16 Pros and Cons of Being a Veterinary Technician

Are you passionate about taking care of animals?

If so, a career as a veterinary technician may suit you well.

The main duty of a vet tech is to improve the health of the animals they are caring for.

But, if you’re still on the fence about whether this is the route you should go down, this guide will provide you with a host of pros and cons to help you with your decision.

Pros of Being a Veterinary Technician

First, let’s take a look at the advantages of becoming a veterinary technician.

1. Good Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, the job outlook for vet techs is expected to rise to 15% between 2020 and 2030.

This is higher than the average increase for other professions.

Furthermore, there may also be a high increase in demand for experienced vet techs to fill positions once others retire or transition to other careers.

The good news is that there is always a demand to fill positions as vet techs due to their job duties.

2. Host of Varying Tasks

The good thing about being a vet tech is that you get to perform a lot of different tasks on a daily basis.

Vet techs see many different patients on a typical day.

Depending on the needs of the patient, they will be in charge of providing the care.

Vet techs not only work with cats and dogs, but they may travel to care for zoo animals and even livestock.

There’s never a dull moment being a vet tech.

3. Rewarding Career

A vet tech’s job is extremely rewarding and can also be emotionally fulfilling.

Vet techs change lives every day in both animals and in their owners.

They have a duty to prevent deterioration in the health of animals.

They also play a huge role in diagnosing and treating diseases in animals.

They utilize their experience and skills to ensure all animals are given the best care possible.

4. Physically Active Career

If you enjoy being physically active, you will enjoy working as a vet tech.

Because vet techs work directly with animals, they are in charge of carrying out assessments and treating them.

Sometimes they may come across animals that are hard to deal with which means they must be physically restrained.

If you’re up for the physical challenge, the opportunity to become a vet tech awaits you.

5. Make a Difference in the Lives of Pets & People

You have the chance to make a difference in the lives of both pets and their owners just by being a vet tech.

The work that you perform will have a direct impact on everyone that crosses your path.

Pet owners depend on you to provide high-quality care to their pets, whether it’s a routine check-up or a severe illness.

6. Room for Growth

Becoming a vet tech means you will have plenty of room for advancement.

Whether you are considering taking on a leadership role or performing research in your field, those opportunities will present itself at the right time.

As a vet tech, you will gain new experience and learn new skills that will help you advance to a new career path within the medical field.

7. Educational Career

There’s a lot to learn before you become a vet tech.

But the education doesn’t stop there.

Once you become a vet tech you will continue to learn new things.

Additionally, you will be able to share what you know with the public.

You will have a strong knowledge of the health and well-being of animals.

You will also work with veterinarians to discuss different matters with patients.

8. Good Salary

The starting salary alone for vet techs is $36,260 each year, according to a report from BLS.

This salary equals to $17.43 per hour.

However, the potential to earn more is certainly possible.

The highest 10 percent made more than $50,000 each year.

Depending on the state in which you reside, your exact salary may vary.

States such as New York, California, Washington, and New Hampshire pay more than the national average.

Cons of Being a Veterinary Technician

Now that we’ve discussed the pros of being a vet tech, let’s dive into the cons of this profession.

1. Unpredictable Animal Behavior

Animal behavior can be extremely unpredictable.

You will encounter various types of animals working as a vet tech.

For instance, some animals may react negatively while getting their nails clipped.

It’s possible for animals to even bite other animals or even the technician.

It’s important that you understand these things, so you aren’t caught off guard.

2. Stressful Encounters

If you don’t work well under stress, a veterinary tech may not be suitable for you.

Vet techs expose themselves to a variety of animals on a daily basis.

They may see rare cat or dog breeds and species they have never worked with before.

There’s a lot of unpredictability that comes with the nature of this job.

You may not always know what’s waiting for you behind those doors.

3. Tough Job

As emotionally fulfilling as a job working as a vet tech could be, it isn’t always sunshine and roses.

After all, a job as a vet tech is considered tough.

You will have to put in long work hours.

Also, the job is physically demanding because you will be moving and carrying anxious and fidgety animals.

If you work in an emergency clinic, you will find that work hours will be much more stressful.

4. Patience is Required

You must have patience working with animals and their owners.

Many times pet owners are under a lot of stress when they bring their pets to the doctor.

You will face many challenges when dealing with scared animals and communicating with pet owners.

As a vet tech, you will need a lot of patience to carry on with your job.

5. Euthanasia Exposure

Many studies conducted in the past have shown that individuals exposed to euthanasia in addition to other stressors have contributed to exhaustion.

Compassion fatigue is when you are too tired from being sympathetic to animals and pet owners who are suffering.

These feelings can lead you to feel helpless and doubtful about your job.

These are things that vet techs and other staff members working in vet clinics experience every day.

6. Increase of Injuries

According to BLS reports, vet techs experience an increased rate of work-related injuries compared to other professions.

Animals that are fearful and under a lot of stress tend to scratch, kick, and bite people.

Heavier animals may even try to wrestle their way out of treatment, which can create more risks.

Furthermore, there are animals that may have infectious diseases that they can pass on to humans.

Finally, there’s a risk when being exposed to drugs, chemicals, and X-rays.

7. Abandon Self-Care

Those who work in vet clinics and care for animals on a daily basis spend their time tending to the well-being of different animals.

Many times, this focus is strong and may result in a tendency to neglect self-care.

This means you may neglect simple things like eating healthy, practicing stress management, and getting enough rest.

Burnout is a real thing in the medical field.

It can prevent vet techs from moving forward with education to help them advance.

8. Deal With Animals that are Suffering

While it may bring you a lot of joy to help sick and injured animals, there’s also a downside to this.

You will have to deal with emotional pain as you care for animals that are stressed, afraid, and simply suffering.

You may find it hard to cope, especially when dealing with animals who have extensive injuries in urgent care facilities.

Should You Become a Veterinary Technician?

Vet techs must love animals, have good communication and people skills, and enjoy learning.

If you have a strong work ethic and a lot of patience, you may succeed as a vet tech.

However, you must also consider the downside to the job.

Vet techs work long hours and deal with many stressful situations.

Sometimes they are in charge of administering euthanasia to animals who are simply afraid.

This is a job that requires you to pay attention to not only pets and their owners but to your own well-being.

If you are able to successfully balance the demands of your job duties and self-care, this could very well be a rewarding career for you.

Pros and Cons of Being a Veterinary Technician Summary Table