what do veterinary technicians do?

If you’ve taken your pet to the vet, you’ve probably interacted with a veterinary technician. They assist veterinarians in taking pet vitals and performing routine lab tests, but their role entails much more than the exam room. Below, we’ll discuss the critical work vet techs perform and why they’re essential to every pet hospital. 

They’re accredited

To earn the title “veterinary technician,” you need an associate degree and to pass a credentialing exam after spending a minimum number of hours working in veterinary hospitals. You may need to get state licensure or certification as well. While veterinary assistants have similar roles as vet techs, the credentialing, training, and the legal right to provide a higher level of care differentiates the two.  

They wear many hats

Like nurses in human care, vet techs have a plethora of responsibilities and talents, including: 
• Supporting veterinarians 
• Helping with first aid
• Drawing blood, taking X-rays, collecting stool samples, and taking vital signs
• Prepping animals and assisting veterinarians during anesthesia and surgeries 
• Removing stitches and cleaning wounds

But most importantly, vet techs provide compassionate care to pets and the families that love them. 

They can be specialized  

Like veterinarians, vet techs can be specialized in certain types of medical care. While many are trained to work with dogs and cats, vet techs can also work with horses, marine animals, exotic animals, and more. Training programs are also available for vet techs to specialize in internal medicine, anesthesia, pathology, nutrition, and dental care. (Note: Banfield does not offer these specialized types of care.) 

The next time you take your pet to the vet, let your vet tech know how much you appreciate their hard work!