Back to Roo4You

What Do Veterinary Technicians Do?

Roo Team
March 8, 2025
Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary technicians (vet techs) are the unsung heroes of animal healthcare. They’re the ones behind the scenes, ensuring every furry, feathered, or scaly patient gets the care they need. But what exactly does a vet tech do? Whether you’re considering this career or just curious about their role, this guide will give you a detailed look into the daily life, responsibilities, and impact of vet techs.

What does a vet tech do?

Vet techs are the multitasking superheroes of veterinary medicine. Think of them as the glue that holds the clinic together — they’re always there, juggling multiple responsibilities to ensure every pet (and their human) gets the best care possible. From assisting in surgeries to comforting anxious pets, vet techs are a vital part of the veterinary team. 

Here’s a breakdown of their primary responsibilities:

  • Medical tasks: Drawing blood, administering medications, and assisting with X-rays.
  • Surgical assistance: Prepping animals for surgery and monitoring anesthesia.
  • Client communication: Explaining treatment plans and post-op care to pet parents.
  • Laboratory work: Running diagnostic tests like urinalysis or fecal exams.
  • Animal comfort: Providing TLC to pets before and after procedures.

In short, vet techs are essential to keeping veterinary practices running smoothly. Their work ensures that veterinarians can focus on diagnosing and treating patients while knowing that everything else is under control.

A day in the life of a vet tech

No two days are exactly alike for a veterinary technician, but here’s a glimpse into what their daily routine might look like:

Morning rounds

The day often begins with checking on hospitalized patients. Vet techs monitor vitals, administer medications, and update veterinarians on each animal's condition.

Appointments

During appointments, vet techs assist with exams by restraining animals safely, collecting samples for lab tests, and recording medical histories. They also explain vaccination schedules or dietary recommendations to pet parents.

Surgeries

If surgeries are scheduled, vet techs prep the operating room, sterilize instruments, and monitor anesthesia during procedures. Post-surgery, they ensure animals wake up comfortably and provide detailed aftercare instructions to owners.

Emergency care

In emergency situations, vet techs stabilize injured animals, perform CPR if needed, and assist with diagnostic imaging like X-rays or ultrasounds.

End-of-day tasks

Before clocking out, vet techs clean exam rooms, restock supplies, and double-check patient records for accuracy. It’s all about keeping things organized for the next day!

What does a vet tech assistant do?

While similar to vet techs, veterinary assistants have fewer responsibilities and don’t require formal certification. Their tasks include:

  • Feeding and exercising animals in the clinic.
  • Cleaning cages and exam rooms.
  • Assisting with basic procedures like nail trims or ear cleanings.
  • Supporting vet techs during exams or surgeries by holding animals still.

If you’re considering becoming a vet tech but want to test the waters first, starting as an assistant is a great option!

How much do vet techs make?

Now let’s talk numbers — because passion doesn’t pay bills! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for veterinary technicians in 2023 was $38,000–$52,000 per year, depending on experience and location. Specializations like emergency care or dentistry can bump salaries up by $5,000–$12,000 annually.

For more detailed salary insights based on your state or specialization, check out Roo’s vet tech salary guide.

Skills every vet tech needs

Being a successful vet tech isn’t just about loving animals (though that helps!). Here are some key skills you’ll need:

  1. Attention to detail: Whether it’s calculating medication dosages or monitoring anesthesia levels during surgery, precision is critical.
  2. Communication skills: You’ll need to explain complex medical terms in ways pet parents can understand — without overwhelming them.
  3. Physical stamina: From lifting large dogs to standing for hours during surgeries, this job can be physically demanding.
  4. Emotional resilience: Euthanasia cases or emergencies can be tough; staying compassionate yet professional is essential.
  5. Technical expertise: Mastering tools like IV catheters or diagnostic machines is part of your daily routine.

Want to sharpen your skills? Check out Roo’s veterinary technician training checklist for tips on excelling in your role.

Why vet techs are indispensable

Veterinary technicians aren’t just support staff — they’re vital contributors to animal healthcare. Without them:

  • Clinics would struggle with patient management.
  • Veterinarians would be overwhelmed by routine tasks.
  • Pet parents wouldn’t receive the guidance they need for at-home care.

In short: Vet techs make everything run smoothly while ensuring pets get top-notch treatment.

Why choose Roo?

At Roo, we understand that being a veterinary technician isn’t just a job — it’s a calling. That’s why we offer:

  • Flexible shifts so you can balance work and life.
  • Competitive pay that reflects your hard work.
  • Resources like our free CE events to help you grow professionally.

Plus — our healthcare stipend even covers your pets’ medical needs!

FAQs about veterinary technicians

1. What are the duties of a vet tech?

Answer Vet techs assist veterinarians with medical procedures like drawing blood or taking X-rays; they also handle client communication and provide post-op care instructions.

2. How is being a vet assistant different from being a vet tech?

Answer Vet assistants handle basic tasks like cleaning cages or feeding animals; they don’t perform medical procedures or require certification.

3. Can I specialize as a vet tech?

Answer Yes! Specializations include emergency care, anesthesia monitoring, dentistry, and exotic animal medicine.

4. How long does it take to become a certified vet tech?

Answer Most programs take 2 years for an associate degree; bachelor’s programs take 4 years.

5. Is being a vet tech physically demanding?

Answer Yes — lifting heavy animals and standing during long surgeries can be physically challenging.

Sources:

Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023). Veterinary Technologists and Technicians. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov

American Veterinary Medical Association (2023). What Veterinary Technicians Do. Retrieved from https://www.avma.org

National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (2023). Vet Tech Career Insights. Retrieved from https://www.navta.net

‍

‍

Related resources

More from Roo4You
More from Roo4You
Vets & Techs
For VetsFor TechsWhat is a Relief VetResources
Relief Tips & Guides How to Get StartedHealthcare & BenefitsLicensing GuidesTaxes & FinanceVet Salary Calculator
CE Events & WebinarsHappy HoursBlog
Work Life BalanceVet MedFinancial FreedomHow to RooRoo News
Hospitals
For HospitalsHost ExternshipsBlog
Animal HospitalsHow to RooRoo News
Students
For StudentsBlog
Roo Uni
About
FAQLocationsCareersSupportAbout UsContact Us
Find Relief Veterinarian Jobs
AtlantaAustinBaltimoreBostonCharlotteChicagoCincinnatiClevelandColumbusDallasDenver
HoustonKansas City, KSKansas City, MOLas VegasLos AngelesMiamiMinneapolisNashvilleNew York CityOrlandoPhiladelphia
PhoenixPortlandRaleighSacramentoSan AntonioSan FranciscoSeattleTampaTucsonWashington D.C.