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JOB DESCRIPTION
A veterinary technician provides professional support to veterinarians in diagnosing, treating, and caring for animals. They work on maintaining health and safety in facilities that provide medical care and shelter for animals, including breeding and holding facilities, zoos, animal shelters, laboratories, animal units in research centers and institutions, organizations performing disinfection, pest and rodent control, pet grooming salons, veterinary pharmacies, and specialized pet supply stores.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Veterinary clinics and hospitals
- Universities and research institutes
- Zoos and animal shelters
- Farms and livestock centers
- Inspection services and food control laboratories The job often involves contact with animals: pets, livestock, horses, or wild animals. Work is performed both indoors and in the field. Shifts, on-call duties, and physically demanding tasks are possible.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES
Technical skills:
- Proper handling of animals and equipment
- Administering injections, collecting samples, assisting in surgeries
- Maintaining medical records
- Basics of laboratory diagnostics and hygiene
Personal attributes:
- Empathy and love for animals
- Physical endurance and stress resilience
- Precision and responsibility
- Teamwork
- Ability to react quickly in emergencies
CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR THE JOB
Health-related:
- Allergies to animal hair, dander, disinfectants, or medications
- Severe respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma) worsened by animals or chemicals
- Neurological disorders affecting coordination, balance, or fine motor skills
- Uncorrectable vision or hearing impairments that hinder precise work
- Mental health conditions affecting emotional stability, focus, or decision-making
- Fear of animals, blood, or wounds, or strong aversion to unpleasant stimuli
Functional and safety limitations:
- Lack of physical endurance – the job involves lifting and calming animals, often in demanding conditions
- Inability to wear protective equipment (e.g., latex allergy)
- Inability to work shifts, weekends, and holidays
- Lack of emotional resilience – dealing with suffering, euthanasia, and stressful situations
LABOR MARKET COMPETENCIES
- Professional knowledge of animal anatomy, physiology, and pathology
- Application of veterinary procedures and therapies
- Understanding of animal welfare and food safety regulations
- Teamwork and independent decision-making
- Digital literacy – working with databases, diagnostic equipment, and software