never any doubt in his mind as to what he wanted to do when he grew up.
Now Rory's dreams of becoming a vet are a reality. He works in a busy London practice where his honest and emotional relationships with the animals and their owners have made him the relatable and approachable face of veterinary work. But, as Rory describes here with a mixture of his trademark openness and humour, what he couldn't have known as a small boy with his heart set on becoming the next James Herriot, was what becoming a vet really entails.
In an era when doctors and nurses are talking more openly about the realities of saving human lives, Rory shows what a vital service vets offer in caring for the animals that often form the very heart of the household. He describes the demanding experience of veterinary school, and offers a very human take on what it's like to treat animals, and the little talked about mental health implications that this pressured life or death industry holds.
This is a frank and heart-warming account of chasing a childhood dream and learning to love the reality.
Rory Cowlam, otherwise known as Rory the Vet, has had a passion for animals for as long as he can remember. As a young boy, growing up in the countryside, he fell in love with the creatures that could be found both at home and in the neighbouring farms and fields. There was never any doubt in his mind as to what he wanted to do when he grew up.
Now Rory's dreams of becoming a vet are a reality. He works in a busy London practice where his honest and emotional relationships with the animals and their owners have made him the relatable and approachable face of veterinary work. But, as Rory describes here with a mixture of his trademark openness and humour, what he couldn't have known as a small boy with his heart set on becoming the next James Herriot, was what becoming a vet really entails.
In an era when doctors and nurses are talking more openly about the realities of saving human lives, Rory shows what a vital service vets offer in caring for the animals that often form the very heart of the household. He describes the demanding experience of veterinary school, and offers a very human take on what it's like to treat animals, and the little talked about mental health implications that this pressured life or death industry holds.
This is a frank and heart-warming account of chasing a childhood dream and learning to love the reality.
256 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2022
22 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 12, 2025
Un coup de coeur
Le début où Rory parle de son enfance me semblait parfois un tout petit long, mais lorsqu'il commence à raconter ses anecdotes ainsi que ses raisonnements de jeune diplômé je ne pouvais plus m arrêter de lire.
Il écrit d un anglais facile à lire, et aborde d important sujets du monde vétérinaire, notamment la santé mentale.
Je suis sûre que ses émouvantes paroles me reviendront souvent lors de mon propre cursus vétérinaire.
Le début où Rory parle de son enfance me semblait parfois un tout petit long, mais lorsqu'il commence à raconter ses anecdotes ainsi que ses raisonnements de jeune diplômé je ne pouvais plus m arrêter de lire.
Il écrit d un anglais facile à lire, et aborde d important sujets du monde vétérinaire, notamment la santé mentale.
Je suis sûre que ses émouvantes paroles me reviendront souvent lors de mon propre cursus vétérinaire.
April 17, 2023
A good insight into the veterinary world: the ups, the downs, the times to cry, the times to laugh. Very well written by Rory, very open and honest. As a Registered Veterinary Nurse I understood a lot of what he described dealing with, could guess as to what happened next, and it was an emotional rollercoaster of a book. Would 100% recommend anyone wanting to work in the veterinary field read this as an insight into veterinary life.
July 21, 2024
I so enjoyed this book! As an aspiring veterinarian I enjoyed being taken on an adventure through Rory’s adventure from the Cotswolds to London. It was like reading a very long personal statement! As you read this you learn so much, explained in an excellent way but with rookie terms. I really enjoyed the little “case studies” with little side-tracks of relevant information. Rory puts a real emphasis on how much owners are just as much a part of the picture as their furry friends. Whilst portraying so much, I’m sure he’d not even spoken about half of the things he’s encountered in his career. Lastly, I appreciate the insights on mental health, imposter syndrome and euthanasia as these are topics I’ve struggled with myself. The first 50 pages were a slight drag but it was still relevant. Nonetheless, I binged the book in 2 days as I was definitely hooked. An awesome read, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone related to the veterinary career. It’s so incredible that I went from watching Rory on Pets Factor over 5 years ago to reading his book, I feel so privileged!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2020
A great book that explores the highs and lows of being a young vet. The book is written from the heart and shows exactly how important the role of a vet is, not only for the animals involved but those in the profession too. Full of anecdotal stories and exudes the enthusiasm that Rory really has for his profession, and great at explaining the realities of being a vet today. A book that’s worth anyone’s time!
March 21, 2022
I don’t remember going through as many intense emotions while reading as I did while reading this book. It had me laughing out loud, reading out hilarious passages to the person closest to me as well as crying my eyes out and feeling the need to give my beloved cat as many cuddles as possible. This book gives a small but very powerful insight into the veterinary world, revealing the wonderful highs and deep, deep lows that are a natural and unavoidable part of the job.
January 4, 2026
I love reading books about people’s professions and what they do for a living. All the little stories and anecdotes really bring them to life. This book was ok. Not the best I’ve read as it didn’t have as much humour as others but I found the author had a pleasant ‘voice’ and I enjoyed his honestly about all areas of his life. Some very sad parts that definitely got me a bit but that’s to be expected.
October 24, 2020
The most wonderful book I have ever read. There were moments where I laughed out loud and tried my best not to cry. Not only is it fun to read, it is also incredibly informing and teaches you a thing or two about the reality of the veterinary profession and its highs and lows.
February 10, 2021
Received as a free copy - interesting insight into the veterinary world . Some nice stories and an eye opener on what the job entails . I am passing on to a relative who is “in the business” and will probably enjoy it.
March 27, 2022
One of the best books I have read! Such a funny, yet sad, reflective book about life in the veterinary profession. Reading this book allowed me to understand what goes on behind the scenes as a vet.
April 14, 2022
I don't usually read non fiction, but as an aspiring vet this really gave me an insight into what the career is really like, and made me cry many a time :')
March 21, 2024
Marvelous
October 24, 2024
Loved this perspective and the real life world of the vet recommend for anyone wanting to attend vet school
September 4, 2020
A good read.
January 1, 2026
great read i enjoyed this book
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews