Veterinary Technician Job Description

Veterinary Technician's Job Defined

As a veterinary technician, your daily responsibilities can vary depending on your work environment. Most vet techs work in veterinary clinics and emergency centers caring for domestic animals. In these private practices, you will assist in the following types of procedures:

• Physical examinations
• Dental procedures
• Spaying and neutering
• Immunization
• Birthing and euthanasia

For these procedures, your training will provide you with the skills to perform the following tasks:

• Obtain and record patient case histories
• Collect specimens and perform laboratory procedures
• Provide specialized nursing care
• Prepare animals, instruments and equipment for surgery
• Assist in diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures
• Expose and develop x-rays
• Supervise and train practice personnel
• Stock and maintain medicines and supplies

In other work environments, such as zoos and laboratories, a vet tech’s role may be slightly different. In a laboratory for example, you may work under the supervision of a scientist or senior technologist. Here, the focus is on scientific research that will benefit humans and animals alike. Your primary responsibility, though, is still the humane care of the animals.

Working in research is a fascinating and important vet tech career with good salary and benifits. In a research environment, vet techs perform the following kinds of duties:

• Administer treatment
• Observe and record behavior
• Oversee humane care and feeding of animals

No matter which career path you choose, the role of a vet tech is full of exciting and rewarding challenges. When you work in the care of animals, you have a direct impact on the life of another living creature. That is why the field of veterinary technology is such an admirable career.

A Word About Euthanasia

Euthanasia in the context of vet tech work is considered a humane and positive treatment for suffering animals. In doing your job well, you are helping others through a difficult, yet natural transition in an animal’s life cycle. When animals are suffering, your humane treatment is a positive and important contribution. Additionally, in guiding pet owners through this difficult experience, you provide a beneficial service when it is needed most.

Continue to the vet tech interview.