More on Careers With Animals (P2)Most veterinary assistants and veterinary technicians work for a veterinarian. You might be asked to check in the animal patients, steady them for examinations and prepare for procedures. You might clean cages and exam rooms, too. If you get a veterinary technician degree, you might be giving vaccinations and assisting with surgical procedures. To the Top of More on Careers with Animals p2 You might take a job at the local animal shelter, instead. Working in a shelter, you might be asked to assist with euthanasia. Non-profit shelters might pay minimum wage, while in city-run shelters, wages will be set by the city council or charter process. To the Top of More on Careers with Animals p2 These positions are certified by the local or state governing body to assure the quality of the training programs. In many states, the terms veterinary ASSISTANT and veterinary TECHNICIAN are interchangable. In some states, there is a definite division of labor between the two, so you need to check with the local authorities to be sure. At this time, there is no national certification, although that is proposed. Some veterinary assistants and veterinary technicians decide to pursue grooming as a profession. You don't need these certificates to be a groomer, but you do need some training. Most states have a certificate showing you completed some kind of training program in pet grooming and know what you are doing. School is preferred in some places, and there are still apprenticeship programs available around the country. You will need to look around your area if you would like to do this. Costs for training vary widely, and are set by the instructors or institution offering the training. The programs are not eligible for student loans and are not accredited at this time These schools and apprenticeship programs ensure that fluffy, a schnauser, does not get a top-knot poodle cut at the groomers. It also assures the pet owners that their pets won't be treated harshly while at the groomer. To them, it's like going to the beauty salon, and they don't take into account that the groomer does not live with the animal, that the animal might not like Rufus in the next cage, or that "Sweeti-Chums" will bite anything that moves. You might have to put a muzzle on the animal, and the owner might not appreciate that. However, as a groomer, you need to protect yourself and the other animals in your care. There are very few opportunities to just step in and do a grooming job, but I know of cases where this has happened. To the Top of More on Careers with Animals p2 Most groomers set their rates competitively with other groomers in the area. Remember that you are basically self-employed, and must take the costs of running the store, including utilities, from the rates you charge. If you are mobile, going to your client animals, you will need commercial vehicle insurance, but no rent. 1, <3> To the Top of More on Careers with Animals p2 Contact Form CatLover Magazine Subscription Form
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