What Does a Veterinary Assistant Do?

If you have a passion for animals and a desire to make a difference in their lives, a career as a veterinary assistant might be the perfect starting point for you. Working under the supervision of veterinarians and veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants play a crucial role in animal care and clinic operations. This position not only allows you to gain valuable experience but also serves as a stepping stone to more advanced roles in the veterinary field.

What a Veterinary Assistant Does

As a veterinary assistant, your day-to-day responsibilities are diverse and vital to the smooth functioning of a veterinary clinic or animal hospital. Common duties include:

• Animal Care: Feeding, bathing, and exercising animals to ensure their well-being.
• Facility Maintenance: Keeping cages, equipment, examination rooms, and operating areas clean and sterilized.
• Animal Handling: Safely restraining animals during examinations and procedures.
• Pre- and Post-Surgical Care: Assisting with the care of animals before and after surgeries.
• Emergency Aid: Providing first aid to animals in distress under veterinary guidance.
• Medication Administration: Administering prescribed medications accurately.
• Sample Collection: Collecting fecal, urine, blood, and tissue samples for testing.
• Client Interaction: Communicating with pet owners and assisting with administrative tasks.

How to Become a Veterinary Assistant

Embarking on a career as a veterinary assistant is a straightforward process that doesn’t require extensive schooling. However, taking certain steps can enhance your employability and readiness for the role.

1. Complete Your High School Education:
   • Obtain a high school diploma or GED equivalent. While not always mandatory, most employers prefer candidates who have completed high school education.
2. Gain Training and Experience:
   • On-the-Job Training: Many veterinary assistants receive training directly in clinics or animal hospitals. This hands-on experience is invaluable.
   • Educational Programs: Consider enrolling in a veterinary assistant program offered by community colleges or vocational schools. These programs cover animal care, health, welfare, and office administration.
3. Obtain Certification (Optional but Beneficial):
   • While certification isn’t always required, it can give you a competitive edge.
   • The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) offers an Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) certification.
   • To earn this certification, complete a NAVTA-approved training program and pass the AVA exam.

Why Choose a Career as a Veterinary Assistant?

• Hands-On Experience with Animals: You’ll work closely with animals daily, making a direct impact on their health and well-being.
• Career Advancement Opportunities: This role provides a foundation for advancing to positions like veterinary technician or technologist with additional education and experience.
• Fulfilling Work Environment: Being part of a team that helps animals and supports pet owners can be incredibly rewarding.

Salary Information and Job Outlook

Salary Info – The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2023, veterinary assistants earned an average of $37,310. Entry level positions generally pay around $28,550. As with any job, the more experience you have, the better your earning potential can become. In fact, the top 10 percent of veterinary assistants made $46,630 or more in 2023.

Salary information updated in April of 2024.

Final Thoughts

Starting your journey as a veterinary assistant opens doors to a fulfilling career dedicated to animal care. Whether you choose to learn on the job or pursue formal education and certification, this role offers valuable experience and the satisfaction of making a positive difference in the lives of animals and their owners.

Find a veterinary assistant program now.

Reference:

• Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers on BLS