Veterinary Technician

Veterinary technnicians often find work as animal trainers and caretakers who take care of feeding, training, grooming and exercise of animals, cleaning and repairing animal cages and pens, and any other activities to care for animals. They are typically employed by laboratories, zoological parks, aquariums, veterinary clinics and hospitals, boarding kennels, and grooming facilities.

Those animal caretakers employed in boarding kennels are known as kennel attendants. Boarding kennels care for pets while their owners are away.

Those individuals who groom animals are called groomers. Groomers generally work in settings such as clinics, kennels, shelters, pet supply and grooming salons.

In animal shelters caretakers may typically handle some administrative duties, and receive phone calls, as well as carry out tests and treatment for animals in their care. Sometimes they administer vaccinations under the supervision of veterinarians.

Individuals who work in stables are called grooms. Grooms saddle and unsaddle, give rubdowns and walks to horses, as well as groom, feed, clean, organize the harness, bridles and the saddle.

In zoos, animal caretakers are known as keepers. Zoo keepers prepare food, help in raising the young animals, feeding animals, and cleaning of enclosures. They keep a watch for illness and injury and also maintain records of animal diet and behavior.

Work Environment

Working with animals means that the work area may be dirty and smelly.  In addition, working with animals can be emotionally challenging. Work may keep the caretakers outdoors in varying conditions. Irregular working hours and working weekends and holidays are common in this profession.

Educational Requirements

Many veterinary technician candidates are trained on the job and prior experience with animals is helpful. An Associate or Bachelor Degree in veterinary technology, biology, marine biology, psychology, zoology and certificates in Scuba diving, swimming etc. along with personal character traits such as sensitivity, and patience are beneficial. Training and workshops are provided to interested candidates through various NGOs and government bodies.

Job Prospects and Salary

Opportunities are abundant in this  field as people are always moving on to other careers. This creates an ever growing need for new recruits.

Besides this, overall growth in this sector is expected to grow far more than the others. Increase in pet owners is constantly giving rise to the demand for animal professionals.

Salary ranges from $10.60 per hour to $20.62 per hour.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.