What Are the Benefits and Challenges of a Career as a Veterinary Assistant?

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There are plenty of benefits to a career as a Veterinary Assistant. You get to care for animals, support veterinary teams, and work in a hands-on, fast-paced environment. If you love animals, it might be the perfect career choice for you. But being a Vet Assistant also comes with challenges such as physically demanding tasks and the emotional stress of watching animals weather the pain of illness and injury. Check out the benefits and challenges of a Veterinary Assistant career to decide if it’s one you want to pursue.

Benefit: Vet Assistants Work with Animals

Your passion for animals can be put to good use through a career as a Vet Assistant. Maybe it could be a dream job. Your daily duties include bathing, grooming, feeding, and exercising animals. During exams or minor procedures, you hold pets still or keep them calm while the veterinarian is doing their job. You also keep the kennels clean, monitor the animals for any signs of change, and perform basic wound care if an animal is hurt.

Challenge: Vet Assistants Interact with Frightened Pet Owners

Caring for animals may ignite your passion, but dealing with their owners might spark some frustration. Pet owners care deeply for their animals and hate to see them sick or injured. When they visit the veterinarian, they may feel anxious or scared. They may come across as short-tempered or upset but remember not to take it personally. Show as much empathy and compassion as possible and lean on your co-workers and supervisor for support when necessary.

Benefit: Vet Assistants Are in Demand

Veterinary Assistants are in demand and will continue to be over the next decade, according to The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Close to 26,000 jobs in this field will become available and in some states, like California, the projections are even better.

Benefit: Vet Assistants Can Work in Different Locations

Veterinary Assistants can work in different settings. Animal clinics and veterinarian’s offices are common options, but you can also find work in research laboratories or at universities that may conduct animal testing. You might be able to find work at a zoo, the local human society, or a wildlife refuge.

Challenge: Veterinary Work Can Take an Emotional Toll

It can be difficult to see animals in pain or ailing from a disease. In some cases, surgery or medication can help them heal. In other cases, euthanasia is the only answer. Watching animals be put down can take an emotional toll over time. It’s important to remember to care for your well-being during those times. Practice self-care by working on hobbies, exercising, or spending time with loved ones. Talk to your co-workers about your feelings and seek advice on how they cope, if you need to. If you take good care of yourself, you can provide even better care for animals.

Challenge: Vet Assistant Work Can Take a Physical Toll

Handling heavy animals, bending, standing, and leaning over can lead to back and neck pain. If you’re in good shape to begin with, you’re more able to handle the physical demands of the job. But it’s also important to use proper lifting techniques, take breaks, and keep your workspace ergonomically sound. Some animals can also be aggressive, which means you might get scratched or bitten. You can wear gloves, masks, or gowns when restraining animals to avoid injury. And learning how to calm animals down through the Fear Free Certification program can help even more.

Benefit: Vet Assistants Learn About Other Roles

As a Veterinary Assistant, you meet lots of people who work with animals. You work with a veterinarian, but you may also work with a vet tech. And you may meet animal welfare advocates, vet school trainers, or clinic managers. Maybe one of those other roles will appeal to you. Learning about what everyone does can help you decide if you want to make another move in your career.

Are you interested in the career of a Vet Assistant? Contact Charter College today. We offer a Certificate in Veterinary Assistant that can prepare you for an entry-level job in the field. The program incorporates Fear Free Certification into the curriculum so you can learn to put animals at ease. Call 888-200-9942 to learn more.