3 answers
Kaydee
Student
Atlantic, Iowa
3
Questions
Updated
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What challenges have you faced while working in the veterinary field and how do you work through them?
I am a senior in high school and work at a vet clinic as a room assistant and kennel technician so I see challenges that can come up. I want to go to college next year to enter a vet tech program but want to be more aware of what I might face in the field.
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3 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1334
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Kaydee,
Wow it’s really great that you’re already gaining hands-on experience in a vet clinic because this will give you a strong foundation as you move into a vet tech program. While the veterinary field is rewarding, it also comes with significant challenges but know that you will always find the ways to work through them and tackle the off! Brush brush!
1. Emotional Challenges
One of the hardest realities in veterinary medicine is realizing you can’t save every animal.🥹 Some pet owners will spare no expense to treat their pets, while others may decline care due to financial limitations. This can be emotionally difficult when you know a pet could be helped but the owner can’t or won’t pursue treatment. 😨
NOW you can ofcourse Manage.
Focus on the animals you can help and celebrate the successful outcomes.
Lean on your team for emotional support—sharing your experiences helps process difficult cases.
Sometimes we can't do much but we have to do our best on the ones who we can save. And ofcourse if there is free assistant you can give just make sure you out weight the pros and cons before you do so.
2. Handling Difficult Clients👀.
Not all pet owners will be kind or understanding. Some may blame the veterinary team for an animal’s condition or become frustrated with costs. Yep, painful words and actions!
So just make sure to,
Stay calm and professional during tough conversations.
Practice clear, empathetic communication to explain treatments and costs effectively.
If you respond calmly and accurately without hesitation, which will be tough but you will get used to it, you will be able to win the conversation and the client might even apologize or not, no heart! 😅🤪
3. Physical Demands
Veterinary work is physically demanding. Long hours on your feet, lifting heavy animals, and handling stressed pets can take a toll on your body. Like really exhaustion will be there.
You have to try to,
Practice proper lifting techniques and use available equipment to reduce strain.
Take breaks when possible and prioritize self-care outside of work. It's the best!
4. Time Management and Multitasking
Vet clinics are fast-paced environments where you’ll juggle multiple tasks—rooming patients, assisting in surgeries, managing emergencies, and handling paperwork.
So to manage this you will have to,
Stay organized by keeping a notepad to track tasks and reminders.
Prioritize duties by urgency and communicate clearly with the veterinary team.
5. Learning Curve
You’ll encounter a wide range of medical conditions, procedures, and species. It can feel overwhelming to absorb so much knowledge.
So:
Ask questions and observe as much as you can—every day is a learning opportunity.
Study and review core skills like vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature) for common species.
6. Work-Life Balance
Long hours and emotional strain can lead to burnout if you don’t balance work with personal time.
You can manage this ofcourse by setting boundaries to protect your time outside of work.
And ofcourse ofcourse engage in hobbies and maintain a support system to recharge.😮💨
Kaydee Firstly your dedication and Secondly your willingness to learn will serve you well in the vet tech field. 🤗 So, Stay curious, stay compassionate, and keep building your skills—this work may be challenging, but it’s also incredibly meaningful and rewarding! All the best out there future animal savior! 😎
Wow it’s really great that you’re already gaining hands-on experience in a vet clinic because this will give you a strong foundation as you move into a vet tech program. While the veterinary field is rewarding, it also comes with significant challenges but know that you will always find the ways to work through them and tackle the off! Brush brush!
1. Emotional Challenges
One of the hardest realities in veterinary medicine is realizing you can’t save every animal.🥹 Some pet owners will spare no expense to treat their pets, while others may decline care due to financial limitations. This can be emotionally difficult when you know a pet could be helped but the owner can’t or won’t pursue treatment. 😨
NOW you can ofcourse Manage.
Focus on the animals you can help and celebrate the successful outcomes.
Lean on your team for emotional support—sharing your experiences helps process difficult cases.
Sometimes we can't do much but we have to do our best on the ones who we can save. And ofcourse if there is free assistant you can give just make sure you out weight the pros and cons before you do so.
2. Handling Difficult Clients👀.
Not all pet owners will be kind or understanding. Some may blame the veterinary team for an animal’s condition or become frustrated with costs. Yep, painful words and actions!
So just make sure to,
Stay calm and professional during tough conversations.
Practice clear, empathetic communication to explain treatments and costs effectively.
If you respond calmly and accurately without hesitation, which will be tough but you will get used to it, you will be able to win the conversation and the client might even apologize or not, no heart! 😅🤪
3. Physical Demands
Veterinary work is physically demanding. Long hours on your feet, lifting heavy animals, and handling stressed pets can take a toll on your body. Like really exhaustion will be there.
You have to try to,
Practice proper lifting techniques and use available equipment to reduce strain.
Take breaks when possible and prioritize self-care outside of work. It's the best!
4. Time Management and Multitasking
Vet clinics are fast-paced environments where you’ll juggle multiple tasks—rooming patients, assisting in surgeries, managing emergencies, and handling paperwork.
So to manage this you will have to,
Stay organized by keeping a notepad to track tasks and reminders.
Prioritize duties by urgency and communicate clearly with the veterinary team.
5. Learning Curve
You’ll encounter a wide range of medical conditions, procedures, and species. It can feel overwhelming to absorb so much knowledge.
So:
Ask questions and observe as much as you can—every day is a learning opportunity.
Study and review core skills like vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature) for common species.
6. Work-Life Balance
Long hours and emotional strain can lead to burnout if you don’t balance work with personal time.
You can manage this ofcourse by setting boundaries to protect your time outside of work.
And ofcourse ofcourse engage in hobbies and maintain a support system to recharge.😮💨
Kaydee Firstly your dedication and Secondly your willingness to learn will serve you well in the vet tech field. 🤗 So, Stay curious, stay compassionate, and keep building your skills—this work may be challenging, but it’s also incredibly meaningful and rewarding! All the best out there future animal savior! 😎
Alicia Fertig
Registered Veterinary Technician
9
Answers
Keyser, West Virginia
Updated
Alicia’s Answer
This is awesome that you want to become a Registered Veterinary Technician and that you are already working at a veterinary clinic. There are many challenges that one faces being in the veterinary field; one that I learned early is you can't save them all. There are going to be owners that will spend thousands to save their precious furbaby, and then there is other owners that don't spend any money to even try...these are the most frustrating. Take each day to learn something new, listen to your licensed veterinary technicians, keep a notepad to wrote things down. Know your basics (Heart Rate, Respiratory Rate, temperatures) for the most common species that the clinic sees.
I hope this helps you and if there is any other questions please do not hesitate to reach out.
I hope this helps you and if there is any other questions please do not hesitate to reach out.
Amelia Reed
Licensed Veterinary Technicans
8
Answers
Kellogg, Idaho
Updated
Amelia’s Answer
Hello Kaydee,
Remember, even though not every patient can be saved, your role is incredibly important. Focus on your education and growth. As you enter the Veterinary Technician field, you might find some teammates hesitant to let you take on tasks. This is often because experienced staff are trying to work quickly. As Dr. H mentioned, clinics can be busy with many things happening at once, so teaching might not always be their priority.
Stay positive and proactive! Come prepared with questions, and step in where you feel comfortable by offering, "I can do that for you." When things are calm, ask about the complex procedures you’re eager to learn. By advocating for yourself, you'll not only enhance your skills but also boost your confidence and ability to advocate for your patients in the future. Keep pushing forward—you're doing great!
Remember, even though not every patient can be saved, your role is incredibly important. Focus on your education and growth. As you enter the Veterinary Technician field, you might find some teammates hesitant to let you take on tasks. This is often because experienced staff are trying to work quickly. As Dr. H mentioned, clinics can be busy with many things happening at once, so teaching might not always be their priority.
Stay positive and proactive! Come prepared with questions, and step in where you feel comfortable by offering, "I can do that for you." When things are calm, ask about the complex procedures you’re eager to learn. By advocating for yourself, you'll not only enhance your skills but also boost your confidence and ability to advocate for your patients in the future. Keep pushing forward—you're doing great!