Veterinary assistants take charge of making sure office visits and procedures go smoothly for animals under veterinary care. The number one job of a veterinary assistant is to support the veterinarian as well as veterinarian technicians with basic tasks. Veterinary assistants typically feed, weigh, bathe and take the temperature of animals. They may also help give medication, clean cages and help restrain animals during treatment or other medical procedures as needed.
Some veterinary assistants perform clerical work such as scheduling appointments and speaking with customers. As a vet assistant, you may handle many of the logistical and operating duties, such as check-in, billing and after visit care. Duties will vary depending on the office you work in, but every task is to ensure the health and well-being of animals inside the veterinary practice.
Veterinary assistants are typically training through a certificate program to help with basic duties. Veterinary technicians, on the other hand, have a formal education and work as the nurse of a veterinarian. If you pursue additional education and licensing, you could become a veterinary technician.
Working as a vet assistant is a great first step to understanding the industry, different specialties and advanced duties required to work as a vet technician.
Jeff Grognet has been a companion animal veterinarian for 25 years. He was a pioneer in the field of veterinary assistant teaching, developing his first course more than 18 years ago. He practices at a veterinary hospital and contributes regularly to several magazines. Enroll Now! There should be plenty of job opportunities for veterinary assistants regardless of location.
