Veterinarians play a major role in the health care of pets, livestock, and zoo, sporting and laboratory animals. Veterinarians also use their skills to protect humans against diseases carried by animals, and conduct clinical research on human and animal health problems.

Most veterinarians perform clinical work in private practices. About one-half of these veterinarians predominately or exclusively treat small animals. Small animal practitioners usually care for companion animals, such as dogs and cats, but also treat birds, reptiles, rabbits and other animals that may be kept as pets. Some veterinarians work in mixed animal practices, where they see pigs, goats, sheep and some nondomestic animals, in addition to companion animals. Veterinarians in clinical practice diagnose animal health problems, vaccinate against dieases such as distemper and rabies, medicate animals with infections or illnesses, treat and dress wounds, set fractures, perform surgery and advise owners about feeding, behavior and breeding.

A smaller number of private practice veterinarians work exclusively with large animals, focusing mostly on horses or cows, but may care for all kinds of food animals. These veterinarians usually drive to farms or ranches to provide veterinary services for herds or individual animals. Much of their work involves preventive care in order to maintain the health of food animals. They test for and vaccinate against diseases, and consult with farm or ranch owners and managers on production, feeding and housing issues. They also treat and dress wounds, set fractures, perform surgery—including cesarean sections on birthing animals—and do artificial insemination. Veterinarians also euthanize animals when necessary.

Veterinarians contribute to human as well as animal health. A number of veterinarians work with physicians and scientists as they research better ways to prevent and treat human health problems such as cancer, AIDS, and alcohol or drug abuse. Some test the effects of drug therapies, antibiotics or new surgical techniques on animals. Veterinarians who are livestock inspectors check animals for transmissible diseases, advise owners on treatment and may quarantine animals. Veterinarians who are meat, poultry or egg product inspectors examine slaughtering and processing plants, check live animals and carcasses for disease, and enforce government regulations regarding food purity and sanitation (see also Agricultural Science). Some veterinarians care for zoo or aquarium animals or for laboratory animals. Veterinary technologists, technicians and assistants support veterinarians in clinical and scientific practice.

Veterinary technicians and technologists perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Technicians prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. They prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests such as urinalysis and blood counts. They also clean and sterilize instruments and materials, and maintain equipment and machines.

Veterinary assistants care for animals in animal hospitals or clinics. Veterinarians rely on assistants to keep a constant eye on the condition of animals under their charge. Assistants watch as animals recover from surgery, check whether dressings are still on correctly, observe the animals' overall attitude and notify a doctor if anything seems out of the ordinary. While among the animals, assistants clean constantly to maintain sanitary conditions in the hospital. Veterinary assistants also work in research facilities and assist with the care of a wide variety of animals, including mice, rats, sheep, pigs, cattle, dogs, cats, monkeys, birds, fish and frogs. They feed and water the animals, clean cages and change bedding, and examine the animals for signs of illness, disease or injury. They may administer medications orally or topically according to instructions, prepare samples for laboratory examination, sterilize laboratory equipment, and record information regarding genealogy, diet, weight, medications and food intake. They work with scientists, physicians, veterinarians and laboratory technicians.

Farrier technicians care for the hoofs and feet of horses, although they may occasionally work with other valuable hooved animals, such as show, exotic or breeding cattle, sheep and buffalo. Farriers are often responsible for important performance and health improvements in show horses and racehorses, which may be worth a great deal of money. Many farriers work for veterinarians, horse farms and racetracks, but most are self-employed.

Kennels, animal shelters, stables, laboratories, aquariums and zoological parks all house animals and employ animal caretakers. Job titles and duties vary by employment setting.

Kennel staff usually care for small companion animals like dogs and cats while their owners are working or traveling out of town. Beginning attendants perform basic tasks, such as cleaning cages and dog runs, filling food and water dishes and exercising animals. Experienced attendants may provide basic animal health care, bathe and groom animals, and clean their ears. Caretakers who work in kennels also sell pet food and supplies, assist in obedience training, help with breeding or prepare animals for shipping.

Animal caretakers who specialize in grooming, or maintaining a pet's—usually a dog's or cat's—appearance are called groomers. Some groomers work in kennels and others operate their own grooming business. Groomers answer telephones, schedule appointments, discuss with clients how they want their pets to look, and collect information on the pet's disposition and veterinarian. Grooming the pet involves several steps: An initial brush-out is followed by a first clipping of hair or fur using electric clippers, combs, and grooming shears; the groomer then cuts the nails, cleans the ears, bathes, and blow-dries the animal, and ends with a final clipping and styling.

Animal caretakers in animal shelters perform a variety of duties and work with a wide variety of animals. In addition to attending to the basic needs of the animals, caretakers must also keep records of the animals received and discharged and any tests or treatments done. Some vaccinate newly admitted animals under the direction of a veterinarian, and euthanize (put to death) seriously ill, severely injured, or unwanted animals. Caretakers in animal shelters also interact with the public, answering telephone inquiries, screening applicants for animal adoption, or educating visitors on neutering and other animal health issues.

Workers in stables saddle and unsaddle horses, give them rubdowns, and walk them through a cool-off after a ride. They also feed, groom, and exercise the horses, clean out stalls and replenish bedding, polish saddles, clean and organize the tack (harness, saddle, and bridle) room, and store supplies and feed. Experienced staff may help train horses.

In zoos, caretakers called keepers prepare the diets and clean the enclosures of animals, and sometimes assist in raising their wards. They watch for any signs of illness or injury, monitor eating patterns or any changes in behavior, and record their observations. Keepers also may answer questions and assure that the visiting public behaves responsibly toward the exhibited animals. Depending on the zoo, keepers may be assigned to work with a broad group of animals such as mammals, birds, or reptiles, or they may work with a limited collection of animals such as primates, large cats, or small mammals.

 

Colleges Offering Degrees In Animal Care Technology Programs

• New Mexico State University
• Sul Ross State University

 

Although veterinarians are located in every State, in 1996 about 3 out of 10 establishments providing veterinary services were located in just four States: California, Florida, New York and Texas.

People who love animals get satisfaction from working with and helping animals. However, some of the work may be unpleasant, and physically and emotionally demanding. Veterinary assistants and animal caretakers have to clean animal cages and lift, hold or restrain animals, risking exposure to bites or scratches. Their work often involves kneeling, crawling, repeated bending and lifting heavy supplies. Veterinary assistants must take precautions when treating animals with germicides or insecticides. The work setting can be noisy. Veterinary assistants and animal caretakers who witness abused animals or assist in the euthanizing of unwanted, aged or hopelessly injured animals may experience emotional stress.

Veterinary assistants and animal caretakers may work outdoors in all kinds of weather. Hours are irregular. Animals have to be fed every day, so assistants must work weekend and holiday shifts. In some animal hospitals, research facilities and animal shelters an assistant is on duty 24 hours a day, which means night shifts. Most full-time veterinary assistants and animal caretakers work about 40 hours a week; some work 50 hours a week or more.

 

Prospective verinarians, veterinary technicians and assistants, farriers and caretakers must have good manual dexterity. They should have an affinity for animals and the ability to get along with animal owners. They must also be emotionally stable and calm during emergencies. Animal care can be very physically demanding. Good health, strength, fitness and stamina are essential.

 

There are no formal educational requirements for assistants in veterinary facilities, although employers of entry-level laboratory veterinary assistants generally require a high school diploma or its equivalent. Assistants are trained on the job, usually under the guidance of a veterinarian or veterinary technician. They start by performing tasks related to basic animal health care, such as keeping cages and examination areas sanitary. They also help veterinarians prepare for surgery, sterilize surgical equipment, observe recovering animals, and give medications and basic medical treatment under the directions of a veterinarian or veterinary technician.

Approximately 65 accredited veterinary technology programs at junior colleges and vocational schools offer programs in laboratory animal science, which provide training for veterinary technician positions. Most veterinary technicians earn an associate's degree through programs that include classroom education and hands-on training. The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) offers certification for three levels of technician competence. Those who wish to become certified as Assistant Laboratory Animal Technicians (ALAT) must satisfy education and experience requirements before taking an examination administered by AALAS.

Farriers acquire their skills through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training, usually through a junior college or technical-vocational farrier school. They study equine anatomy and physiology, fundamentals of biomechanics, and shoemaking. Experienced farriers may apply for certification from the American Farriers Association (AFA). An AFA-certified farrier must have a minimum of one year's full-time experience and pass a written examination, as well as a practical exam that includes shoeing a live horse. Journeyman-certified (expert) farriers must have 2 years of full-time experience, pass a more comprehensive written exam, and a practical exam that includes making custom and therapeutic shoes.

Most animal caretakers are trained on the job. Employers generally prefer to hire people with some experience with animals. Some training programs are available for specific types of animal caretakers, but formal training is usually not necessary for entry-level positions.

Most pet groomers learn their trade by completing an informal apprenticeship, usually lasting 6 to 10 weeks, under the guidance of an experienced groomer. Prospective groomers may also attend one of the 50 State-licensed grooming schools throughout the country, with programs varying in length from 4 to 18 weeks. The National Dog Groomers Association of America certifies groomers who pass a written and practical skills examination.

The American Boarding Kennels Association (ABKA) offers a 3-stage, home-study program for individuals interested in pet care. The first two study programs address basic and advanced principles of animal care, while the third program focuses on in-depth animal care and good business procedures. Those who complete the third program and pass oral and written examinations administered by the ABKA become Certified Kennel Operators (CKO).

Some zoological parks may require their caretakers to have a bachelor's degree in biology, animal science, or a related field. Most require experience with animals, preferably as a volunteer or paid keeper in a zoo.

Animal caretakers in animal shelters are not required to have any specialized training, but training programs and workshops are increasingly available through the Humane Society of the United States and the National Animal Control Association. Workshop topics include cruelty investigations, appropriate methods of euthanasia for shelter animals, and techniques for preventing problems with wildlife.

 

New veterinary assistants working in animal hospitals, veterinary offices or laboratories begin by providing basic care to animals. Highly motivated veterinary assistants may become veterinary technicians with training from an accredited veterinary technology program. With additional training and experience, they may advance to more technical positions in animal care, such as research assistant, mid-level technician or senior-level technologist.

Beginning farriers provide basic foot care and shoeing services for show and working horses. Experienced farriers are experts at evaluating and correcting horses' gaits, and often work with large animal veterinarians to diagnose gait problems, and forge and fit corrective horseshoes. Farriers usually advance by gaining certification and becoming self-employed.

Beginning animal caretakers in kennels learn on the job, and usually start by cleaning cages and feeding and watering animals. Kennel caretakers may be promoted to kennel supervisor, assistant manager, and manager, and those with enough capital and experience may open up their own kennels.

Beginning groomers often start by taking on one duty, such as bathing and drying the pet. They eventually assume responsibility for the entire grooming process, from the initial brush-out to the final clipping. Groomers who work in large retail establishments or kennels may, with experience, move into supervisory or managerial positions. Experienced groomers often choose to open their own shops.

Zoo keepers may advance to senior keeper, assistant head keeper, head keeper, and assistant curator, but few openings occur, especially for the higher-level positions.

With experience and additional training, caretakers in animal shelters may become an adoption coordinator, animal control officer, emergency rescue driver, assistant shelter manager or shelter director.

 

Veterinary assistants who worked full time earned a median weekly salary of $290 in 1996. The middle 50 percent earned between $220 and $380. The bottom 10 percent earned less than $170; the top 10 percent earned more than $500 a week.

About 99% of farriers are self-employed. Farriers can earn for about $30 per animal for basic service to over $100 per animal for expert work on valuable show horses and racehorses.

Animal caretakers who worked full time earned a median weekly salary of $290 in 1996. The middle 50 percent earned between $220 and $380. The bottom 10 percent earned less than $170; the top 10 percent earned more than $500 a week. According to a salary survey by the National Animal Control Association, nonsupervisory animal caretakers working in animal care and control agencies earned a yearly average of about $17,100 in 1996.

 

Veterinary technicians held about 27,000 jobs in 1996. Employment for veterinary technicians is projected to grow faster than the national average through the year 2006. Continued support for public health and food safety, disease control programs and biomedical research on human health problems will contribute to the demand for veterinary technicians.

Animal caretakers held about 163,000 jobs in 1996. About 33,000 of the total worked as veterinary assistants in veterinary services. The remainder worked primarily in boarding kennels, but also in animal shelters, stables, grooming shops, zoos and local, State and Federal agencies. In 1996, 2 out of every 10 caretakers was self-employed, and 4 in 10 worked part time.

Employment opportunities for veterinary assistants are generally expected to be good. Employment is expected to grow faster than the national average for all occupations through the year 2006. The growth of the pet population, which drives employment of veterinary assistants in veterinary clinics and hospitals, is expected to slow. Nevertheless, pets remain popular and pet owners—including a large number of baby boomers whose disposable income is expected to increase as they age—may increasingly take advantage of grooming services, daily and overnight boarding services, and veterinary services, spurring employment growth for veterinary assistants. Growth in the number of pleasure horses and racehorses should cause a steady increase of about 10% per year for farriers.

Demand for animal caretakers in animal shelters is expected to remain steady. Communities are increasingly recognizing the connection between animal abuse and abuse toward humans, and should continue to commit funds to animal shelters, many of which are working hand-in-hand with social service agencies and law enforcement teams. The outlook for caretakers in zoos, however, is not favorable; jobseekers will face keen competition because of expected slow growth in zoo capacity, low turnover, and the fact that the occupation attracts many candidates.

Despite growth in demand for animal caretakers, the overwhelming majority of jobs will result from the need to replace workers leaving the field. Many animal caretaker jobs that require little or no training have work schedules which tend to be flexible; therefore, it is ideal for people seeking their first job and for students and others looking for temporary or part-time work. Because turnover is quite high, largely due to the hard physical labor, the overall availability of jobs should be very good. Much of the work of animal caretakers is seasonal, particularly during vacation periods.