Jobs with animals.....

RN2B4ABBY · Jan 1, 2004

I use to a vet tech also and I made $6.00/hour w/ no benefits. But I will let you in on something my vet told me when I was working there...pet physical therapist. They make as much as vets, if not more than some, (at least in my area) and people pay for it for their pets! Hit by cars, old, injury...there a many reasons that a vet will refer a patient to a pet PT. They are also few and far between so if you are one and you gain the area vet's trust and respect you will have a workload on your hands. You would have to look more into it. I think some are just actually PTs for people. This link gives some info and it has quite a few other links that will be helpful. Animals are wonderful and good luck working with them! I think you will love it!

http://www.doggiefun.com/updates/careerpath2.shtml

Fuzzy · Jan 1, 2004

Hi Everyone,

This is my first post after lurcking for awhile. I have been in the veterinary field for nearly eighteen years. The last twelve has been in the position as a veterinary technician. Over the years, there hae been a lot of changes some good some not so good. The good is that the pay and benefits have gotten better. It's all a matter of looking around. Veterinarians have learned that technicians save them alot of time and work so they are trying to pay accordingly. Remember that animals are still considered property so most are not insured. This means that the OVH (ovariohysterectomy) on your dog is going to be at least ten times LESS than what the same procedure is on a human. In most cases (progressive practice), the anesthetic will be the same (isoflorane or sevofl); the procedure done with sterile packs, drapes, cap, gown, etc.; the anesthetic monitoring done using BP monitor, SpO2, ECG, etc.; trained staff to place an IV catheder, induce anesthesia, monitor and prep the patient; and a surgeon (veterinarian) to do the procedure. The dog is than monitored in recovery until it goes home. All of this for usually less than $200. Anterior cruciate repair will run around $1000 to $3000 on your dog depending on where it's done. Pretty cheap when compared to humans I must say. So that's probably the biggest reason why the wages are so low. The equipment used on animals is quite expensive just like in human medicine. It just takes the veterinarian longer to pay his off.

The veterinary technician in private practice is a "jack of all trades". The tech. usually induces and monitors anesthesia; preps surgical cases; recovers after the surgery; runs lab work on blood, urine, feces, exudates, transudates,etc,; provides client education to owners; takes a medical history and starts examinations; gives treatments and medications as directed; does triage in emergencies; provides first aid and stablization in emergencies; does radiology and sometimes ultrasoundography; cleans cages and kennels; does reception work sometimes; provides counselling for grief stricken adults and childern for pets who have died or has been diagnosed with a terminal illness; provides behavior counselling for clients whose pets maybe euthanized or taken to the pound for behavioral problems; and the list goes on and on.... There are also vet tech specialties in the areas of anesthesiology, critical care/emergency, and dentistry. Technicians in specialty practices are usually paid more but still not nearly as much as a specialist in the human medical field. While I don't make as much money as I'd like to (I'd just spend it anyways) I love this profession. I love working with animals and animal owners. I love doing something different all the time (multi-tasking). The challenges in veterinary medicine are very rewarding. Our patients have a very hard time telling us where it hurts so we have to be closer to our patients and clients in order to find the problem. Even better we get to see our patients when they are well as when they come in for their vaccinations and/or yearly exams. Not all of our patients are sickwhen they come through our front door.

For more information go to:

http://www.NAVTA.net

http://www.wheretechsconnect.com

Both will give a fair assessment of the field, schools and training, and job possibilities. Good luck in making you're decision. Remember if you're looking for money this is not the field for you. However, the rewards are wonderful.