Horse Jobs – Vet Assistant

Another important member of the equine world, often vet assistants are working their way through medical school and will someday become a veterinarian themselves. They handle the more basic tasks and often accompany the vet on stable visits.

Working with both people and their sick animals requires a great deal of patience, tact and multi-tasking ability.

This is a position which benefits from the ability to follow instructions, strong listening and communication skills and a through knowledge of the equine animal.

Calm under pressure, physical strength and the ability to learn on the fly are favored characteristics of a solid vet assistant (and a vet-to-be).

Job Description

Responsible for assigned duties around the veterinarian’s office, such as feeding and examining. The vet assistant works closely with the vet to help troubleshoot problems and mend accidental injury.

Responsibilities

• Handling a variety of animal temperaments
• Feeding & care for animals on-site
• Preliminary examinations & help during exams
• Pre- & post-op care for animals on-site
• Accompanying vet on stable calls
• Responding quickly for emergency calls
• Assisting vet in surgical procedures
• Application of medicine & preparation of lab samples
• Cleaning, restocking and preparing work areas, on-site & off

Requirements

Most veterinary offices will require more than a high school diploma in this instance, many will want a bachelor’s degree in animal care or a related field.

Potential employers could require that their assistants have taken and passed a national veterinary exam which will vary by country.

The Right Job For You?

If this isn’t your dream job, there is a long list of different careers that involve horses. Each one requiring a different skill set, schooling requirement and amount of contact with the animals.

Image from iutzimitchell