• Observe the behavior and condition of animals
• Provide nursing care or emergency first aid to recovering or injured animals
• Bathe animals, clip nails or claws, and brush or cut animals’ hair
• Restrain animals during exams or procedures
• Administer anesthesia to animals and monitor their responses
• Take x rays and collect and perform laboratory tests, such as urinalyses and blood counts
• Prepare animals and instruments for surgery
• Administer medications, vaccines, and treatments prescribed by a veterinarian
• Collect and record animals’ case histories

• Communication skills
• Compassion
• Detail oriented
• Manual dexterity
• Physical strength

Veterinary technicians generally work in private clinical practices or animal hospitals under the guidance of a licensed veterinarian. 

Veterinary technologists typically work in more advanced research-related jobs, usually under the guidance of a scientist or veterinarian. Some technologists work in private clinical practices. Working primarily in a laboratory setting. 

• Physically or emotionally demanding 
• Risk injury on the job. They may be bitten, scratched, or kicked while working with scared or aggressive animals. 
• Might work weekends and evenings.

• Loved animals
• Helped friends or family members when they got injured