HOC Course/Job Descriptions/Veterinary Assistant

Annual Salary Range in San Diego County: $20,000 - $30,000

Job Description:
Veterinary Assistants are an important part of the veterinary medical team. Working with veterinarians and veterinary technicians, they help provide medical care to sick and injured animals.

A typical day in the life of a Veterinary Assistant includes giving medicines, feeding and bathing animals, cleaning up after them, and assisting with examinations and tests. Vet Assistants play a very hands-on role. They take a pet’s pulse, temperature and monitor respiration. Some even assist with surgery. Aside from these roles, many also do office work and act as receptionists.

While many Vet Assistants work with veterinarians in private practice, many others work in animal shelters, animal control facilities, pet stores, kennels and veterinary drug companies. Because sick or injured animals need constant care, the work is sometimes hard, repetitious and dirty, but people who love animals often find it both interesting and deeply rewarding.

Health Occupations Center’s Veterinary Assistant program is offered through ROP. For more information, please call 619-590-3923 or visit the ROP office at 924 East Main Street, El Cajon.

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