One of the first questions people ask about becoming a veterinary assistant is whether you need a degree.
No, and that’s one of the great things about the job—you get to play an important role helping animals without spending years earning a degree. Degree programs are required for veterinary technicians and veterinarians, but not for veterinary assistants. In fact, most vet assistant jobs require no more than a high school diploma or GED, making it a great entry-level career for animal lovers.
If you’re interested in a meaningful career that allows you to work with animals without taking a vow of poverty or spending years getting a degree, this is a solid choice. It’s rewarding to be part of a veterinary medical team that helps pets live long, healthy lives.
Vet Assistant Career Questions
There’s a lot to think about when weighing any new career. At Animal Behavior College, we know the ins and outs of becoming a veterinary assistant. Below are 9 common questions people ask us about this exciting path:
1. How do you become a vet assistant?
Technically, you can become a vet assistant by walking into a vet clinic or veterinary hospital with a high school diploma and learning on the job.
In reality, though, veterinary practices are busy. They often prefer hiring people with training or experience. That’s why enrolling in a veterinary assistant program or completing an approved veterinary assistant course can make a big difference.
A structured online veterinary assistant training program—like the one offered by Animal Behavior College—can provide the foundational knowledge and skills needed to thrive in this role and stand out to employers in the veterinary field.
2. How long does it take to become a vet assistant?
Earning your veterinary assistant certificate through Animal Behavior College typically takes about 12 months when following a steady pace. This certificate not only strengthens your resume but also significantly improves your chances of securing a job in veterinary medicine or animal care.
3. Are there a lot of vet assistant jobs?
Yes! The job market for veterinary assistants is thriving. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 19% job growth through 2033—much faster than average. Over 25,000 job openings are expected annually for vet assistants, laboratory animal caretakers, and other related roles.
Thanks to increased pet ownership, animal hospitals, veterinary clinics, and mobile veterinary care services are in high demand.
4. How much do vet assistants make?
Veterinary assistants earn a median salary of around $37,000 per year. Entry-level assistants can make about $29,000, while more experienced or veterinary assistants that have earned their certificate may earn $48,000 or more.
Pay depends on factors like location, facility size, and whether you completed a veterinary assistant program to earn a recognized certificate like the approved veterinary assistant designation.
5. What does a vet assistant do?
Veterinary assistant responsibilities include everything from cleaning and feeding to assisting during exams. Assistants work under veterinary technicians and licensed veterinarians, helping with clinical duties and providing support to pet owners and animal patients.
Common tasks include taking vitals, restraining animals, preparing surgical areas, and managing front-desk operations in a veterinary office or vet clinic.
6. Do vet assistants do a lot of cleaning?
Yes—cleaning is a regular part of the job. From disinfecting surgical tools to cleaning kennels and exam rooms, veterinary assistants help maintain a safe and sterile environment in animal hospitals and clinics.
Cleanliness is essential in veterinary medicine to prevent the spread of disease between animals and ensure proper care.
7. Can vet assistants work anywhere besides vet clinics and hospitals?
Absolutely. Veterinary assistants can find career opportunities in research facilities, animal shelters, and wildlife rehabilitation centers. Some even assist in grooming salons, boarding facilities, and veterinary technology labs.
With the right education, vet assistants are qualified to work anywhere that demands skilled animal care professionals.
8. What are the disadvantages of being a vet assistant?
While helping animals is incredibly rewarding, this job can be emotionally and physically tough. You may need to console a client whose pet is passing, assist in euthanasia procedures, care for abused animals, or clean up after sick pets.
Long shifts, emotional stress, and physically demanding tasks are part of the job. Still, many veterinary assistants say the opportunity to work with animals and support veterinarians is worth it.
9. Can an online course really prepare me to be a vet assistant?
Yes! A high-quality online veterinary assistant training program—like Animal Behavior College’s—offers in-depth coursework on veterinary medical terminology, veterinary anatomy, animal science, and veterinary assisting procedures.
Students also complete an externship to gain in-person experience in a real veterinary practice or animal hospital. By the end, you will have earned your certificate of completion as a veterinary assistant ready for work under a licensed veterinary technician, or veterinarian.
Your Career Starts Here
Want to work with animals and start a fulfilling role on the veterinary health care team?
Animal Behavior College’s veterinary assistant program is designed to prepare you for and build toward a rewarding future. Whether your goal is to become a licensed veterinary technician, or happily remain in your assistant career with continuing education and workforce advancement, we have the tools to support your success.
From admission requirements to externship placements, our team helps guide you through every step.
📞 Call 800-795-3294 or visit our website to start your journey toward earning a certificate as a veterinary assistant today!
Two Paths, One Passion: How Veterinary Assistants and Veterinary Technicians Compare
Veterinary assistants and veterinary technicians who are passionate about helping animals often find fulfillment and purpose in their careers. Whether you’re exploring a future in veterinary assisting or aiming for a more advanced clinical role, both paths provide meaningful opportunities in the veterinary field.
Let’s dive into how vet assistants and vet techs compare—and how to choose the path that’s right for you.
Education: Two Distinct Career Pathways
Though sometimes confused, veterinary assistants and veterinary technicians are not the same. These titles refer to different positions, responsibilities, and levels of required education within a veterinary clinic or animal hospital.
Becoming a veterinary assistant usually requires only a high school diploma or GED. Many students begin their journey through an approved veterinary assistant program, like the one offered at Animal Behavior College. This role is an excellent entry point into the veterinary field, offering exposure to both patient care and clinic operations.
In contrast, veterinary technicians must complete a veterinary technology program, often earning an associate degree. A registered veterinary technician must also pass the VTNE and meet state licensing requirements. Some go on to become a veterinary technician specialist, focusing on areas such as veterinary dentistry, anesthesia, or emergency care.
If you’re considering this route, expect a commitment to two or more years of formal veterinary technician education.
Responsibilities: What Do Vet Assistants and Vet Techs Do?
Veterinary Assistant Duties
Veterinary assistants are the hands-on support team in any veterinary hospital. Their tasks include:
Cleaning exam rooms and kennels
Assisting with restraining animal patients during exams
Feeding and exercising pets
Preparing surgical areas
Managing front-desk responsibilities
Supporting the medical team with basic care
They work under the supervision of licensed veterinarians and vet techs, contributing directly to animal patient wellbeing.
Veterinary Technician Duties
Vet techs take on more advanced clinical responsibilities, such as:
Collecting blood and lab samples
Administering medications and vaccines
Assisting in surgery and monitoring anesthesia
Performing X-rays and lab tests
Supporting veterinary dentistry procedures
Some veterinary technicians choose to specialize in fields like internal medicine, behavior, or emergency care, often working in tandem with a veterinary technologist or program director at larger facilities or academic institutions.
Career Insights: Why Start as a Veterinary Assistant?
Starting as a veterinary assistant is a smart way to break into the industry without a lengthy degree program. Working in a veterinary clinic or animal hospital gives you first-hand experience and insight into the challenges and rewards of the job.
You’ll build emotional resilience and professional skills—especially when supporting difficult situations like pet loss or critical illness. If you eventually pursue a veterinary technology program, your background as a vet assistant will give you a competitive edge.
Job Prospects and Salary Expectations
There’s solid job growth projected for both roles. For vet assistants, the demand is driven by an expanding pet care industry and a shortage of skilled workers across animal hospitals, labs, and clinics.
As for veterinary assistant salary, pay varies by region and experience, but entry-level positions often start around $29,000 per year, with potential increases for certified assistants. For vet techs, higher education and specialization often bring higher salaries.
Roles for laboratory animal caretakers and other support staff are also growing, particularly in research facilities, where attention to detail and compassion for animal patients are essential.
Want to Know More?
If you’re wondering how to get started or have questions about training, check out our Veterinary Assistant FAQ. You’ll learn about career paths, certifications, externship opportunities, and how to find work after completing an approved veterinary assistant program.
Animal Behavior College’s training is backed by industry expertise and designed to prepare students for real-world animal care settings. Our program even meets guidelines recognized by professional organizations like the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).
Start Your Career in Veterinary Assisting Today
Whether you envision yourself working alongside a licensed veterinarian, supporting a surgical team, or helping clients at a busy veterinary hospital, the journey starts with education and passion.
Take the first step by contacting Animal Behavior College today at 800-795-3294. Our expert advisors can walk you through enrollment, externships, and the path to becoming a certified medical assistant for animals.
Animal lovers take note! If you are planning your future and think you would love working with animals, you might want to consider becoming a veterinary assistant.
There are a lot of benefits to being a vet assistant. The work is fulfilling and you get to be part of a team and help save animals. Every day brings something different; you’re not stuck sitting at a desk, and you don’t have to take a vow of poverty to do something rewarding. The average salary averages over $36K according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics.
Vet assistants are also in high demand. Job growth in animal care is projected to be at 19% over the next few years–much higher than other fields. Even more encouraging, vet assistants are needed no matter if you live. In a huge city or a small rural community, there are lots of animals in need of veterinary care.
Veterinarians and veterinary technicians rely on competent vet assistants, but there are positions in more than just veterinary practices. Any facility that houses and cares for animals, such as research labs, wildlife refuges, rescues and humane societies, often hires veterinary assistants. Animal care is a field that offers a great deal of variety, whether you want to work with pets or more unusual animals.
You don’t have to have a college degree to start a career as a veterinary assistant, but you should seriously consider attending vet assistant school in order to earn an education. Here are the top 10 things to think about as you weigh your decision:
1. A vet assistant school is a good investment
Unlike the large amount of debt you can rack up getting a college degree, vet assistant school tuition is much more affordable.
And there is a lot to learn! The variety of tasks vet assistants handle is impressive. In most practices, they offer support to both the vets and vet techs and the front office staff. They need to know how to work with animals safely and how to prepare exam rooms, but they also help with administrative duties and process medical records.
A vet assistant school prepares you to become a valuable part of the veterinary team.
2. Earning an education can help you get a job
As mentioned, there are a lot of jobs for veterinary assistants, but there are also plenty of people lining up to apply for them. So even though it may not be a job with any particular educational requirements beyond a high school diploma or GED, employers can still have their pick of qualified applicants.
Someone with meaningful experience working with animals or having a formal vet assistant education is going to have an advantage over someone who doesn’t. Earning an education could help you land a job much faster.
3. Vet assistant schools prepare you to work in a veterinary hospital
Employers are looking for work-ready hires, and a certificate of completion from an approved veterinary assistant school like Animal Behavior College can demonstrate that you know your way around a veterinary practice and are prepared.
ABC students learn:
Office etiquette and hospital procedures
Animal behavior and handling
Examination room procedures
Pharmacy and pharmacology
Surgical preparation and assisting
Small animal nursing
Laboratory procedures
Radiology ultrasound imaging and endoscopy
Career Building
Busy vet clinics don’t have a lot of time to spend doing on-the-job-training for someone with no knowledge of the job. ABC graduates are ready to get right to work!
4. Vet assistant schools should provide real world experience
In addition to a comprehensive curriculum, students need the opportunity to get hands-on experience in a veterinary practice as part of their education. Spending time in a clinic lets you see what the work is really like. Working with a mentor and experiencing what the job is really like gives you confidence.
And, of course, being able to list that kind of hands-on experience in a veterinary practice on a job application is huge!
5. A hybrid vet assistant school is the way to go
By now, most people understand the value and convenience of online learning. It’s an affordable, practical alternative to attending a brick and mortar college: the coursework can fit into your existing schedule; you can work at your own pace; and there’s never any worry about finding a parking space (or being late to class because of that)!
However, an online course alone can never really prepare you for a career like vet assisting, which is very physical. Some things must be learned by experiencing them firsthand.
ABC solved that problem a long time ago. Our vet assistant course is a hybrid of online and in-person learning.
The online portion covers all the basics of the job. Once those stages of the curriculum are complete, students get invaluable hands-on experience with a mentor in their local area during the externship stage. ABC’s excellent curriculum, paired with the externship, offers students great preparation for working as a vet assistant.
6. Vet assistant schools are not colleges
Vet assistant schools should not be confused with colleges, which offer two- or four-year degree programs and at a cost of thousands of dollars per semester. Choosing Animal Behavior College, which enables students to earn a certificate in as little as 12 months, could be a better choice and a better return on your investment!
Earning a certificate of completion from ABC demonstrates mastery of the subject matter related to various animal-related careers, including vet assisting, animal training, pet grooming and more. We offer high quality animal career training that can be completed in about a year
7. You can complete your veterinary assistant certificate in 12 to 18 months
Taking classes online demands self-motivation. Life is full of distractions and demands, but by working at the recommended pace and staying organized and diligent, you can be ready to prove to employers that you have what it takes to be a great addition to their team in just 12 months!
8. Choose a NAVTA-approved school
When you are looking at vet assistant programs, you need to look at several things. What are the credentials of those who created the curriculum? Is there a good support system for helping students succeed? (ABC students have individual program managers who help them along the way.) Does the school have any alumni benefits?
Most important, however, is the school recognition by a veterinary organization? ABC is approved by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).
To be approved by NAVTA, a program must follow strict guidelines regarding curriculum, externship parameters, and student academic progress. ABC is currently one of only six online vet assistant schools with NAVTA course approval.
Successful completion of our certificate program can give you a definite leg up in the job market! A certificate from a NAVTA-approved school carries more weight than one without it.
9. Becoming a vet assistant can be stepping stone
As rewarding as it can be, working in a veterinary practice can be demanding, both physically and emotionally. Not everyone is cut out for that kind of life.
Working as a vet assistant before committing time and tuition to a college degree to become a veterinary technician or a veterinarian gives you a chance to see whether a veterinary career is a good fit for you.
Many people who start out as a vet assistant wind up loving it so much they go on to get their vet tech degree.
10. You can enroll in ABC anytime
One of the best things about ABC’s program is that you never have to wait for the beginning of a new semester to enroll! Once you’ve made a decision to earn your vet assistant certificate, an ABC admissions counselor is always ready to help get you started.
Get Started Today!
If you’ve made the choice to be a vet assistant, congratulations! Working in animal healthcare is one of the most rewarding jobs there is.
At Animal Behavior College, we love helping people launch animal careers, and we’ve been doing it for over 25 years! Call 800-795-3294 to get started.
If working with animals is a career goal, you might want to explore the possibility of becoming a veterinary assistant. Veterinary assistant school prepares animal lovers to work in a variety of veterinary hospitals, clinics or other settings involving animal medical care.
Veterinary assistants enjoy a high rate of job satisfaction; they are among the top 30% of careers, in fact.. Helping pet owners keeping their dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and other animals healthy is a rewarding career.
But what does it take to become a veterinary assistant? Is a veterinary assistant school really worth it? Learning the answers to the following questions could help you decide if working in the veterinary field is the best career path for you.
How long is vet assistant school?
Each vet assistant program has its own timeline for completion. Some career schools offer short, intense online-only courses that take less than three months to complete. Learning online at your own pace through a school like Animal Behavior College can take up to 12-18 months or sooner, working at your pace (and it has a hands-on component too!).
Do you need schooling to be a vet assistant?
Technically, there are rarely any continuing education requirements for a vet assistant. A high school diploma or G.E.D. is usually enough. However, most employers prefer to hire people who have experience working with animals and someone with an educational background in veterinary medicine.
Lots of people want to work with animals and apply for vet assistant jobs, so employers can have the pick of the crop. If you don’t have experience or education, it can be difficult to find a job.
How much schooling is needed to be a vet assistant?
While you do not have to go to school to be a vet assistant, it’s helpful to earn an education in veterinary assisting. You can do so by completing a single vet assistant course. You do not have to take multiple classes or go to school for years.
Are you confusing a vet assistant with a vet tech?
A vet tech is not the same thing as a vet assistant. A vet tech acts more as a registered nurse might in the human world. They perform more medically related tasks and command a higher salary. The trade-off is that they must have a two- or four-year college degree and pass a secondary national exam (and the expense that goes along with that).
How much is vet assistant school?
The cost of vet assistant school can vary, depending on whether you attend an in-person school or choose an online or hybrid school. In-person vocational schools generally come with a higher tuition price tag.
Tuition for online schools’ range from $2,000 to $5,000.
Pricing will also depend on whether you pay in full up front or opt for a payment plan.
At ABC, tuition covers:
All required digital study materials, including our updated, revamped curriculum
46 educational videos
In person, real world experience with a minimum of 100 hours in a veterinary facility that ABC coordinates for you
Student support from your personally appointed Program Manager
Pet CPR and First Aid Certification (good for 2 years)
Lifetime approval as an ABC Veterinary Assistant (ABCVA) upon successful completion
What does the vet assistant school curriculum include?
A comprehensive vet assistant curriculum covers what will be expected of you in most veterinary settings. Since job requirements include both administrative duties and support for veterinarians and vet techs, there’s a lot to learn!
ABC’s multi-stage curriculum includes:
Office etiquette and hospital procedures
Animal behavior and handling
Examination room procedures
Pharmacy and pharmacology
Surgical preparation and assisting
Small animal nursing
Laboratory procedures
Radiology ultrasound imaging and endoscopy
Career Building
Having this knowledge can prepare you to confidently answer veterinary assistant interview questions and hopefully fast track you landing a job!
What are the career paths available after becoming a veterinary assistant?
Veterinary assistants are not limited to working in vet clinics and hospitals. Any facility that houses or cares for captive animals will also need vet assistants to offer care, feeding, exercise and other tasks. Research labs, wildlife refuges, rehabilitation centers, humane societies, and animal shelters often hire veterinary assistants.
So if you prefer to work with wild or exotic animals, there are options, though typically, there are less employment opportunities than there are in veterinary practices. While you can find work as a veterinary assistant in a vet practice in both rural and urban areas in any state, you might have to be willing to relocate to get a job at a wildlife refuge, zoo or research lab.
Being a vet assistant can serve as a steppingstone in your veterinary career, too. If you love the work and want to pursue your vet tech degree, the familiarity with veterinary medicine gained in your job as a vet assistant will help you in your career pathway.
How much does a vet assistant make?
Vet assistant salaries vary around the country but are generally higher in urban areas. According to Zip Recruiter, the highest average salary ($40,614) was in Washington, and the lowest ($26,797) was in Florida.
The latest figure from the Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median wage for vet assistants at $36,440.
What are the most important qualities to be a successful veterinary assistant?
Vet assistants have a lot to do on any given day, and good communication skills, a positive attitude and flexibility are important assets. Vet assistants fill many roles in most practices, and they must be able to transition from administrative/front office mode to assisting with a patient exam or room prep as needed.
The job is physically demanding. It can involve restraining frightened animals and lifting pets on and off exam tables all day. Vet assistants are also on their feet a lot.
While the job comes with a lot of joy–so many adorable puppies and kittens–difficult situations arise every day, too. It’s hard to watch animals in pain; sometimes there are devastating diagnoses; assisting pet owners who are saying their final goodbyes to a beloved dog or cat can be gut-wrenching. It’s not a job for the faint of heart. Vet assistants need compassion for animals and empathy for what pet owners may be going through.
Enroll in our vet assistant school today!
If you have decided a vet assistant career is for you, it’s time to take the next step. Animal Behavior College excels at helping animal lovers launch fulfilling careers. You can enroll anytime! Just call 800-795-3294 to speak to an admissions counselor.
Veterinary assistant or veterinary technician? Both veterinary assistants and veterinary technicians are vital to the functioning of any veterinary clinic. The titles of the two jobs are similar and often confused with each other, but they are definitely not interchangeable. Each position comes with specific educational requirements and responsibilities.
When it comes to education and licensing, vet assistants do not have any mandatory requirements. Veterinary technicians, on the other hand, must complete a two-year veterinary technology program and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) to become licensed.
Earning a vet tech degree is a very expensive and significant commitment. While it offers the opportunity for advanced skills and responsibilities, it’s important to consider the potential salary differences between a vet tech and a vet assistant. In some cases, the financial return might not be as substantial as expected, especially once you factor in student loan repayments after graduation.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average vet tech in the United States earned an hourly wage of $21.18 in April, 2024. The average hourly wage for a vet assistant was $17.94.
Perhaps the best argument for taking the vet tech route is if you eventually want to go on to become a veterinarian, which absolutely does command a much higher salary.
To make a more informed decision, however, it’s helpful to learn the difference in job responsibilities for vet techs and vet assistants.
What Do Vet Techs Do?
Veterinary technicians are akin to registered nurses in human healthcare. They are more involved in direct patient care and perform some technical procedures under the supervision of a veterinarian. Vet techs can perform diagnostic tests and administer anesthesia for instance. Drawing blood, taking x-rays, inserting catheters, and monitoring patients during surgery are some of the other medical tasks veterinary technicians may perform.
What Do Vet Assistants Do?
Veterinary assistants play a critical role in maintaining the smooth operation of a veterinary clinic. Their duties are focused more on general care and administrative support than on technical medical procedures. Veterinary assistants are more limited in scope when it comes to providing direct medical care for their pet patients, but they do assist with some of these tasks and the job does have the benefit of putting one in contact with animals all day long!
A veterinary assistant provides essential support to the veterinary team by performing various hands-on tasks and helping veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Vet assistants also support the front office staff with the scheduling of appointments, welcoming patients and their “parents,” and helping clients over the phone.
Vet assistants provide patient handling/restraint during exams or diagnostic procedures, feed and exercise hospitalized patients, ensure proper sanitation of the veterinary hospital, including sterilization of surgical items and help maintain the hospital’s equipment. Vet assistants also care for animals by bathing, brushing and providing basic grooming, and recording patient observations. Vet assistants often interact with pet parents, whether it’s checking the patient in, or going over patient discharge information. A lot of cleaning and disinfecting comes with the territory, as vet assistants are responsible for the prepping and stocking of exam and surgical rooms too.
Finding a Vet Assistant Job
Working with animals is a dream career for so many, but it can be hard to get a vet assistant job without any credentials or education. While it is true that vet assistants do not have to have more than a high school diploma, the reality is you’re not likely to get hired without experience or formal education to show that you know how to work with animals or care for them in a veterinary setting.
If you’ve already applied to vet clinics, you might have realized that experience matters. Gaining relevant experience through employment or volunteering at animal shelters, stables, kennels, or wildlife rehabilitation centers can make a strong impact on your resume.
It’s also a smart idea to earn a vet assistant certificate. It takes about a year and the academic portion can be completed online. Tuition is much more affordable than for traditional college classes. Tuition for the Animal Behavior College Vet Assistant Program starts at $999.
Even though it’s an online course, ABC offers real world experience through an externship. Every student is paired with a local mentor facility to get valuable experience and gain confidence. Talk about something great to put on your resume!
Make a “Pawsitive” Move
The first step toward earning a certificate in ABC’s Vet Assistant Program is to call an admissions counselor at 800-795-3294 or go to Animal Behavior College and fill out the contact form, they will reach out to you and will be happy to answer any questions and get you started. Enroll anytime!
Making a veterinary clinic hum takes a dedicated support staff. Vets rely on their vet assistants, vet techs, and office staff to make sure their furry patients get the quality care they need to live long, healthy lives or to provide life-saving emergency care.
Without question, the jacks of all trades in a vet clinic are the veterinary assistants, who often bounce from duty to duty in every part of the facility. They assist veterinarians and vet techs in a wide variety of ways, and they are everywhere.
At any given time, veterinarian assistants can be found in the reception area welcoming patients and making appointments, in the office filing paperwork, in an exam room helping the veterinarian calm a nervous dog, in the surgery room making sure everything is spotless and sterilized for the next patient, in the kennels checking on post-op patients, or out back walking a puppy.
One thing is certain: vet assistant jobs are never boring!
The essential work done by vet assistants helps vet practices hum along smoothly. The long list of duties a veterinary assistant may perform include:
Cleaning and sanitizing equipment
Feeding, bathing, and exercising patients
Performing basic lab work
Weighing animals
Dressing wounds
Taking vital signs
Administering certain types of medicines
Post-operative care
Disinfecting operating and exam rooms
Clerical work, such as assembling patient paperwork or billing
Animal restraint
Communicating with pet owners
For someone passionate about animals, becoming a vet assistant gives you a chance to be a vital part of a life-saving team.
Vet Assistants Enjoy High Degrees of Job Satisfaction
Vet assistants get to be around animals all the time, but the job can vary depending on where you work. Assistants in a regular veterinary clinic get to know their patients from their first visits as cute, bouncy puppies and adorable blue-eyed kittens. They watch them grow up and play a role in keeping them healthy.
Their days are a mix of routine check-ups and more critical care. While there are the inevitable sad days, the good days outnumber the bad.
Vet assistants in an animal hospital or emergency care center might find life more hectic, but saving lives feels very rewarding.
Being a vet assistant is a good way to get a feel for animal healthcare. Some enjoy veterinary care so much that they go on to pursue a veterinary technician degree, which requires at least two years.
Finding a Vet Assistant Job
With the growing number of pets in this country, there’s a corresponding growth in the number of jobs related to their care, including veterinary assistants. Job growth is projected to be 20% between 2022 and 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Almost 27,000 job openings are anticipated yearly.
This doesn’t mean it’s easy to land those jobs, though. Even though there are rarely any educational requirements besides a high school diploma or equivalent, it’s a tough field to break into if you don’t have experience working with animals or a vet assistant certificate. There are simply too many people looking for a career with animals to be able to land a job with no skills or training.
If you can, find opportunities to work with animals and get some experience. Look for opportunities to work at or volunteer in local animal shelters, wildlife rescues, boarding kennels, doggy day cares, stables, or other facilities that house animals.
Another good way to get noticed by potential employers is to earn your vet assistant certification. Becoming certified can increase your chance of landing a job faster. After all, vet practices don’t have to spend nearly as much time providing on-the-job training to hires who already know what’s expected of them.
How to Earn a Veterinary Assistant Certificate
Getting a veterinary assistant certificate is not nearly as costly or time-consuming as earning a vet tech degree. You can be certified in less than a year in a program like Animal Behavior College’s online vet assistant course.
Flexible and affordable, Animal Behavior College’s program teaches you everything you need to know in order to work as a vet assistant. It also offers invaluable real-world experience. Once the online part of the course is complete, students get the opportunity to work with a mentor in a local veterinary setting. You may be asking, is there a veterinarian near me?Call us at the number below, and we will tell you which veterinarian you may be paired with.
If you’d like to start a satisfying career working with animals, we’d love to help make that happen. Call us at 800-795-3294 to speak to an admissions counselor.
Don’t forget to visit our gift certificate page here.
A comprehensive vet assistant program provides a straight path to working in animal healthcare. If your heart is set on helping animals, becoming a veterinary assistant is a great choice.
Before making any job move, however, it pays to learn as much as you can. This guide is designed to answer questions you may have about being a vet assistant and what the position entails.
Updated 2025 Statistics & Trends in Veterinary Assisting
Competitive Compensation Across the U.S.
As of January 2025, veterinary assistants in the United States earn an average annual salary of $33,979, with hourly wages averaging $16. Salaries can vary based on location and experience; for instance, in California, the average annual salary is $37,479, while in Florida, it’s approximately $32,280.
Significant Employment Growth Projected
The demand for veterinary assistants is on the rise, with employment projected to grow 19% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by increased pet ownership and a heightened focus on pet health and wellness.
Advancements in Veterinary Training Facilities
In response to the growing need for skilled veterinary professionals, new state-of-the-art training centers have been established to support veterinary assistant education, veterinary technology, and veterinary medicine.
Clarifying Confusion Between Vet Assistants and Vet Techs
Job titles in a vet practice can get a little confusing. While most people understand that veterinarians are at the top of the professional food chain, they tend to use the titles “vet assistant” and “vet tech” interchangeably. The two are completely different jobs, however.
Veterinary technicians function more like nurses and must go to college and complete at least a two-year associate’s degree and be licensed or certified. Their duties correspond loosely to those of nurses in a human healthcare setting. Veterinary technician education is more intensive and focuses on areas like veterinary anatomy and veterinary dentistry. Vet techs are allowed to do more clinical work than vet assistants.
Veterinary assistants are best thought of as the support staff that makes the jobs of veterinarians and vet techs go more smoothly. On any given day they can be doing clerical work, welcoming patients, helping with an exam and preparing rooms. They step in where needed.
Generally speaking, a high school diploma or its equivalent is the only educational requirement for being a vet assistant. That being said, though, it’s to your advantage to look for opportunities to gain experience working with animals and to earn a veterinary assistant certificate.
What Do Vet Assistants Do?
Just because vet assistants don’t have a two-year associate’s degree doesn’t mean they are relegated to cleaning kennels and filing patient paperwork–although there can be a good bit of that.
Vet assistants can:
Check patients in and help soothe nervous patients and pet owners
Weigh animals and take vital signs
Help restrain animals while they are being examined or getting vaccines
Bathe and feed animals
Provide monitoring and care for animals in post-op
Clean and dress wounds
Take lab samples for laboratory animal testing
Give certain medications (controlled substances and painkillers may be off-limits, depending on state regulations)
Provide client education on post-treatment care and proper at-home patient management.
Vet assistants hop from duty to duty. Expect to be on your feet a lot and ready to step in wherever needed!
Depending on the practice, vet assistants may be the first to arrive in the morning to check on patients in post-operative or kennel care and make sure everything is in order for the day before the rest of the staff and the first patients arrive.
What Qualities Do the Best Vet Assistants Have?
A passion for animals and providing great veterinary care are high on the list, but as mentioned, it can be a pretty demanding job, not just physically but emotionally. Not every patient makes it. Saying “goodbye” to pets you’ve cared for throughout their lives is tough.
Communication skills are a must for vet assistants. Being a “people person” is also a plus for a couple of reasons.
You’ll be working with and supporting several other staff members in the veterinary office. Being able to work as part of a team is crucial.
There are always plenty of high-strung, worried pet owners on any given day. Empathy and good people skills are a must.
The best vet assistants are flexible and able to bounce from one task to the next with a high level of competency. Vet assistants hop from duty to duty. Expect to step in wherever needed!
Vet assistants need to be physically strong. Lifting dogs on and off exam tables is part of the job, but so is hauling heavy bags of food, bedding, kitty litter, and other supplies. Each veterinary practice should have its own physical requirements. Make sure you know what is expected of you beforehand so you can commit to the level of strength needed.
Computer skills are a definite plus. Vet assistants often perform a lot of clerical work and billing, so it helps to know your way around a Mac or PC.
Where Can Vet Assistants Work?
Besides veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and emergency care centers, vet assistants are needed by any facility that houses or cares for animals. Animal shelters and humane societies often need vet assistants, as do research labs at universities and other animal facilities.
In addition, zoos and wildlife rehabilitation centers frequently hire vet assistants, so if your interests lie more in exotic or wild animals, being a vet assistant allows you to care for more than just domesticated animals.
Vet Assistant Salary
If you are concerned about salary–and who isn’t–vet assistants earn a salary on par with many other careers that do not require a degree. Preschool teachers, receptionists, bank tellers and vet assistants all earn an average salary in the mid-$30,000 range.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics cites the average salary for vet assistants at over $36,000. Some roles such as animal care attendant, veterinary technician assistant, or approved veterinary assistant may offer slightly different pay scales.
How to Become a Veterinary Assistant
As indicated, a high school diploma or equivalency is all that is required by most employers. You technically can be hired as a vet assistant and get on-the-job training.
In reality, it takes a good bit of luck to land a veterinary assistant job without any more experience or credentials than a high school degree. So many people want to work with animals that you’ll be up against job candidates with animal care experience or who have completed an approved veterinary assistant program.
To improve your chances of landing a job, you might want to consider earning your veterinary assistant certificate. Earning a veterinary assistant certificate takes about a year and teaches you what you need to know to begin work in the veterinary field:
How to safely restrain animals so they can receive care
Animal first aid and CPR
How to clean and prepare exam and surgical rooms in a veterinary hospital
How to assist in surgery under a veterinary surgeon
Veterinary-specific pharmacy information
Animal nursing care
Laboratory procedures
Earning your vet assistant certificate tells potential employers you are serious about working in veterinary medicine, know what the job entails, and will need little training.
Finding a Veterinary Assistant School
Animal Behavior College has been training people for animal careers since 1997, and we offer excellent training for would-be vet assistants. Our comprehensive curriculum includes all you need to know to start working in a veterinary setting as soon as you earn your certificate.
ABC even provides real-world experience via our mentoring program known as an “externship.” Once students complete the online portion of the program, they are paired up with a nearby mentor facility to see what a real veterinary clinic is like and to practice newly learned skills.
You can enroll anytime! Just call 800-795-3294 and an admissions counselor can help get you started!
Veterinary Assistant FAQ
Q: What is the difference between a veterinary assistant and a veterinary technologist?
A: A veterinary assistant helps support staff and veterinarians with everyday tasks, while a veterinary technologist typically has a four-year degree and performs more advanced procedures.
Q: Is online veterinary assistant training available?
A: Yes! Many programs, including those from Animal Behavior College, offer online veterinary assistant training that includes hands-on externships.
Q: Can vet assistants work with farm animals or miniature horses?
A: Absolutely. Some veterinary practices and shelters focus on farm animals or offer services for miniature horses, and veterinary assistants play an important role.
Q: What are some career options after becoming a vet assistant?
A: Many vet assistants go on to become animal trainers, licensed veterinary technicians or even veterinarians. Others may work in animal husbandry, animal rescue, or become animal assisted therapists.
Q: Where can I work after completing a veterinary assistant program?
A: Veterinary assistants work in a variety of places including veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, wildlife rehabilitation centers, animal shelters, and even educational facilities focused on veterinary technology and veterinary dentistry.
If you’re passionate about animals and looking to begin a rewarding career, veterinary assisting may be the perfect path for you!
How a Veterinary Assistant Program Can Boost Your Career Prospects in the Animal Care Industry
No Vet Assistant Credentials? No Problem?
If you want to work with animals and are considering a career as a veterinary assistant, you may wonder whether you need any credentials to apply for jobs.
Though it is a medical field, you do not need to have any licensing, certification, or degree to be a veterinary assistant. The only education requirement for becoming a veterinarian assistant is usually a high school diploma.
This is exciting news…until you start applying for jobs, and then it is crickets. No one is willing to give you a chance.
Why?
Because you have no credentials.
Do not let people tell you differently: getting a veterinary assistant certification makes a difference. An attractive vet assistant job candidate either has lots of experience working with animals in some capacity or has a vet assistant certificate proving knowledge of the field. Just showing up with a high school diploma and saying, “I love animals,” does not cut it in a crowded job market.
The Reality of the Vet Assistant Job Market
On the upside, there are plenty of jobs available to qualified applicants, and all signs point to continued growth. According to Forbes, 66% of American homes have pets in 2024. And since 51% of those owners consider their pets part of their family, spending on pets is astronomical. The figure is closing in on $150 billion, with veterinary care claiming a huge chunk.
More pets equal more vets. More veterinarians equal more vet assistant jobs.
Even with more jobs being created, however, there are still lots of animal lovers vying for every single one of them. Prospective employers can choose among qualified job candidates.
Why would they pick someone with no skills, training, or meaningful experience when they could fill the position with a certified veterinary assistant who would require little job training?
Sure, there are some people who get hired with no experience and no job training, and they receive on-the-job training. In reality, though, they are exceptions to the rule. These are competitive jobs. Think how much you love dogs and cats, and puppies and kittens, and want to help take care of them! So do thousands of other animal lovers.
How Do I Improve my Job Prospects?
Getting experience working with animals will help beef up your resume for sure. Depending on where you live, this may be easier for some than others. Rural areas offer opportunities to get experience on farms or ranches or in riding stables. Wildlife rehabilitation centers may also accept volunteer help. Cities may have zoos with volunteer programs (although those are super hard to get into, too). Dog kennels or doggy daycares are also good options.
If you have a challenging time getting your foot in the door somewhere to get experience with animals, or if you have experience and still cannot land a job, enrolling in an online veterinary assistant program could give you the leg up you need.
Animal Behavior College’s online program can be completed in about a year and is more affordable and flexible than attending a brick-and-mortar trade school.
ABC also ensures you get plenty of real-world experience working in a veterinary clinic setting. Once your online work is done, you start on an externship with a mentor at an animal hospital facility near you. Under your mentor’s supervision, you can practice your new skills and get a feel for what it is like working in a veterinary practice.
Once you get certified, you will be able to demonstrate to prospective employers that:
You are serious about a career as a vet assistant.
You have experience in a veterinary facility.
You will have a good grasp of what the job entails and will not need much training.
You have knowledge about sterilizing, prepping exam rooms, lab procedures, animal restraint, and other essential elements of the job.
It’s Time to Get Serious About Your Career
Why waste more time applying for veterinary assistant jobs without any experience or credentials to recommend you? Become the type of job candidate vet practices are looking for! Call ABC at 800-795-3294 to set up an interview today.
Fur, Fins, Feathers, and Fangs: 50 Careers for Animal Lovers
Many people who have a passion for animals would love a career working with them. Whether you are zeroed in on one species, like sea turtles or horses; or whether you have a heart for all creatures, your dream job would let you work closely with animals.
Great news! There has never been a better time to start an animal career, especially jobs that are related to pets. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs in animal care and services will grow at twice the rate of other occupations.
The growth in this sector of the economy is driven by the explosive increase in the number of pet owners. This number is projected to keep growing.
Dog walkers and trainers are in high demand right now, and just try getting a grooming appointment–pet salons are booked out for weeks! The demand for pet services shows no sign of slowing. If you want a part-time job and enjoy working with animals, those careers will make great side gigs, too! A solid second income can open many possibilities and make things like home ownership and paying off debt happen much faster! Pet grooming, dog training, and dog walking all offer flexible hours and good money. If you are interested in opening your own business, they are all ideal careers for self-employment.
Preparing for an Animal Career
Some of the following jobs require only a high school diploma; others require at least a bachelor’s degree, and salaries range widely. If you earn a college degree in an animal-related field, your opportunities will be much broader and your salary higher.
However, even if college is out of the question for you there are still plenty of rewarding and enjoyable jobs working with animals. Certification programs are available that provide online training and experience in several animal careers, and these look great on resumes! Animal Behavior College is an outstanding example and has been training people to launch careers since 1998.
50 Animal Careers by Category
The following is a breakdown of animal careers by category, along with education requirements and salary potential.
Agricultural Animal Careers
Rural life is beguiling to many folks, and there are many ways for animal lovers to find employment connected to agriculture.
● Livestock/agricultural journalists write articles for publication on topics related to farming, ranching, and other forms of agriculture. A bachelor’s degree in writing, journalism, communication, or agriculture is usually necessary to succeed. The median income is $82,000.
● Farm managers (or stable or ranch managers) oversee daily activities and manage all aspects of production. They hire and supervise workers and make all decisions related to crop planting and livestock husbandry. A Bachelor of Science in Agriculture or the equivalent is a plus. The median income for farm and ranch managers is $75,760.
● Riding instructors teach people to ride horses and feed, exercise, and groom the animals in their care. No degree is required to work as a riding instructor. The average base salary is $55,664.
● Extension agents have many jobs in a community, but helping farmers is high on the list. They also work closely with community youth in a variety of 4-H programs, many of which revolve around animals. A bachelor’s or master’s degree is required. The average salary for extension agents is $54,847.
● Range management specialists study natural resources and work to protect them by developing programs and standards governing the use of rangelands.
A degree in range management is required. The median salary is $51,206.
● Apiculturists, also known as beekeepers, maintain beehives and harvest honey. No formal degree is necessary to be a beekeeper, but should you want to get a bachelor’s degree in entomology or biology it would be helpful in your work. The average salary is $50,574.
● Animal/livestock breeders use knowledge of genetics to select and breed animals. They take animals’ genealogy and characteristics into careful consideration and keep detailed records. Most livestock breeders have a bachelor’s degree in animal science. The median salary for an animal breeder is $45,320.
● Shepherds tend and herd flocks of sheep. This oldest of professions requires no formal education but comes with a median salary of $43.221.
● Horse trainers train horses in the behaviors required by their intended discipline, such as racing, rodeo, show jumping, dressage, or pleasure riding. The median salary is $39,288.
● Grooms often work in the horse racing industry. They provide daily care for horses, saddle and unsaddle them, organize tack, clean stalls, and equipment, and sometimes help with training. There is no educational requirement to work as a groom. The average salary is $29,147.
Aquatic Animal Careers
Aquatic life is fascinating. There is no end to the unique creatures that dwell below the surface of oceans, lakes, and rivers. Scientists are still discovering new life forms in the depths of the seas. Anyone with an interest in marine life has a wide range of career paths to follow.
● Marine biologists study ocean life. They may do experiments, rescue marine life, and monitor the behavior of aquatic animals. Being a marine biologist requires an undergraduate degree in a scientific discipline such as ecology, aquatic biology, zoology, or animal science. The average salary is $86,203.
● Aquarium maintenance technicians set up, maintain, and service fresh or saltwater aquatic tanks in homes and offices. They may also work in fish hatcheries, aquarium parks, or any place that maintains aquatic life in tanks. There is no formal degree required, but certification is desirable. The median income is $40,199.
● Marine life rescuers help injured or sick animals; animals that have become entangled in nets or garbage; or stranded animals. They aid in their rehabilitation. Entry-level positions require no special degree or certification. Higher-level positions may require a degree in marine or wildlife biology. The wide pay range may reflect lots of room for advancement. The median salary is $55,632.
● Aqua culturists, or fish farmers, raise several types of fish and shellfish for profit or consumption. The minimum education required is a bachelor’s degree. The average salary is $44,489.
● Marine biotechnologists take advantage of the unique array of marine organisms to develop pharmaceuticals, enzymes, and chemicals. This career requires a Bachelor of Science degree, master’s, or, at the pinnacle of the field, a PhD in Marine Science and Technology. The average salary is $132,303.
● Marine mammal trainers work with dolphins, sea lions, manatees, and seals–usually in zoos or aquarium parks. They teach behaviors, feed the animals, and maintain clean, safe water environments. Most facilities want job candidates with life or animal science degrees. The average salary is $33,908.
● Deep sea marine biologists study the organisms that live far below the surface, sometimes in the deepest trenches of the ocean. Most of these jobs require at least a master’s degree. Salary maxes out at $60K.
● Fish biologists do such jobs as monitoring fish populations and fisheries, making environmental assessments for proposed projects, and identifying areas of needed research. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for entering the profession. The average salary is $64,945.
● Aquatic retailers vary in job descriptions; managers, aquarium technicians, and other staff command different salaries. The average salary is $38K.
● Hatchery assistants usually do not need a college degree, although if you aspire to a more advanced position you will need to earn one. Some people enter their career with an aquarium maintenance certification. The average salary for a fish hatchery worker is $49,095.
Pet-related Careers (Non-medical)
Aside from allowing you to spend your time with dogs, cats, and other animals, many pet careers are super flexible and make great side hustles. And if you have been looking for an opportunity for self-employment, one of these careers may be just the ticket!
● Dog walkers enjoy lots of fresh air and plenty of canine interaction. It is a fun career or side gig you can get into without needing a special degree. The average salary is $33,526.
● Pet groomers are in demand as the pet population continues to expand. Groomers help animals look good and feel good by bathing and trimming them, cleaning their ears, and clipping their nails. They do not need a formal education, but it helps to go through a training program to get certified. Like $37,501.
● Animal assisted- or pet therapists use therapy animals – usually dogs and cats – to help people with mental disorders or health issues. Pet therapy helps a wide range of people such as residents in long-term care facilities, cancer patients, and veterans with PTSD. Most hold bachelor’s degrees, and a master’s degree is necessary if you wish to counsel patients. The average salary is $38,056.
● Pet sitters care for animals when their humans are not at home. They may stay in the home or just drop in to monitor the animals, take care of litter boxes, and feed and water pets. They let dogs out to potty and walk them. Basic grooming may be involved. No special education is necessary. It is a nice side hustle if you can work it into your schedule. The average wage is $16 per hour. The median salary for a full-time pet sitter is $33,377.
● Dog obedience trainers are also in high demand these days. They train dogs to follow the basic commands for being good citizens, and they help owners understand how to properly continue training at home. Dog trainers do not have to be degreed or licensed, but certification is recommended. The average salary for a dog trainer is $40,348.
● Cat trainers are called to help curb feline problem behaviors, such as counter surfing, biting and scratching people, and litter box refusal. As with dog training, no degree is required, but certification is encouraged. The average salary is $46,748.
● Animal shelter attendants care for homeless animals waiting for their forever homes. They feed, water, groom, and exercise animals, and keep kennels and cages clean. No education beyond a high school diploma is needed, just a heart full of love for animals. The average salary is $30,522.
● Kennel attendants take care of dogs in a kennel. Duties are similar to animal shelter attendants. Again, no degree is required. The average salary is $28,914.
● Pet store retailers do a variety of jobs, most requiring nothing more than a high school degree. The average salary is $34,745
● Doggy daycare providers offer dog owners an approximation of childcare for canines. No degree is required to operate or work at a doggy daycare facility. The average salary is $29,511.
Careers Working with Wildlife
If wild or exotic animals are your passion, there are lots of careers that allow you to work with them.
● Animal control officers are called in to help rescue hurt, lost, or stray animals, trap animals that are endangering people, and provide first aid to wounded animals. A high school degree is usually required. Average salary is $47,913.
● Zoologists study non-domesticated animals, focusing on behavior, ecosystem, and impact of humans on habit. Zoology and wildlife biology are good degrees to pursue to become a zoologist. The average salary is $54,791.
● Park rangers do not necessarily work with animals, but they have regular opportunities to view wildlife during their job. A formal degree may not always be required, depending on the position. The average salary is $42,977.
● Wildlife photographers take amazing images of animals in their natural habitat, often selling them for publication. Self-employed wildlife photographers do not have to have degrees. Their average income is $42,345.
● Conservation officers, also known as fish and game wardens, help protect wild animals in their natural habitats by enforcing conservation and environmental laws and regulations. They work outside in all kinds of weather. Many states require only a high school diploma. The average salary is $50,144.
● Wildlife rehabilitators care for sick, injured, or orphaned animals. The goal is to release the animals back into the wild as soon as they can function normally in their habitat. Biology or ecology are the most commonly desired degrees. The average salary is $44,859.
● Venomous snake milkers extract venom from poisonous snakes for research and emergency lifesaving procedures. Snake milkers are not simply thrill-seekers; they enter a career with a degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or herpetology. They earn an average salary of $33,609.
● Wildlife advocates seek protection for animals and their habitats. They advocate for such things as species conservation, ocean clean-up, or rainforest preservation. The average salary is $64,945.
● Wildlife biologists study animals both in the wild and in captivity. To be a wildlife biologist requires a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, zoology, or some other natural science. The average salary is $61,173.
Animal Health Careers
Those who want to help animals often lean toward veterinary medical careers, but there are other options.
● Animal massage therapists study animal physiology and anatomy. They use massage techniques to improve the well-being of their patients. You can enter the field with a two-year associate degree. The average salary is $71,679.
● Veterinarians are the animal equivalent of human physicians. They must have a four-year degree followed by another four years of veterinary school. The average salary is $103,260.
● Veterinary technicians work in veterinary clinics and can do certain medical procedures, such as give vaccinations, take, and expose x-rays, and assist with surgeries. They must have an associate’s degree. The average salary is $39,293.
● Veterinary dentists have extensive training in oral surgery, medicine, and dental care for animals. In addition to the regular education required of a veterinarian, they must also do a residency in veterinary dentistry. The average salary is $189,979.
● Animal nutritionists make recommendations for food and diets for farmers, zookeepers, pet owners, and others in charge of animals’ well-being. The job requires a four-year degree in agricultural science, animal science, or related field. The average salary is $54,137.
● Veterinary practice managers oversee clinics and animal hospitals, handling staff, payroll, schedules, and related duties. While a degree may not be required, a management or business degree is excellent preparation. The average salary is $82,725.
● Laboratory animal caretakers monitor and care for animals in a research setting. A high school degree is all that is required but, certification in vet assisting may help secure a job. The average salary is $33,907.
● Farriers care for horses’ hooves, trimming them, and shoeing them, when necessary. No degree is necessary, but an apprenticeship or horseshoeing school can prepare you for your career. The average salary is $36K.
● Kennel technicians maintain a clean facility and provide care for animals, such as grooming, feeding, and exercising. A high school diploma is usually the only requirement. The average salary is $28,701.
Launch Your Career with Animal Behavior College
People ask these questions all the time – Where can I find service dog training near me, where can I find dog training near me, or where can I find pet grooming near me? You need not look any further than Animal Behavior College to learn these traits, and how to teach others these skills.
There are lots of well-paying jobs working with animals, even for those who do not have an advanced degree. If you are passionate about finding a rewarding animal career, Animal Behavior College would love to start on the right track.
With online programs for vet assistants, dog obedience trainers, zookeeper assistants, aquarists, service dog trainers, cat trainers, and pet groomers, we can help you launch your career. To talk to an admissions counselor, call 800-795-3294.
Working as a veterinary assistant is a great way to help animals in need. For someone who has a heart for animals, it may seem like the perfect job, but there are some things you should know about it before pursuing a career. This is one of those jobs where you need to know your strengths and weaknesses. If you underestimate the challenges of working for a veterinarian in a veterinary practice, emergency vet, animal hospital, or other type of facility that takes care of animals, there’s a chance you could fail.
Real Talk About Working as a Vet Assistant
Do vet assistants get to spend a lot of time with cute, furry animals? Of course! And if it were just a matter of being around for well-checks, vaccinations, and spaying/neutering, it would be smooth sailing, emotionally.
But vet assistants see a lot, and I mean a lot. It takes a ton of emotional strength to get through the day, sometimes.
Vet staff watches as animals they’ve come to know and love are euthanized, and it often falls on them to comfort distraught owners. They see animals brought in from the shelter or dropped off by “Good Samaritans” who have been abused, starved, and neglected. Vet assistants can never unsee such things; all that suffering takes a toll.
Even on a day that doesn’t bring that level of trauma, there can still be a lot to deal with. Some pet parents can try the patience of the most professional person. Sometimes the schedule is so crammed full you can’t catch your breath! Not going to lie – it can be stressful.
Veterinary practices are not immune to the staffing shortages that seem to plague most industries these days. Vet assistants can be stretched thin, working long hours and sometimes taking extra shifts to make sure there’s coverage.
Finally, it’s a very physical job. This is not a sitting-around type position. Patients need to be weighed, fed, walked, and monitored; there’s lots of cleaning to be done; and lifting anxious, squirming dogs onto exam tables involves twisting and bending – and they can be heavy!
Oh, and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the job comes with a lot of accidents to clean up, and some of them will be on your clothes.
If you want an easy job, this is definitely not it.
Fortunately, the Benefits of Being a Vet Assistant Outweigh the Challenges
If you’re still reading this, you may be a suitable candidate for a veterinary assistant career! It may be physically and emotionally challenging, but as you probably suspect, there are lots of benefits.
One of the positives is that there’s a lot of need for vet assistants. 86.9 million American households, or 66%, have pets, and at some point, almost all of those fur babies will need veterinary care. In 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected the career is expected to grow by 20% by 2032.
Vet assistants earn a decent living, comparable to other jobs that don’t require a college degree, such as being a receptionist, bank teller, or preschool teacher. Each average is in the mid-$30,000 range. The median vet assistant salary is $34,740. If you like the idea of an interesting job that brings something new every day, being a veterinary assistant qualifies. The variety of animals and people you meet keeps the job engaging. You never know what will walk through the door.
Most vet assistants have a passion for animals, and the fact that they get to help animals every day makes their job rewarding. Being part of a team that keeps animals healthy and saves lives every day makes it a worthwhile career.
And if adorable baby animals are your weakness, you’ll have cuddle opportunities galore! So many puppies and kittens come through for their first shots and well-checks, it never gets old.
Vet assistants rate their job satisfaction in the top 30% of careers. The Career Explorer survey considered salary, job meaningfulness, personality fit, work environment, and skills utilization (in other words, do you make the best use of your abilities?).
You may find you love working in a vet practice so much that you want to advance your career. Getting a vet tech degree takes two to four years, but it comes with a higher salary and the ability to do more medically related tasks than a vet assistant can.
Is Being a Vet Assistant for You?
There’s no way to know until you try it, but if you think vet assisting may be a good career fit, Animal Behavior College can help you get certified in about a year. The program is online, but it also provides real-world experience. Every student must complete 80 hours with a local mentor to complete the program.
While certification is not a job requirement, it can often make employers take notice of you. Lots of people with no qualifications or experience apply, but jobs tend to go to people who know what they’re doing.
An ABC Veterinary Assistant certification demonstrates that you know what the job entails and that you have a lot of hands-on experience and attributes employers appreciate.
For more information on a veterinary assistant career, visit our Vet Assistant Job Information at a Vet Near Me page here, and enroll at Animal Behavior College today!
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