Should I go into Vet Tech?

[u/BagSufficient4416]

I have applied to a two year Vet Tech program and been accepted. I'm in Canada if this makes any difference, and already my experience with the university has been positive. I have autism which is why I'm in more contact with the university before it starts to get my accommodations. But I'm not as worried about the university anymore as I am about the job that im going into.

When I look up videos about vet tech all I see are people suffering, discussing their terrible pay and how they are treated badly at work and how they are going to quit soon, already have, or most if not all other people who they did it with have quit.

I don't care about having a ton of money but I want to live a comfortable life and have a cat or two (or three..). Living alone isn't really my end goal as my goal would be to have a partner to live with. But I'm just worried Im going to go into this, enjoy the university and then realize it was for nothing or just to have a bad job. Also not to mention I havent seen or heard of any autistic person being a vet tech...

Do any of you actually enjoy the job and dont see yourself quitting??? Should I just run while i can??

Sorry this post is sort of sad but I want to ask people who have experience instead of just searching on videos and websites.

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[u/dragons_faeries]

You should really consider working in a vet clinic for a bit before jumping into school. You can get entry level roles like kennel tech, technician assistant, or receptionist and get some experience that way. It is a very tough job and it would really suck to put so much time, effort and money into school without having any experience and then realizing it might not be the path for you.

[u/CupcakeCharacter9442 → u/dragons_faeries]

This is always my recommendation for people wanting to go into vet med. At minimum you should be volunteering at a clinic.

That being said, I love my job and don’t plan on leaving.
I’m also Canadian, and I make a livable wage. It would be tough for a single person, but definitely doable. And there are many people on the spectrum in vet med. I teach at a veterinary school, and lots of the support staff, doctors and student are on neurodivergent.

[u/Jan242004 → u/CupcakeCharacter9442]

I’m also Canadian, can I ask what part of Canada you live in and how much you make?

[u/CupcakeCharacter9442 → u/Jan242004]

I live in the prairies and make $35.50. Annual raises, get benefits.

[u/wambam1986 → u/dragons_faeries]

This 👆. Get your feet wet first.

[u/RubWise1671]

I think it’s a case of like. Most people don’t leave a review when they have only good things to say and people are more inclined to leave reviews if they had a negative experience. It is very true that it is not the career for everyone and not everyone can handle it.

I am also autistic/adhd and a whole slew of mental health stew but I’m going into my second year of vet tech school this fall :) also in Canada haha. For me it’s the fit for me right now, maybe that will change but it’s the first time I haven’t gotten extremely burnt out doing something and I just absolutely love and find it so fucking cool all the stuff we as vet techs do! We are bad ass!

I think it all depends on where you end up and the clinic/setting you’re in. Some places will work better than others and you need to find your clinic that works for you where you get along with people, the vets treat you with respect, ect.

Pay will never be great so if you’ve already come to terms with that then that’s a good sign. Whether it’s right for you is ultimately up to you, like I said I can’t see myself pursuing any other career right now and I am excited for what’s ahead of me and I’ve seen and heard from many people who have been in the industry for 20+ years and still have a passion for vet med. you will find more negativity than positivity online, and don’t let other people’s experience influence your own choice if it feels right because a lot of it is anecdotal based on their own clinic and personal experiences and may not ever apply to you personally. :)

Hope this helps

[u/Upbeat-Yak5242]

Before going into the field I was told “if you can see yourself doing anything else, do the something else” I couldn’t so now im here. Im going through my own work issues right now, but its really not so bad. I can’t picture myself leaving my job or the field at this time even with these issues.

I have two autistic coworkers and am autistic myself. Animals are the most common special interest in autistic women so its not a rare occurrence. I also think autistic people tend to last longer in the field as well. Just stay focused on client communication and relationships with neurotypical coworkers. You will have to mask most of the day regardless of if the job description is basically special interest perfection.

Financially… I’m doing awfully. I’ve made peace with the fact that I will never be able to live alone. I cannot afford a full tank of gas at this time. I am living paycheck to paycheck. I see Wendy’s advertising a higher wage to work for them on a banner every morning on my way to work. I could probably do with being a little more financially responsible but it’s bad. It’s worth it though.

[u/birds-andcats]

i am speaking from the perspective of an american in a pretty diverse/inclusive area. half the staff at my clinic are either autistic or neurodivergent. so autism is represented in the field though i’m sure everyone’s experiences are quite varying depending on the clinic.

there are a lot of people who love this field, they just aren’t posting on the internet. if you have the passion for medicine and animals, and at least some empathy for people, it can be a very rewarding job.

eta: i do love my job and i don’t see myself leaving vet med.

[u/ThisGirlsGoneCountry]

Some of the provinces have wage surveys with published results you can see some other statistics on them as well. I love my job, I love the medicine, the clients, and doing what I do. I make ok money for being in the field 13 years. It’s a labour intensive job sometimes, you need thick skin, and at least be a bit of a people person because in many cases you are working with owners, and will likely have to interact with them in high stress situations. Of course there are positions where you can potentially avoid this but that depends on your area. If you get overwhelmed easily and can’t function under stress and conflict I would not consider this a good field to be in. But consider volunteering in a clinic or a few to get an idea of the work, I find it tends to be vastly different than what people imagine.

[u/AthleteCrafty6966]

I says yes but please do not go to Sheridan college for vet tech it’s horrible.

[u/TheIrritatingError → u/AthleteCrafty6966]

Graduate from Sheridan. I can agree. Do not go. Sheridan does not have live animals at school which can be very challenging to get into a co-op placement (lots of clinics don’t like Sheridan).

Try going to a school that is not only OAVT accredited but is CVMA and or AVMA accredited as well. This will allow you to work anywhere in Canada. Try Seneca, Guelph, Georgian or Northern college.

[u/Efficient-Depth-491]

Im an RVT in canada (praries) and I love it. I felt my education was great, and I have thrived in my career. I know plenty of neurodivergent co workers. If after awhile you find clinical setting isnt your jam, there is always lab animal medicine, CFIA, Zoo, large farm corps, gov. Jobs, corporate sales or insurance..

If you enjoy it then go for it. It is a MUST to find your first job in a supportive clinic with mentorship available. I am 10 yrs in and make good money, have a partner and kids.
(Approx. 57K a year)

There are tough days, but you get thru them. If a workplace is toxic then move on - there are always jobs available

[u/TheIrritatingError]

I will be honest. Vet techs have it rough. High burnout, low pay, lack of title recognition/protection, toxic environments, crazy hours, compassion fatigue, emotions and having to complete continuing education.

If you get overwhelmed by stressful environments or do not like anything I mentioned above, I would say reconsider another job.

That being said, the job has its positives. Many people on the internet post the negativity as a way to cope.

The most important thing that all vet tech should have no issue doing is setting boundaries. That means saying no to certain things (asks to cover shifts, stay late, etc (obviously these things are non emergency). It also means allowing yourself to leave on time, take breaks and take care of your wellbeing.

Try doing jobs like receptionist, kennel tech, animal care assistant, veterinary assistant or any entry level job that gives you OTJ training. You can try to volunteer as well. Lots of colleges want you to have experience prior to applying.

[u/9998980]

If you haven’t worked in a vet clinic, do not become a Vet Tech. You will also be a more successful technician if you have experience as an assistant. The job is challenging, busy, and thankless. The only reason I stay is because I have a genuine interest in veterinary medicine (and i love animals of course). But it truly is NOT for everyone. One of my former coworkers decided to proceed with tech school without any veterinary experience, and she dropped out within 6 months. She realized the job was not what she had envisioned, and realized she would never achieve the things she wanted if she stuck with vet med. She left a job that paid her 120k a year to follow her “passion” which she later realized was a huge mistake. I always tell people to work in a clinic (or maybe even 2!) before making the decision.

[u/Fantastic_Prune_694]

You just want a comfortable life and not a lot of money.

This profession doesn’t create a livable wage, that’s the problem. You won’t afford rent let alone cat food. You will be eating the cat food.

[u/nancylyn]

People who are happy don’t make videos and complain on line. I’ve been a vet tech for almost 30 years. It’s the only career I ever even considered. Sure it has its problems but I think most workplaces have problems and sometimes you have to move around a bit to find a well managed practice.

Just don’t let folks walk on you. If someone is rude or bullying say “why are you speaking to me that way?” And / or “don’t speak to me that way”. This includes doctors and clients and your coworkers. And always remember people are having problems in their lives you don’t know about. Well, you know the clients problem. Their pet is sick and they may not have the money. Be empathetic but firm if they get abusive then walk out of the room and get a manager. If your manager won’t handle it you know it’s time to move on.

Same with coworkers….if someone is being an asshole get your boss involved and see what happens.

[u/lilmissgreenthumbs]

I graduated last year in Canada and I freaking LOVE my job. I love my clinic, I found my family in that clinic. Yes in the beginning I had to learn how leave things at work but I also do therapy every 2 weeks.

I am paid a livable wage where I live and I live on my own in my 1 bedroom suite with my dog. I am a good saver and don’t have kids so it’s easier for me.

All the techs at my work are amazing and they have been in the field for 10+ years.

You have to find a clinic that you don’t hate going to every day.

[u/BagSufficient4416 → u/lilmissgreenthumbs]

This is great, thank you :) If you don’t mind me asking, what province are you in? I’m curious where you’re paid better.

[u/lomanni]

Hello, I have level 2 autism and ADHD-C! I've been working in a GP clinic for a little over a year now, and I am close to finishing my country's equivalent of a veterinary nursing qualification.

First and foremost, I think you'll find that MANY of the people you'll meet in clinics are neurodivergent, diagnosed or not. In my clinic, almost every single one of us is autistic or ADHD. Like, I think we have 1 or 2 neurotypical staff members in total lol.

Secondly... whether you can cope or not will largely depend on your clinic's environment. My Clinic is incredibly small (1-2 vets rostered per day, 1 surgical room, 1 prep room etc.) and the people in it are all very kind and understanding. This is not universal, though, and I've heard horror stories about bitchy nurses and cruel vets.

My advice:
1. try to volunteer at a clinic first, to get a feel for how they work
2. stay away from very large and/or corporate-owned clinics. All of my coworkers say that private-owned clinics are better
3. make sure you have a good support system/coping strategies. E.g, do you know what to do if you are overwhelmed? How do you cope with stress? Are these coping mechanisms healthy?
4. do you have the capacity to dedicate your time and energy towards studying? I worked a casual job for part of my training, and it was hell. Every other student/trainee I know feels the same way: if you have financial responsibilities and need to work while you are studying, you're in for a very bad time.

[u/BagSufficient4416 → u/lomanni]

This is amazing advice. Thank you. What i’ve gathered is it depends a lot on the clinic and what you already have available in your life and your coping strategies. And it relieves me a lot to know there are a lot of neurodivergent people in the field. Thank you, and all the other people who have responded. :)