Never Work with Animals

Imagine going from neurologist to dermatologist, orthopaedic surgeon to obstetrician, assassin to saviour – all in one day. Welcome to the extraordinary world of veterinary medicine…

In Never Work with Animals, vet Gareth Steel shares the moments of humour, horror and heroism across his 20-year career caring for creatures great and small, from bulls to stick insects.

Thought-provoking, heartwarming and often laugh-out-loud funny, this unforgettable memoir reveals what life is really like for our vets.

Reviews

‘A great book by an incredible guy’ – Bear Grylls

‘Packed with self-deprecating and darkly comic anecdotes… but there’s plenty of warmth, too.’ – The Sunday Times

‘In this fascinating and humorous memoir, Gareth reveals the unfiltered truth of life as a vet and the desperate lengths we go to for the love of animals.’ – Sunday Express

‘Gareth Steels shows the challenging reality of his day-to-day life in this informative and entertaining account of his career.’ – Daily Mirror

‘This gritty yet tender-hearted book is essential reading for anyone thinking of training as [a vet]. It will leave you with renewed respect for Britain’s vets and the difficult, emotionally draining work they carry out.’ – Daily Mail

About the author

Gareth Steel was born and grew up in rural Southwest Scotland. As a result of a broken arm during a rugby game and the extra study time it imposed, he did better in his exams than he could possibly have expected.

He was accepted into the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Glasgow in 1998 and graduated in 2003. With occasional breaks for trips to the mountains and working abroad, he has worked in veterinary medicine ever since.