Is Working As a Vet Tech the Right Job For You?

Me and Shadow.

Have you ever considered working with animals? If so, the occupation of veterinary technician may be right for you. Many people believe that this job would be so awesome because you get to play with cute animals all day long, but there is much more to it than that. You have to be cooperative, compassionate, and have a strong stomach among many other traits. There are many pros and cons to working as a vet tech, which I will share with you. I'm not trying to discourage anyone from becoming a veterinary technician, but as with any occupation, there are plenty of downsides.I'll start with the good stuff.

Pros of Working as a Vet Tech

• You Get to Work With Animals - For any person that has a love for animals, this is the biggest plus to working as a veterinary technician. You get to pet, cuddle, and care for cute animals all day long! Plus, you are helping them to feel better if they are sick. That feeling is wonderful. If they aren't sick, you are still contributing to their health and well-being. 
• Job Security - Occupations in the veterinary field have very high job security. The pet industry is one of the largest industries right now and is only growing larger. Veterinary medicine is advancing as well. There are many pet owners who are willing to do everything they can to help out there furry family members and therefore there is always a demand for high quality veterinary care and services. 
• Educate Others - While working as a vet tech, you will be educating others. Educating pet owners is a big part of the job. Clients can be educated about the importance of spaying and neutering, adopting pets, and so much more. You'll be spreading the word about important topics that matter to you. 
• You Will Learn Something New Everyday - Everyday you go to work, you can count on learning something new that you didn't know before. I personally love learning all I can as a vet tech and cherish everything the information I'm able to gather. 

Me and Pinky!

Cons of Working as a Vet Tech

• Long Hours and Low Pay - I used to work from 6:45 am to closing time. The clinic closed at 6 pm, but we were usually there until at least 7pm - 8pm. Be prepared to work VERY long days! Also, vet techs do not usually get paid very much. You'll probably be looking at an income not much greater than $25,000 a year. Maybe $30,000+ if you're very experienced and educated and are able to get a nice title somewhere. 
• Euthanasia - Are you willing to assist in helping animals cross the rainbow bridge? For many people, the sheer thought of this alone might scare them away from the job. You must be able to understand that you are helping them. If you let the passing of pets bother you too much, it affects your whole team.
• Gross Stuff - Ok, admittedly I would love to put this under the pros section... Some of it anyways - I'll spare you the details. Your going to have to poke animals with needles and do things to them that they aren't going to like. I know that this bothers some people. And don't forget about all the urine, feces, and vomit you'll probably be cleaning up. If you have a weak stomach, you may want to reconsider this occupation.
• Dangerous - Working as a vet tech can be a dangerous job sometimes. You can never be too cocky when handling animals. It's easy to be bitten or scratched. Not to mention you may be exposed to harmful zoonotic diseases. 

Kit Kat

There were times when I became so frustrated with my work that I reconsidered working as a vet tech. I asked myself if it was worth the pay. I thought about returning to school and working in the human medical field. This was during my most recent pregnancy.

I went to one of my doctor appointments at the OBGYN and noticed how the medical assistants that worked there seemed so bland and boring. (I have met tons on nice nurses, however!) They didn't engage in any sort of conversation with me and I never saw them smile. I wasn't like these monotonous assistants when I went to greet clients and their pets where I worked.

That's when I knew I couldn't change careers. Working as a veterinary technician is a perfect fit for me. I would rather work doing something that I love and get paid less than working in an occupation that didn't suit me.