Many people who love caring for animals choose to become a Veterinary Care Assistant. You can study for a diploma to various levels, and there is specific qualification if you wish to become a Veterinary Care Assistant.
There are some basic skills that all Veterinary Care Assistants need to demonstrate. They work in Animal Hospitals, Clinics and Theatres, so you should be prepared to play an active role in a Veterinary team. A level of physical fitness that allows you to stay active and focused for long periods of time is also a must. Some shifts will require you to be available at weekends and evenings, so a rest day may not always be easy to plan! A good Veterinary Care Assistant should be strong enough to lift animals safely and handle them in a secure fashion. A good level of dexterity is therefore a plus, as you’ll not only be handling the limbs, feet and mouths of small animals, but also intricate equipment such as needles and stitches. Whilst a veterinary assistant doesn’t have to make medical decisions like a surgeon, they will be expected to understand and follow medical instructions. So, while you’ll train and learn on the job, a basic understanding of the biology, anatomy and dentistry appertaining to the animals you’re likely to examine will certainly be useful. A Veterinary Care Assistant also handles medical equipment such as Xray machines and should be comfortable with their use, cleaning and maintenance. Sometimes you’ll be required to take notes, access records and update files, so a proficiency with computers will definitely come in handy. If you’re accustomed to medical software and can work with basic office and spreadsheet programmes, this will put you in good stead.
Perhaps the most important quality of a veterinary assistant, however, is a compassionate personality. Since caring for animals will be at the heart of everything you do in your job, it should be the reason you want to work in a Veterinary environment. You’ll be exercising, grooming and feeding the Animals that visit your clinic. So you need to really want to care for them to ensure their treatment is of a high quality. A Veterinary Care Assistant will not only be expected to be kind hearted towards sick or injured animals, but also sympathetic when dealing with pet-owners who will often be distressed or upset. A calm demeanour and ability to explain medical treatments in a clear manner will be huge assets. Part of your role will be to educate clients and visitors about medical procedures, so it’s essential that you understand them well enough yourself to pass on the information in a way that’ll be accessible to all.