The Disadvantages of Being a Veterinary Assistant
A veterinary assistant works under a veterinary technician or technologist by doing such tasks as restraining animals, preparing prescriptions and cleaning the kennels and veterinary equipment. Vet assistants are normally trained on the job, but some complete formal training programs offered by post-secondary schools. In 2008, CareerOneStop listed the median earnings of vet assistants as $10.20 an hour.
Stress
Vet assistants have to deal with a lot of stress. The practice may be busy and hectic, or there may be sick or dying animals in the practice. You may also receive a lot of criticism or orders from the veterinary technicians or veterinarians.
Exposure
Vet assistants may end up being around diseases that may be able to spread from animals to people. Vet assistants might also be exposed to chemicals or other irritants used in cleaning supplies or medications and the radiation from radiographs.
Working Conditions
As a vet assistant, you may have to lift and move equipment and supplies, as well as the animals being treated in the practice. You will also be expected to clean up spills and animal messes that include feces and urine. Depending on your employer, you might also be expected to work nights and weekends or in extreme weather.
Communication
People who don't communicate well or don't know the predominant languages in an area may have a hard time as a vet assistant because of the amount of time spent working with animal owners and co-workers.
The Animals
Since the animals you will be working with are often in pain or sick and are in an unfamiliar area, they are more prone than normal to bite or scratch you when you handle them. Vet assistants are particularly vulnerable because they are the ones who restrain the animals while the vet technician or veterinarian works with them.
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