7 Qualities of a Good Veterinary Assistant

Has it always been a dream of yours to work with animals? From a young age, many children grow up around animals, develop a love for them, and want to work hands-on with them once they are old enough to do so. Following your passion is easy when it is something you love and when it is readily available to you as well. Becoming a veterinary assistant is the perfect way for you to follow your dreams, work closely with animals, and provide quality care to the animal patient.

At U.S. Colleges, we offer a veterinary assistant program that takes minimal time to train and can have you working in an entry-level position in no time. But, before you decide to become a veterinary assistant, it helps to know what some of the most desired or sought-after qualities are.

Below, we will provide you with the top 7 qualities that ALL veterinary assistants have. If you do have these qualities, this may be the right career choice for you – let’s take a look.

1. BE IN GOOD SHAPE

It should come as no surprise that you will need to be in good shape to be a veterinary assistant. You will likely find yourself on your feet all day and chasing animals around the treatment room too. You should be able to lift animals, even heavy ones, onto exam tables, carry them, and be ready to hold them still for long periods of time.

2. YOU CAN COMMUNICATE WELL WITH ANIMALS

Hello there Dr. Dolittle. Okay, jokes aside, we know animals cannot communicate with humans via words, although it would be pretty cool if they could. When we say that you must be able to communicate well with animals, we mean that you should be able to anticipate their next move, understand how they may be feeling just by looking at them, and so on.

Remember, just because animals cannot talk does not mean that they enjoy being restrained or receiving shots. Animals can bite and scratch, so it is important that you understand them and pick up on their ways of communicating.

3. HAVE CONTROL OVER YOUR EMOTIONS

You will find that you must be in control of your emotions as a veterinary assistant. First and foremost, you will see some sick animals and animals that have been abused and this can pull at your heartstrings. While it is okay to cry in private, you need to make sure you can maintain composure and continue to perform your job – the animals are counting on you.

In addition, you may find yourself at the beck and call of the other animal care staff, so you should have a good hold on your emotions to prevent pressure and stress from getting the best of you.

4. MULTITASKING

As a veterinary assistant, you will have many roles within the vet’s office and you better know how to multitask. For example, you may find yourself cleaning kennels one minute, bathing a dog the next, or helping to restrain a cat as the vet administers vaccines.

You will be the jack of all trades in the vet’s office and while you may feel like you are overworked, you are very much appreciated in your role.

5. LOVE TO LAUGH

Having a great sense of humor and ability to laugh will help you get through the day, especially the tough ones. Remember, you are on the front lines many times so you will see your share of laughable moments and you can share them to help others smile too.

6. PERFORMS THE JOB TO THE BEST OF THEIR ABILITY

One of the best qualities of a veterinary assistant is wanting to be present and be the best you can be. While this job may seem like it is not recognized as often as it should be, a good veterinary assistant will look past that and always show up on time, do an excellent job, and provide love and care to the animals they work with.

7. WANTS TO LEARN AND MOVE UP

The road does not end at the veterinary assistant, and many vet assistants want to move up and develop new skills. There is a lot to be learned and a good vet assistant WILL want to learn.

TRAIN TO BECOME A VETERINARY ASSISTANT AT U.S. COLLEGES TODAY

The veterinary assistant program at U.S. Colleges can be completed in about 8 weeks and includes a 100-hour externship at a local vet’s office. Throughout the program, you will learn hands-on and participate in multiple lab simulations with animal mannequins. Our program here at U.S. Colleges is unique and provides you with a great start to a new and rewarding career. Call U.S. Colleges today to learn more.