Q&A: What is it like to be a Vet Tech?

Veterinary care has become increasingly more advanced over the decades, with today’s dogs and cats having more options than ever for treatment. But while we hear about the highly trained Veterinarians, many pet parents are unfamiliar with the vital role Veterinary Technicians play in the health and well-being of our pets. Veterinary Technicians or “Vet Techs” are crucial to the modern pet care world.

Vet Techs deserve our gratitude year-round for all they do, though October is specially designated for Vet Tech Appreciation. With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at this crucial veterinary position and the significant impact these dedicated individuals have on your pet’s health and quality care.

Who are Veterinary Technicians?

If you have a dog or cat, there’s a good chance you’ve already encountered Veterinary Technicians at your pet’s health appointments. Vet Techs form the backbone of veterinary medicine — they are skilled, highly-trained professionals who work with Veterinarians to provide pet examinations, diagnosis, and treatment.

In a single day, a Veterinary Technician may wear a wide variety of hats: nurse, oral hygienist, x-ray technician, pet health advocate, pharmacy technician, phlebotomist, emergency first responder, lab technician, surgical assistant, client educator, and beyond! Undergoing rigorous training to become proficient in these roles, Vet Techs are indispensable team members at veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and veterinary research facilities.

Q&A with a Veterinary Technician

Jacquie Mero knows being a Vet Tech is a more complex role than it may appear. As both the Vice President of Claims at Trupanion and a former licensed Veterinary Technician in the Seattle area, she’s an experienced professional in the world of veterinary health and has seen more than her share of pet illnesses and injuries.

In this interview with Trupanion’s Pet Parenting, Mero provides insight on the different kinds of responsibilities Veterinary Technicians have as well as the various challenges (and rewards!) that come with the job.

Q: What exactly does a Vet Tech do?

Mero: Vet Techs assist Veterinarians in treating animals in a broad range of tasks! They commonly take vital signs, draw blood and collect urine for diagnostic tests, provide emergency first aid, monitor anesthesia, administer and fill prescriptions, plus a bunch of other responsibilities that can vary and shift with each day and each patient.

Vet Techs are also very much the ‘face’ of the animal hospital in that they spend time talking and connecting with pet owners, answering questions about their pet’s health, and educating them on how to best care for their pet.

Q: What inspired you to become a Vet Tech?

Mero: A love of medicine and animals. It really takes a passion for the work to do this job successfully.

Q: What other qualities should every Vet Tech have in order to be successful?

Mero: Patience, good communication, and attention to detail are all musts.

Q: What kind of training is involved?

Mero: This can vary a bit based on where someone lives. Completion of an accredited, two-year associate’s degree program is typically the minimum requirement to become a Veterinary Technician, though many go on to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology or a related field of study. Some also specialize in specific areas of veterinary medicine, especially if they are looking at working at specialty animal hospital or emergency and critical care.

Then there’s actual location certification. For example, Vet Techs in Washington State need to pass a state board examination as well as the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). They also have to show proof of graduation from an accredited program in order to obtain a valid license to be a Vet Tech in the state, which must then be renewed every year. Approved continuous accreditation training is required to renew this license.

And of course, there’s lots and lots of on-the-job training!

Q: Can veterinary hospitals function without Vet Techs?

Mero: No! Vet Techs are one of several key roles working alongside others in a veterinary setting. Veterinary support staff (receptionists, kennel staff, assistants, and Vet Techs, among others) all work to fulfill vital needs that keep animal hospitals going. Vet Techs in particular work hard every day to ensure that all of their pet patients are getting the care they need.

What’s the most rewarding thing about being a Vet Tech?

Mero: Getting a really clean IV catheter placement is incredibly satisfying. It’s trickier than it may seem! Sure it can be tough to do on humans too, but the average human patient isn’t going to wiggle around and possibly bite you before you’ve even tried to insert a needle. Or pee all over the place unexpectedly.

At the end of the day though, building relationships with clients and their pets is always the most rewarding thing. Knowing that they trust you to help their family member have the best health outcomes possible sparks those moments where you realize the job is truly worth it and important.

Q: What is the most challenging thing about being a Vet Tech?

Mero: In my opinion, navigating conversations with pet owners who are in a very stressful situation [is the most challenging thing]. They have a sick pet, often unexpectedly. They’re scared and emotional, and it can be tough to prevent these emotions from coming to the surface.

That’s actually a large part of why I’m at Trupanion today. I saw first-hand that having a patient with pet medical insurance really helps with these difficult conversations — removing financial burdens from the discussion gives pet owners one less thing to worry about.

Q: Any other notable challenges that come with the job?

Mero: Yes, quite a few. It’s a rewarding job but definitely a very challenging one, and everyone looking to become a Vet Tech should know that it’s not just about being around cute dogs and cats all day. Poor patient outcomes combined with high turnover rates, low compensation, and just generally over-worked staff are major challenges that many Veterinary Technicians face.

It’s a stressful job, and we don’t always make room for a healthy work-life balance when the health and wellbeing of patients is at stake. It can wear down even the best people — there’s a big problem with depression burnout among Vet Techs, and finding qualified replacements for those who end up leaving is often challenging. There are times when you have to take a moment and remember that it’s all about the animals at the end of the day. Every successful treatment is a victory for all involved.

Show Vet Tech Appreciation with Trupanion

Veterinary Technicians serve vital roles in animal health care. Even so, they are often the unsung heroes of the veterinary world, keeping it running smoothly from behind the scenes without being thanked.

That’s why it’s important to show your appreciation and respect at every appointment. It’s also worth keeping in mind that your pet is not the only one they are seeing that day, and there’s no telling how their other interactions went.

Consider sending your vet team a nice card or another token of appreciation. Pets need checkups and treatment throughout the year, so showing you care about the work Vet Techs do doesn’t have to only be during October Vet Tech Appreciation! Even just a little recognition can go a long way — it’s something that many Vet Techs do not receive on a regular basis.

When asked how pet parents and the veterinary community can best show their support, Mero keeps it simple: “I always appreciated food for the break room! But really, just showing patience and kindness with all of your veterinary staff.”

What are you doing to show vet tech appreciation? Use the hashtag #VetTechLove and tag @Trupanion on Facebook or Instagram and help spread the love for Veterinary Technicians everywhere!