Veterinary Technician

Work setting

• Animal hospital

Responsibilities

Tasks

• Handle, restrain and care for animals undergoing treatment and surgery
• Assist veterinarian before, during and after surgery
• Prepare and administer medications and vaccines under direction of veterinarian
• Administer treatments as prescribed by veterinarian
• Counsel clients on animal health care
• Produce diagnostic radiographs, collect samples and perform other laboratory tests
• Perform routine animal dental procedures and assist veterinarians with animal dentistry
• Provide nursing care and rehabilitation therapy for animals
• Provide wound and bandage care

Credentials

Certificates, licences, memberships, and courses 

• Registration by a provincial or territorial, or regional association as Registered Animal Health Technologist, Registered Veterinary Technician

Experience and specialization

Area of specialization

• Animal dentistry
• Small animals
• Large animals
• Emergency care

Additional information

Security and safety

• Criminal record check

Work conditions and physical capabilities

• Handling heavy loads
• Attention to detail
• Fast-paced environment
• Bending, crouching, kneeling
• Combination of sitting, standing, walking
• Work under pressure
• Physically demanding

Personal suitability

• Accurate
• Client focus
• Efficient interpersonal skills
• Excellent oral communication
• Excellent written communication
• Flexibility
• Initiative
• Judgement
• Organized
• Team player

Benefits

Health benefits

• Dental plan
• Health care plan
• Paramedical services coverage
• Vision care benefits

Financial benefits

• Bonus

Long term benefits

• Group insurance benefits
• Life insurance
• Other benefits

Other benefits

• Free parking available
• Learning/training paid by employer
• Wellness program