How to become A Veterinary Assistant

Animals are inarticulate, helpless and not developed enough to express their pain, thoughts and emotions to humans. A Veterinary Assistant is professionally equipped to assist, test, diagnose and treat animals and relieve them from misery.

• Vet Assistant 

• Veterinarian Assistant

What do Veterinary Assistants do?

A Veterinary Assistant would typically need to:

• Assist veterinarians and vet technicians with laboratory and office work 

• Tend to the animals, maintain their enclosure, sterilise equipment, and administer prescribed medications, usually by mixing them with their food

• Feed, groom, weigh and monitor the animals; exercise them; comfort and restrain them during a medical examination

• Provide first aid care in emergencies and stabilise pets till a qualified veterinarian intervenes

• Handle administrative and clerical duties such as scheduling appointments and getting the animals ready for examination by priority

• Maintain medical records and logs

• Reassure owners about their pet’s medical status; advise them about nutrition and healthcare; explain the system of insurance and appointments 

• Observe and report the animal’s behaviour and health condition to the vet

Most Veterinary Assistants work in clinics and animal hospitals, whereas others work in laboratories, universities and research facilities. 

Veterinary Assistants may take up full-time or part-time work and keep flexible working hours. Those working in 24-hour facilities, such as animal hospitals, may need to work evenings, nights, weekends, or holidays.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Veterinary Assistants can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Veterinary Assistants are generally employed by:

• Veterinary Services

• Schools, Colleges & Universities

• Manufacturers of Pet Supplies

• Scientific Research & Development Services

Professional associations and organisations, such as The World Veterinary Association (WVA), are crucial for Veterinary Assistants interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• The risk of being scratched or bitten when dealing with aggressive and frightened patients that are victims of abuse or very ill 

• The risk of exposure to infections and diseases, given that 61% of human diseases have been transmitted from animals

• Physically strenuous work as you may need to handle large and heavy pets 

• Fulfilling the emotional demands of the job as the work environment may sometimes be sad and unpleasant

• Consoling grieving pet-owners

Employers typically prefer applicants who have hands-on experience working with animals. Any academic program that a potential Veterinary Assistant takes up typically requires a period of supervised experience, such as an internship. In addition, volunteer work at local animal shelters or animal rescue organisations may give you an edge over other applicants. Also, read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working in the veterinary field to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

Aspiring Veterinary Assistants usually need the minimum of a high school diploma or its equivalent, after which they may take up coursework to graduate with a diploma in pet care/vet assistance.

Typically, a two-year associate degree at a community college that offers a Veterinarian Assistant program teaches you primary medical care, anatomy, physiology, vet terminology, and animal nursing. It is also helpful to learn diagnostic imaging.

High school courses in biology, zoology and chemistry can help you develop some of the knowledge and skills you require as a Veterinary Assistant. 

Certification demonstrates a Veterinary Assistant’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. 

Even though certification is optional, it may help you stand out by demonstrating your competency in animal husbandry, health & welfare, and facility administration while advancing your career opportunities once you gain experience.

A license to work is not mandatory.  

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for promotion every two to three years. 

With two to five years of experience in veterinary care, you will progress to senior roles, such as Veterinary Supervisor. You can also become a Veterinary Trainer whose responsibility is training newly hired veterinarians and assistants. You can also opt to work as a Vet Nurse after the completion of relevant courses and training. There are also opportunities for you to enter academia at universities & colleges and the research sector. 

You can become a practising Veterinarian by completing a veterinary degree and then taking up general practice. 

Candidates with an associate degree paired with relevant work experience have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Veterinary Assistant build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. 

Your degree program will typically teach you about pharmacology, anaesthesia, surgical assisting and aseptic techniques, which means you will acquire skills to prep an animal for surgery and take its vital statistics, including weight and heart rate. Towards the end of the program, you will learn about patient procedures and office work. 

Employers typically provide on-the-job training to help you develop specific skills. 

CPD activities include attending training courses, seminars and lectures, seeking mentorship in your practice, and researching or reading relevant journals. 

Based on your interests and aspirations, you may also pursue a master’s degree in specialities such as dermatology, acupuncture or cardiology. 

Vet Tech vs Vet Assistant

Vet Assistants have a relatively faster entry into the field than vet techs to begin helping animals and veterinarians.

Vet techs are comparatively more qualified and advanced in knowledge and skills than Vet Assistants. They are responsible for administering anaesthesia, suturing wounds, extracting teeth, and making portholes for catheter placement.

Related Roles

A veterinary receptionist’s primary job is to serve at the reception desk. However, in the absence of a Vet Assistant in emergency cases, the vet receptionist should be able to take over and assist the animal by providing first aid.

Animal products are sold by veterinary sales managers who can explain the purpose and benefits of a product better than a layperson as they have a deeper understanding and knowledge of animals and their requirements. 

Veterinary Assistants work under the supervision of veterinary supervisors, who keep a tab on the assistant’s capabilities and assign work accordingly. 

Veterinary drugs, like drugs for humans, need official approval before market release. Drug manufacturers must share evidence, such as data from clinical trials, to prove a drug’s safety.

Making a career out of the unconditional love you have for animals can be both challenging and rewarding. A Veterinary Assistant who can balance multiple duties and manage employers’ and pet owners’ expectations is well suited for this job.  

Reach out cautiously with your hand, to begin with, as animals rely on scent recognition. Approaching your patients from the side and getting on their level, eye-to-eye, is less threatening to them. Keep treats handy but confirm with the owner if they are suitable for the pet before handing them out. Stay calm as your anxiety may rub off on the animals you are examining or treating. Let small pets remain in their carriers, if possible, to give them a sense of security and familiarity.