Dog Community

What should I do? Vet Tech?

Posted : 8/15/2008 7:33:01 AM

That is the question I've been asking myself lately. I have been a substitute teacher for the last 2 school years in a district where I went to school and student taught. I was never totally comfortable with the idea of becoming a teacher, but it was the decision I had made in college. The teachers at this school requested me all the time. I worked almost everyday last school year because of that, and that is rare that a sub gets that much work in one building. After the district didn't hire me last year I gave them one more year of my time. This past summer I wasn't called for an interview even though I have been in their district for many years, I student taught there, and I just completed a three month long term position in a third grade room.

I have also been working part time at Petsmarts petshotel for the last 2 years, and eventhough it's not the best job in the world, I love working with the dogs, plus I get a ton of exercise. I have trained almost every new hire and people will often come to me with their questions or problems. Now I have the opportunity to become supervisor since I won't be subbing this year. The money is pretty crappy for what I'll be doing, I won't have the freedom of choosing when I am available and if I decide to go back to school, it will be difficult with this job.

I have been thinking lately about going to vet tech school. There is one very close to me and I am going to set up a time to go visit and ask questions. I have always wanted to work with animals (I actually wanted to be a vet all my life) but college proved to be harder than I thought it would be for me. I just don't know if that is truely what I want to do for the rest of my life.

I know there are some vet techs out there. Share with me some of the pros and cons. I know I can only make my final decision, but I need some help along the way! Thanks Big Smile

Cita

Posted : 8/15/2008 8:12:49 AM

I'm not a tech, but I say go for it! More knowledge can't hurt, right? Even if you go through tech school and decide NOT to be a vet tech, I'm sure having something like that on your resume would be great for other dog-related jobs, right...?

georgie4682

Posted : 8/15/2008 6:48:49 PM

Thanks Cita. I'm starting to get really excited about it even though DH thinks I will find out it's a mistake. I don't think it will be. I think I will love it. I have set up an appointment to go visit the school on Tuesday so we'll see what I think.

GypsyNBeau

Posted : 8/15/2008 8:52:27 PM

I have been trying to figure out what I want to do as well, and training to be a vet tech has crossed my mind too...although I am wondering how well I would be able to support myself on a tech's pay. Anyway, I don't have any advice, but I am interested to see what others have to say.

ETA: Wishing you all the best if you do decide to go through with it! :-)

erica1989

Posted : 8/15/2008 10:58:49 PM

I'm working as a tech, but I'm not certified in anything by euthansia - which is a seperate course anyways. I love what I do - but I stress to everyone, it's not for everyone. It gets stressful, and just because you love animals - does not mean you will love being a tech. I get pooped on, peed on, puked on, stabbed with needles, you name it! - you have to be ok with all of that. It's certainly not a glamorous job, but it is rewarding in it's own way. There is nothing like watching a very sick animal walk out of the room with it's mom - knowing that you were the one that made the difference, and gave that pet a second chance.

What I would do, if I was you, is call around to some local vets offices, and ask if you can shadow the techs for a few hours, just to get a feel. Some vets offices also accept volunteers. I got my 'start' in a shelter, I worked my way 'up' from working in the dog kennels, to working in surgery with the vet. Now I'm working as the head tech for a private rescue group.

I'm finishing up my general ed. stuff now in college, and I think I'm going to go for my CVT - as I can't imagine myself doing anything but what I'm doing. Working in a shelter can be a bit different than working in a clinic - but the basics are all the same. I've had other jobs, but I've been doing this for the longest now - and I love it.

There are other things you can do with animals, that pay. I also do a lot of dog sitting, which I really enjoy as well, plus - I can bring my dog along too. You could look into animal behavior (something else I want to expore more later, although - there is no 'degree' in that, yet). There's a whole bunch of stuff, but getting into a clinic for a few day will really help you decide what you want to do.

georgie4682

Posted : 8/16/2008 5:59:46 AM

Thanks Erica. There's some really good info there. The dirty stuff doesn't really bother me. I already get peed on, pooped on, and sometimes even thrown up on at the kennel so now I just need to get poked by needles LOL Wink

But thanks, I will look into shadowing a vet tech. hopefully going down to the school and talking to someone will also help.

Anonymous

Posted : 8/16/2008 9:29:14 AM

I'm in the same boat as you girl. I have no idea what I want to do as far as career goes. I already graduated college once and didn't think I'd ever consider going back and I am. I want to start a family soon and you can't work promotions and be pregnant. I have been told vet tech by so many people because I love animals, but I know that I wouldn't like it, especially euthanizing. I just couldn't do it. I also don't think that I could ever make enough doing it, I know the pay isn't too well. I definitely think you should shadow a vet or a vet tech for a day, maybe even at your vet office you go too with your dogs. That way you will know for sure if its something you really want to do or not.