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Love Animals? Consider a Career in a Vet's Office

Love Animals? Consider a Career in a Vet's Office

While 2020 might have been a tough year for people, it proved a banner one for many animals. Longing for companionship during quarantine and possessing time to devote to the needs of a pet, numerous households added fury friends.

In fact, 20 percent of respondents to a Nielsen survey this past July said they adopted one or more dogs or cats between March-June 2020, up from less than 5 percent over the same time period the previous year. And even more great news: Shelter euthanasia is down more than 40 percent because of the number of animals finding homes or being fostered!

Since pets require vaccines, check-ups, and medical/health maintenance procedures, it should come as no surprise that demand for veterinary services currently is high and expected to stay strong. O*NET OnLine, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, includes the following careers on its list of Bright Outlook Occupations. This distinction means the occupation is expected to grow rapidly in the next several years or will have a large number of job openings.

Veterinarians

Of course, the first profession one thinks of when envisioning a veterinarian's office is the animal doctor him(her)self. These highly trained professionals provide medical services to their four-legged patients in a manner similar to how a physician cares for humans: evaluating symptoms, running diagnostic tests, performing procedures or surgery, prescribing medicine and treatment, and offering advice on preventative healthcare measures.

  • Standard educational background: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination
  • Job outlook per Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Projected to grow 16 percent from 2019-2029
  • Median pay (2019): $45.90 per hour

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

Providing valuable assistance to veterinarians are technologists and technicians. Their job often involves performing medical procedures that aid with diagnosis, such as drawing blood and taking X-rays. Other sample duties include giving vaccinations, recording the animal's medical history, and talking with pet owners about healthcare.

  • Standard educational background: Associate's or bachelor's degree; most states require passing a credentialing exam offered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards
  • Job outlook per BLS: Projected to grow 16 percent from 2019-2029
  • Median pay (2019): $16.98 per hour

Veterinary Assistants

As the name suggests, vet assistants perform tasks that assist others in the office. Tasks might include keeping rooms clean, sterilizing equipment, helping to restrain animals during procedures, and monitoring animals after surgery. Vet assistants also may interact directly with the "pet patients" by doing things such as bathing them, taking their weight, or transporting them between rooms.

  • Standard educational background: high school diploma
  • Job outlook per BLS: Projected to grow 16 percent from 2019-2029
  • Median pay (2019): $13.75 per hour

For some individuals, employment as a veterinary assistant serves as a great introduction to the field. They see first-hand what goes on in a veterinary clinic or hospital and gain practical experience with animals. This information can help in making a decision on whether or not to pursue the higher education needed for more specialized veterinary occupations. Wages earned as a vet assistant also can help pay college tuition, and the experience looks great on a resume!