Any vet assistants, technicians,DVMs out there?

I was recently watching "Office Space" for the zillionth time and got to thinking when they asked the question "What would you do if you had a million bucks?" The answer for me was always something to do with caring for animals, but I never pursued it thinking I didn't have the stomach for becoming a vet and not really knowing what other options are out there.

The more I think about it the more working at a vet's office appeals to me. For all my working life, I've been sitting at a desk behind a computer either doing financial reports or generating reports from a database. I want to do work that really matters, and caring for animals really matters to me.

Before I decide if I can handle it, I wanted to get some open and honest opinions from people that work in the field. How did you get started? What are the best and worst parts of the job? How do you handle the death of a pet?

I realize it's smelly work sometimes, but cleaning out the cats litter box has prepared me for that! (Phew! Who knew such little creatures could create such a stink! LOL) And that it's not just playing with pets all day.

Eventually I would want to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician, but that's more of a long term goal. First I would want to start at the bottom and work up. Any advice on how to go about that?

Feel free to PM me or respond to this post. I appreciate any input anyone has. Thanks!

 

...two chicks at the same time, man.

I'm pretty sure most shelters have volunteer positions available, so that might be an entry level position into the field before moving to a vet's office.

I don't think I could do it, it would bother me to see animals in pain/suffering. It's hard enough watching Animal Cops on Animal Planet.

 

LOL!

That's why I could not be an Animal Control Officer. It would tear me up to see what people do to animals.

Just something that I'm thinking about!

 

Izzy, another option is to volunteer at local animal organizations. The Wildlife Rescure League is in great need of people to provide transport of sick and injured wildlife or perhaps you can become certified to care for at home the many orphaned animals that are rescued daily, from raccoons, rabbits, squirrels and birds. Or volunteer to answer the hot line one night a week. Just a suggestion.

 

As for getting started in the field, I know that our vet's office (Ashburn Farm Animal Hospital, by the Giant at Junction Plaza) is currently hiring for most positions (http://ashburnfarmvet.com/careers.html).

Many, many, MANY years ago, I was a "kennel assistant" for a summer at an animal hospital in Herndon. Primary duties included kennel and treatment area cleaning, feedings, dog walking, and pet bathing, but I also got to assist with procedures occasionally and learned a lot from the vet techs. Since I loved animals, it was a fun job that didn't require much experience.

 

I'll second the other comments about volunteering at a shelter. Doing volunteer work in the field you're interested in (while you still have your paying job) can be a great way to see what it's like. Friends of Homeless Animals (www.foha.org) is not far away and has an army of volunteers doing everything from walking the dogs and petting the cats to feeding, cleaning, meds, and more. FOHA's volunteer coordinator is Julie at volunteer4dogs (at) yahoo.com.

 

I have a friend who "fosters" dogs. Not sure about why the dogs are fostered - or from where - but at one time, they took in a pregnant female and then took care of her pups until the pups were all placed. They ended up keeping the mother. Right now, they have a dog who is on her way to a permanent home. You might call the shelter and ask if this would be a volunteer op for you.