If you have a love of animals, you may have considered a job in the veterinary industry. Veterinary surgeons, technicians, and nurses are supported in their role by vet assistants who carry out a range of crucial responsibilities at the surgery.
If you’re wondering how to get a job as a vet assistant, here’s what you need to know.
What does a vet assistant do?
Vet assistants work alongside veterinary surgeons to provide care for small animals in the surgery. Vet assistants may be tasked with caring for the hospitalised animals whilst they are at the surgery by feeding, exercising, monitoring, and grooming them as well as cleaning and preparing their accommodation. They may also have administrative duties such as record keeping or reception duties.
Vet assistants have to assist in treatment by restraining the animals to be treated and preparing the theatre for surgery. They may also be required to help perform lab work by taking blood or urine samples from the animals.
What qualifications are required to be a vet assistant?
The first thing that needs mentioning is that you don’t actually need a degree or any dedicated qualification to get a job as a vet assistant, and you can be trained on the job. However, you must be at least 16 years of age and prospective employers may want some relevant experience in caring for animals.
One way to increase your chances of getting a vet assistant job is by volunteering at a veterinary practice, where you will get hands-on experience. There are also some training courses that can prepare you for the role or broaden your experience such as the College of Animal Welfare’s Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Care Assistants.
What personal attributes and skills are required?
Whilst you may not need a specific qualification to get a job as a vet assistant, there are some personal attributes and traits that will serve you well in the profession.
Teamwork
As a vet assistant, you will be part of a team that is responsible for the wellbeing of all animal patients. You will always be working closely with the vet surgeon and nurses and will need to follow their instructions in order to provide the best possible care.
Dedication
Another trait you will need to succeed as a vet assistant is dedication. You may be required to work long shifts, as well as weekends and evenings, and this can be physically and mentally taxing.
Emotional strength
As a vet assistant, you may treat animals that are in serious distress or who need to be euthanised, and this will naturally take a toll. In these moments, you will need to remain strong and not become overwhelmed, so that you can continue administering care to the best of your ability.
People skills
To get a job as a vet assistant, you will need good people skills. You need to build trusting relationships with your colleagues, and you must be able to communicate effectively with pet owners during what can be a very stressful situation for them. You may also need to explain how to administer proper aftercare, such as what medications the animal needs to be given and when.
Focus
The surgery can be a very distracting and high-pressure work environment with a lot going on, but you will need to remain focused through all of this so that you can still follow instructions carefully and carry out your role.
Hopefully, this guide has been helpful in instructing you how to get a job as a vet assistant. Vet assistants are integral parts of the team at the surgery, and whilst the role can be challenging, it can also be an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling career.
To get started, you can view our available vacancies.