On becoming a vet tech. I've become very interested in animals since I got my cats I have always loved animals and was interested what I need to know about becoming a vet tech, the good, bad and the ugly. any information on what I should know about going into this. I'm also a little scared about changing careers so I need to know what I'm getting myself into.
2006-07-29 14:11:43 · 4 answers · asked by catloverme123 7 in Pets ➔ Cats
You know in order to be a vet tech you must be certified which means you must graduate from a certified program. Purdue University has one you can take online. I am a vet assistant and I work LONG hours without a lot of thanks. You must be able to stand blood,odors and be able to handle euthanzing animals and having animals dying during surgery.
2006-07-29 14:18:20 · answer #1 · answered by leftygirl_75 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, I graduated from the Parkland Veterinary Technology program in 2005. If you are just interested in cats, I would tell you that you're going to need more interests. You deal with all sorts of animals, including dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, the list goes on. It is a very hard program to do, and you go as a full time student. I went into the program once I graduated high school and let me tell you, the classes that are needed would have been easier if I took them before the program. I passed the classes w/ no problem, but study time was every day when I wasn't sleeping. We had three or four study groups and tests and/or quizzes everyday in a class or two. I enjoyed it, I love animals and I love my job now, but if you only want to love animals, this is probably not the career for you. You have to deal w/ really cranky clients, all animals are not as nice as one would think, diseases that can be easily transferred, flea and tick problems and infestations, hit by cars, emergencies that some pets just don't pull through, etc. It's a very hard job to do and to be satisfied, but I love it. I am also certified to euthanize animals, which not a lot of techs like doing. You study your butt off for the boards, which were not that terribly hard, but you get so scared to take them. If you have any more questions, feel free to chat w/ me online. Yahoo is evilchshrcat, aim is EvilChshrCat, and msn is evilchshrcat@hotmail.com. I'm also kinda sorry for a possibility of being short, but I just got released from the hospital. I got hit by a truck while biking to work and I'm on some really heavy pain pills.
2006-07-29 14:53:20 · answer #2 · answered by koneko-chan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look up that career in your area's Salary Averages for the previous year...it's part of the number crunching that governments do.
Most vet techs are 'study as you go'. Test it first to see if it's for you-volunteer a couple of hours at the local shelter for a while. Don't select a No Kill shelter either-vet techs are required to assist with the euthanization of animals, most often in the presence of the owner if they insist. An office may go easy at first but it will be a requirement, so see if you can handle it. This was, by far, the hardest part of my job as a vet tech and volunteer with local shelters and Humane Society.
The AVMA has a great site..gives you details and information on the job, studies, etc. I provided the specific link for you to the Vet Tech section.
It's a lot of fun, pays not real great, and it's rewarding. Good luck
2006-07-29 14:21:15 · answer #3 · answered by southrngirl2724 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you can not put a pet down than you need to find other work involving animals . you may try retraining greyhounds that are retired from racing after 3 years. they are put down , they can be retrained and adopted to a loving family. they are very smart and loving and appreciate a good home after 3 years of hard work.they need lots of excercise and room to run. you may check on line for greyhound rescues or any other type of dog rescues. you can than know hard work that is very rewarding since you love animals
2006-07-29 15:21:37 · answer #4 · answered by petloverlady 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋