Animal Hospitals: This is the most common place for vet techs to work. Responsibilities vary but typically include assisting veterinarians with examinations, administering medications, performing lab tests, taking radiographs, and providing patient care. These can range from small, private practices to large, multi-doctor facilities.
Animal Shelters and Humane Societies: Vet techs in these settings provide medical care to a high volume of animals, often focusing on preventative medicine, vaccinations, and basic treatment of injuries and illnesses.
Veterinary Specialty Clinics: These clinics focus on specific areas like cardiology, oncology, or surgery. Vet techs in these settings often have specialized training and responsibilities related to their clinic's focus.
Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Hospitals: These hospitals handle urgent and life-threatening cases, requiring vet techs to have advanced skills and the ability to work quickly and efficiently under pressure.
Research Facilities: Some vet techs work in research settings, assisting with animal care and procedures involved in scientific studies.
Pharmaceutical Companies: Vet techs can find roles in pharmaceutical companies, focusing on animal health products, conducting research or working in quality control.
Government Agencies: Positions may exist with agencies like the USDA or the FDA, involving animal health inspections or regulatory work.
Teaching Hospitals: These typically involve working within a university's veterinary program, teaching students and assisting with research.
Mobile Veterinary Clinics: These offer veterinary services to clients in remote areas or those unable to transport their pets to a traditional clinic.
Zoological Parks and Aquariums: Vet techs work to maintain the health of animals in these facilities.
Private Practice (mobile or at-home): Some vet techs choose to build their own mobile or in-home practice providing specialized services.
The specific job duties and responsibilities will vary depending on the employer and setting. However, the core skills and knowledge gained through a vet tech program are transferable across many different work environments.