Pros and Cons to Being a Vet Tech

Have you been thinking about becoming a veterinary technician? Are you trying to decide if you should stay in the field, or advance your skills? In this video I review my pros and cons to working in the field, and why I feel being in the veterinary field is so rewarding.
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/ jenniferlyonsvts
/ @jenniferlyonsvts

[@elle7856]

When we had to put my 14 year old lab down, I was blown away by how incredible everyone at my vet clinic was. My doggy loved them and was so happy to be there, they gave him treats and so much love, we all sat down together with him and petted him to sleep, and he was none the wiser. I thought it would be more traumatic, but he didn't suffer at all that I could see. I was so thankful to everyone there for such a peaceful, loving experience for him. Thank you so much for what you do!

[@natashadandeli]

if you don't mind sharing, what hospital was this?

[@heyheyokay592]

This video made me realize that my sudden want to become a vet tech isn’t poor impulse control. After the new year I’m gonna look for schools! Thank you so much!

[@mmoll13]

I hope you follow through and continue with your dream!

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Good luck! PennFoster is an online program that’s both popular and sometimes part of the cost can covered by certain companies (usually larger corporations like BluePearl, MedVet, maybe NVA although I don’t have personal experience with them).

[@RozaRosa353]

San Juan College is an online program that is great too if you haven't found anything that suits you yet. The clinicals can take place at your local vet@@mmoll13

[@odessae.7173]

Starting my first day tomorrow as a vet tech at a 24 hour emergency animal hospital. I am nervous but also excited!

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

I hope it went great!

[@apdroidgeek1737]

How did it go?!

[@jamiewhite5839]

Thank you so so much for posting this and being so honest about your feelings in this career 💛 it's a difficult job but it's so so rewarding in the end

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

It's definitely a hard job, but helping the pets makes it worth it.

[@SubOhmN8]

Thank you for making this video, and for your honesty in describing the pros and cons of this occupation. The emotional attachment is what would be most difficult, for me anyway. I have long considered becoming a vet tech, and hopefully a DVM one day. We are all these animals have, they can't heal themselves or tell us what's wrong. They depend on us, just as much as we depend on them. I think I've decided. Thank you again.

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Becoming emotionally attached to my patients is definitely a struggle. In the end I feel like it makes me a better nurse, even if it makes some days harder to get through.

[@FiinalForm]

What’s a DVM? I’m interested in this field of work and i’m just learning all about it

[@ravinmorris3230]

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

[@jettnatchez4776]

Thank you for so much helpful information! Made me cry but it didn’t detour me💜

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

I’m glad it helped! It’s definitely a hard field to be in, but we just have to remember we are here to save pets ❤️

[@chrisskinner7859]

Awesome video . . Super informative, and seemed like fact spitting without bias . . THANKYOU SO MUCH FOR DOING THIS . . MUCH APPRECIATED !!!!

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Thank you so much!

[@arianaacosta9978]

So glad I found your channel, your videos are very much appreciated by us vet med students or new employees, I love watching your videos they give such good information your amazing for going outta your way to make them ❤

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Thank you so much! More to come soon!

[@user-st2xg5di1p]

Thank you for your advice ❤❤❤❤

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Thank you for watching!

[@NinaToguro2023]

Thanks so much on the infos you have shared about becoming a veterinarian technician with the pros and cons. I appreciate it. It does sound rewarding. I am interested in becoming a vet tech. I do love animals.

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Thank you so much!

[@pathommakan7097]

Thank you for the honesty, I see a lot of people who don’t share what you talked about. Thank you

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Thank you!

[@maevemathew]

Loved..loved this video! Please do more of these informative videos! You've got a new subscriber.

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Thank you so much! More coming soon!

[@Trailvagabonds]

Lovely video Jen! Getting to help so many pets definitely outweighs all of the cons! 💛💛💛

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Thank you so much!

[@sam-ri1zq]

Thank you for making a more positive video about vet med! It’s encouraging to hear compared to a lot of the negative videos out there

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Thank you so much! I agree there are a lot of pretty negative videos/view points about veterinary medicine these days. A lot of days are hard, but in the end we get to help pets!

[@bane_95_]

I've been considering this field for a year now. This video is just the kind of information I was looking for. This has really helped me confirm that this is where I'll find my purpose. Thank you! P.S. you're very pretty :)

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Thank you so much, and good luck with your journey!

[@ruthflorence]

My favourite thing about being a veterinary nurse is getting to know my patients and learning all their special quirks. Whether that’s the little things that make a difference to their hospital stay, or creating individual care plans based on their illnesses. Oh, and I love seeing cats every day! ❤ Hi from a U.K. veterinary nurse 🇬🇧

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Agreed (especially about the kitties)!

[@Celeste_51]

Hi can I just ask would you say as a U.K. vet nurse do you receive a liveable wage and ever get time off for holidays in England? - from an English teenager wondering about becoming a vet nurse💓🐎🐱🐶 p.s I’m sorry if that question is too personal

[@ruthflorence]

@@Celeste_51 Hi! That’s not too personal and a great question to ask if you’re interested in the career. Most vet nurses get 28-30days of annual leave/holiday each year, and if you stay in a clinic for a long time this allowance increases. I work night shifts so I get lots of time off, I currently work 4 nights on and 8 nights off - so there are different shift patterns which increase your holiday if that’s important to you. In terms of pay, we have seen a large increase in salary for vet nurses since the pandemic (one factor for this is due to a large number of nurses leaving clinics). This means that many clinics are now offering a starting salary for a vet nurse at around £30k, which has increased a lot in the last 5 years. In terms of salary range as you become more experienced, at the moment you are unlikely to see that salary go over £40k in a head nurse role. I hope this answers your question 🐾🩺

[@brendanfreeman2134]

This is rad! 👏🏼 Do one on arterial blood draws and blood press monitoring! Please 🙏🏼 ☺️

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

I've been collecting material just for this!

[@oxjuliaaaxo]

After my cat hid her cancer until her last week of life, I want to do this so bad. I lost my soul mate that day. Almost 3 months ago. I'm currently a delivery driver, and the amount of agressive and sick animals I have to deal with is insane. I don't get paid for that. But it would be nice if I did. Ive applied for aid, and got accepted into college for my bachelors in animal health. I want to be what my vet techs have been for me.

[@gianttigerfilms]

Look into a well paying part time job because as a tech you make nothing, I can’t even afford basic rent by myself after working as a tech for 3 years Not all doctors will respect you, won’t listen to histories, and will say bs like if they were an octopus you’d be out of a job.

[@_skud]

thanks for posting this. I've got passion for animals but the pay i've seen being talked about is trash. like can only afford an apartment trash. gotta look out for me and my own first but big respect to those who do this work. i've worked at a clinic before it is definitely hectic

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

You definitely have to take care of yourself first. Good luck!

[@Themysticplantguy]

I like how you explain your video about the pros and the cons. Unfortunately the one by Clinic on the only male tech and they don’t really make Feel wanted, but that’s been my problem with many clinics and a lot of the times there’s not that many males and Izzy to just one or two and I love the clinic they have their so-called clicks and they already have established a friendship group so when you when you join that you’re just kind of the strain wolf in the pack but I do find that with a lot of the technicians they Don’t really want to share their knowledge, at least towards the men but if a female will come into the she will be excepted and will be given all the knowledge that she needs. I’ve noticed this in a lot of clinics that I’ve done my externship and it sucks because it makes you feel excluded. I remember this one Clinic I did my externship at and the Doctor Who ran the practice, She buys coffee and lunch every Tuesday for everyone and I was included, but the girls didn’t like that I was included so they made it a part of their day to forget my order or say that they didn’t prepare my order so that I wouldn’t be part of their lunch and then at the current clinic I’m at none of the female staff wanna train me but one and she is already getting overwhelmed with her duties so it’s gonna be pretty rare if she trains me. But it’s hard because I really enjoy the field and I enjoy working with animals but I don’t want to go for premed and work with a practice with a bunch of toxic people. I do hope that I find a practice in my future that will accept me as a male and will accept me as an equal and won’t not wanna train me but honestly, I don’t think that is in my future at least in the field and area I’m in and it sucks because the type of conversation that I would like to have is very controversial and people tend to get very emotional or they take a very personal, so I try not to talk about it, but I gotta be fair to myself, and I feel like the field. Yes, is a really good field to go into with its pros and its cons but I feel like the field self needs a lot of other male technicians to also put their point of view in. - sorry for typos

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Finding an inclusive clinic with good culture can be very difficult. I'm sorry to hear about your strains! My recommendation is don't give up. Your experience is definitely not the case everywhere. We have multiple men at my current clinic and I think they are very well included and embraced as equal members of our team. I hope you find somewhere that respects you more because we need more men in this field!

[@Themysticplantguy]

@@jenniferlyonsvts thank you so much for your advice and watching your videos does bring me hope, your amazing and I bet your team work amazing with you too. My clinic is just ehhhhh but I love my clients and my patients. Ehh to the point where one of the doctors are trying to leave because she’s always being triggered by the techs talking about her when her door is closed ( the doors and walls are thin ). But eventually I want to get specialized in surgery, I love surgery and I love partaking in surgery and I just love the whole process. I can’t wait to see more of your videos and follow you along with your journey.

[@GraceTrax]

Hi! I'm currently a vet assistant and I've wanted to work in the vet field for a while. I am starting at Michigan State next fall in their bachelors of science in veterinary nursing program. I was wondering if you could make a video on things that might be useful to know going into a tech program before you start learning, and good resources for studying during the program.

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

That's a great idea! I can definitely add it to my content list!

[@lesleycoviello4285]

excellent vid... i agree 100% with your pros and cons. I am 35 years in the field and I still love my job. A livable wage is my only issue. I don't know how to fix this....advice?

[@amyeastman8764]

ITA! I’ve been a CVT since 1997. Would be nice to have a savings account and not work 2 jobs

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Negotiating with your clinic and showing your value. Stand your ground and tell your clinic why you deserve more! If they won’t give it to you, someone else probably will.

[@Swampy-Ogre]

[@megancooper3241]

Can you possibly talk more about the degrees for masters and bachelors? Like what type of degree can we get with those and where you think the best college is located to make this degree happen?

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Currently only some colleges are offering Bachelors of Veterinary Nursing degrees, and I am honestly not very familiar with the different curriculums. The only one I know of that is offering a Masters of Veterinary Nursing in the Lincoln Memorial University.

[@amberbernay]

I have a ?: so im trying to return to school either Jan or Aug of next year to start my career as a Vet Nurse 👩🏼‍⚕️💕 ! I eventually want to become a Vet Doc to specialize in anesthesiology/radiology (i will do that as a vet tech) but i would like to perform surgery as well.. so my ? Is if i just have my associates can i apply for a vet med school to get my DVM? Or would i have to go after my bachelors?

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

You could technically apply with your associates if you also completed each schools pre-requisite requirements. But, I don't think it would make you a very competitive candidate so my personal recommendation would be to obtain your bachelors first. But, I did have a very good friend get accepted to vet school without her bachelors, so if you try hard enough to make yourself a competitive candidate in other ways anything is possible!

[@bookdragon7510]

In my experience workplace toxicity was the worst. Too many coworkers with a better than thou attitude.

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Workplace toxicity is definitely an issue in this field (and I assume in many fields sadly).

[@vickymiklson]

Hi I have a question, I’m a huge animal lover and I’ve had pets around me for my whole life, I love and connect not only with my own pets but also with other people’s pets and I’m thinking about starting a job as a veterinarian assistant because I love animals and have a big passion towards helping them. The only thing that is stopping me is the fear of having to deal with hard and sad cases and seeing animals suffer (and also taking part in the operations and everything that it includes) it makes me very sad that I’m sensitive to that stuff and therefore I’m afraid that I wouldn’t handle this type of job. So the question is is there a possibility to get “used” to those sights and being more comfortable with time or do you have to be born with those qualities? Sorry for my English it’s not my first language and also thank you for this video ❤

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Yes you definitely get “used” to seeing sad cases. You learn to compartmentalize, or disassociate what you have to deal with at work. When I first started I always thought euthanasias would be the hardest and would always be the hardest. But after a few years my opinion changed and I realized euthanasia isn’t the hardest thing to deal with because those pets aren’t suffering anymore, and were able to pass on in a peaceful way. I always tell my clients that helping patients pass peacefully is our responsibility, and we have the privilege of preventing suffering. That doesn’t mean it’s always easy though. I still cry and am mad sometimes. And I’ve just decided that’s I am okay with feeling sad and angry sometimes. The harder cases are the ones where owners decline care. In those cases all we can do is make sure multiple techs, doctors, managers have talked to the clients. And to alert the authorities to do welfare checks when the patient is being treated in a manner consistent with neglect. So at the end of the day I can still feel like I did everything in my power to help that pet.

[@vickymiklson]

@@jenniferlyonsvts Thank you very much for your answer ❤️

[@mustlovedogscatsandhorses]

i absolutely love your channel! your so helpful and smart thank you for all your hard work

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Thank you so much!

[@mystery_farm8]

I want to become a veterinary technician ❤

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Do it!

[@user-ug1fu8hv5j]

Hello I have q question about vet tech. Are vet tech has many possibilities to get rabies? because if the dog patients are not have vaccinations, and vet tech is bited by dog, I think it is possible...

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Yes we do have a rabies risk. You can pay to get vaccinated preemptively, or your work will have to pay to get you vaccinated if you have a potential exposure.

[@Miss_Jinx]

In all my time working at a veterinary clinic, I think the worst part was always being scared that you were going to bring something contagious home to your own pets, or seeing all the death. Constantly worrying your pet is going to get sick because of you is exhausting. Nothing can really prepare you for moments like holding a dying animal because their owner didn’t want to be there, or having a client come in hysterical because their pet died on the way there… it’s rewarding, but also emotionally draining.

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

The emotional toll can definitely be a big one. I have also worried about bringing disease home to my cats, and will often undress before interacting with my cats and shower quickly upon getting home.

[@Miss_Jinx]

@@jenniferlyonsvts I used to do that too but my hair was very angry at me for washing it everyday lol. My cat got really sick once (turned out to just be calici but he acted like he was dying) and their first thought was that he had something contagious. They tested him for everything and even told us to expect it to be FIP. Safe to say I had an emotional breakdown until the vet (tried to) reassure me that it wasn’t very likely because of me. I never even considered that to be a possibility before I started in the veterinary field.

[@daisylocsbiologist]

Would clinics be willing to be accommodating to persons with generalized anxiety, etc. ..I have found little to no information through online searches but FB groups say to steer clear because it will only make it worse and you wont be happy.

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Vet med can be a very stressful field to work in. Even though I love it, I would not say I am stress free. So, in general it may not be the best recommendation for someone who has severe anxiety. But, if you find a less busy clinic, or work in a less stressful specialty you may find success (a fear-free general practice clinic, or a specialty like dermatology).

[@spacey138]

@@jenniferlyonsvts this applies to me as well, thanks for the question Winters and the answer Jennifer. I found your video really helpful. I have just about finished my first year of vet nursing study and have decided it will be to emotionally demanding for me, but am doubting my decision or just finding it hard, because I loved my placements and find the study interesting. So its helpful for me to hear your perspective.

[@ethelgraceheti-ayon1453]

Hello, I'm actually planning to take a BsVetTech this school year, and I wanna know if a Vet Technician can actually proceed to a proper vet med?

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

I definitely consider myself and my role an integral part of veterinary medicine.

[@typec7054]

Con-Stubborn Doctors that will not let VA help or learn anything. Especially, when they are learning LVT students as well. But I love the video ❤

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Totally agree. I’ve definitely met doctors (and other techs) who make advancing difficult.

[@marufkhandaker1997]

Please,make a video how much a vet technician can make and can they lead a smooth life in usa??

[@gianttigerfilms]

In Virginia making $15 hr Started at $9 .. it’s rough, all of us staff are dependents

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

It’s on my list!

[@birdseye2239]

So you don't need any schooling to get started (assistant) or you can get a masters? To earn minimum wage? That's confusing. Sounds like my past restaurant jobs where we'd get people applying for a cook position who payed 50K to go to culinary school just to realize they could have started as a dishwasher and within 6 months become a cook. If someone has a masters degree yet are a vet tech aren't they vastly under-achieving? (no offense)

[@dudeno9870]

So with the schooling vs starting as an assistant would be that when you start as an assistant there are things you can not do. Starting wages for assistant and techs are different and they have similar jobs but techs are allowed to do more essentially. Different states and clinics have varying levels of what's allowed vs the different positions. If you'd like me to elaborate more I'd love to :)

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

No offense taken, I understand what you’re saying. I definitely started lower than what I “should” have been making with my degree. But, now I’m making more than I would be if I had used my degree to stay in research. And I’m making more than others in my field with less education than I have.

[@chromosomerism1712]

I did a program for a 6 month vet assistant and I landed a tech job. Is there a big difference? I feel under qualified, and I had my first day today and I did terrible, haha.

[@gianttigerfilms]

It takes 3 months to acclimate to working at a vet hospital

[@jinxedskyy]

@@gianttigerfilms ive been working at one for almost 4 months and I know basics now but I still dont feel acclimated

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

It can be really hard to acclimate to a new clinic, especially when you’re new to the field! Asking questions and asking for training as needed is key. Hopefully your clinic supports you learning and doesn’t put you in a dangerous situation.

[@maddogrob]

What classes should I look into to become a Vet Tech?

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Most tech schools will require basic biology so that’s a good place to start!

[@galaxysoul7]

Are this bite injuries at work covered by the job?

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Yes, it’s a requirement to have workers comp. All my injuries have been covered by my employers.

[@dhil10nWanderer]

Hi , Your video is so informative Jennifer ❤️, I’m from india 🇮🇳 & I wanna do Veterinary technician course in Canada!, Can u please help me out what are the academics requirements for taking a admission in Veterinary college there ??

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Unfortunately I’m not very familiar with Canadian tech or DVM schools, but maybe these websites can help: www.canadianveterinarians.net/education-and-events/accreditation/animal-health-technology-veterinary-technician-programs/ www.canadianveterinarians.net/public-resources/careers-in-veterinary-medicine/veterinary-colleges/

[@dhil10nWanderer]

Thankyou so much 😊

[@Gingersnaps6969]

Is emergency animal medicine more monetarily lucrative?

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Typically, as it is harder to staff and has a high degree of turnover therefore compensation tends to be higher. Also these days many ER’s are corporate which are known for higher pay and better benefits (although of course there are some exceptions).

[@shawnmendrek3544]

Doesn't pay much in the beginning from what I've read. But one guy said he was at $30/hr after 38 years. A lot said they had to take two jobs. How did this fare for you? Though what you said, long hours, s hould ma ke up for it. Wow, I now have much more respect for vet techs. Dang finger bitten off? I also noticed at the vets, peeing among other things. never mind you covered all bases

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

The pay is definitely bad in the beginning, but getting better. Hopefully with time and people lobbying for more respect and recognition, we can get the wages to be live-able for everyone.

[@DarthTwilight]

I feel like your cats should be paying rent for that apartment complex in the background.

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

Haha it’s their world, I’m just living in it.

[@snosister]

too many cons. not enough pros/

[@jenniferlyonsvts]

I definitely could’ve expanded on the pros, but for consistency decided to just do an equal number of each.

[@snosister]

@@jenniferlyonsvts I get it... been an LVT for 40 years. I have a love hate relationship... LOL

[@dr.trollingall9622]

I live in Georgia. The everage vet tech salary is 15$ to 22$ per hour. How is that I work construction and make more without any sort of degree? That is killing my want to work with animals whom I love. Complete bullshit that you guys barely make a living wage.