SELECTS

Veterinary Technician Trends targets professionals who assist veterinarians in the care and treatment of pets.   

Veterinary assisting programs are offered by community and junior colleges, trade schools, and technical institutes; completion of the program awards an associate’s degree.  This group attends classes, workshops, or seminars to stay current in veterinary medicine. 

Vet techs work under the supervision of a veterinarian and assist with exams and surgeries, give vaccinations, take x-rays and ultrasounds, perform euthanasia; take blood and tissue samples, assist with dental care, and perform with other administrative tasks.  Most work in a private or group practice, boarding kennels, and animal shelters.   They receive benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, paid vacations and holidays from their employer. Evening and weekend shifts are common.  They are required to wear scrubs and athletic shoes.     

Veterinary technicians are pet lovers.  These animal enthusiasts typically own more than one pet, although they may be preferential to cats, dogs, birds, or fish.    They consider their animals a member of the family and purchase high quality food, pet care, medication, and supplies for them.  Many in this group breed and show animals, teach obedience classes, and volunteer and support animal shelters.  Many have adopted their animals.  They believe in controlling the pet population through spaying and neutering.  Some are animal rights activists and belong to animal rights organizations.