Many vet clinics will hire teens to work in their animal boarding facilities, either feeding them or cleaning up after them. Typically, in these instances, a teen needs to be at least 16 to 18 years old. He or she should also be able to work weekends. If you do not find a job in one of your local clinics, then the next best option is to work as a volunteer at an animal shelter. However, many of these places require that candidates be at least 18 years old. You may also volunteer at your local zoo if you are interested in a career in veterinary science.

However, still the best way to obtain the needed experience is to first try to either work or volunteer at a vet clinic. The following information will help you create a plan to apply for work. Topics covered include the following:

• Two Major Jobs Open to Teens in the Veterinarian Field
• Working as a Veterinarian Technician – Prerequisites
• Working as a Veterinarian
• Applying for a Job in the Veterinary Field
• Benefits and Salaries

Two Major Jobs Open to Teens in the Veterinarian Field

The two entry jobs most open to teens at a veterinary clinic are a veterinary assistant (animal caretaker) or a receptionist. The following information details the skills and job outlook for these two positions.

Veterinary Assistant

Workers in this job acquire work at animal hospitals, labs, and veterinary clinics. Normally, they are employed to care for animals under the management of a veterinary technician. Typically, candidates in this job must have at last a high school diploma or GED. Most of the tasks for the position involve on-the-job learning. The hours can vary each week, depending or the clinic or animal facility.

Some assistants are required to work weekends or evenings or nights. The future job outlook for this job is excellent. Job prognostications show that the need for veterinary techs will increase by 10% in 2022. Also, the job also has a high rate of turnover, which is good news for anyone who wants to go into veterinary medicine or wants to take care of animals.

Veterinary Receptionist

The receptionist in a veterinary office is the first person patients and their owners meet when they first step in the door. The duties that are performed by the receptionist are generally the same tasks that are handled by other types of receptionists – answering phones, opening the mail, scheduling appointments, managing the office, and receiving payments. If you like reception and clerical work as well as cats and dogs, then this type of work may be well-suited to your temperament.

To work as a veterinary receptionist, you do not have to have any special skills or educational background. Depending of the employment outlines established by a vet clinic or facility, a high school diploma may or may not be a requirement.

Usually employees in this position work normal business hours, or approximately 40 hours per week. Receptionists may need to be available for weekend and evening work as well. The job outlook for veterinary receptionists is good, and should increase by almost 15% by 2022. Applicants who have veterinary experience or education as well as computer training will have an easier time obtaining employment.

Whether you work as a veterinary assistant or veterinary receptionist, both the jobs can be stepping stones up to a job as a veterinarian or veterinary technician.

Working as a Veterinary Technician – Prerequisites

If you choose to eventually become a veterinary technician, you should have an associate’s degree from an accredited veterinarian technician program. Candidates are expected to pass an exam to become licensed as well. As a technician, you are normally expected to work 40 hours per week, including evenings and weekends. The future job outlook looks good as statistics point to a 30% increase in vet tech jobs by 2022.

Working as a Veterinarian

Teens who gain experience in vet clinics or offices may also go on to pursue an education to become a veterinarian. A veterinarian or vet is a doctor who cares for animals, and diagnoses and treats illnesses of pets and livestock. Most veterinarians work in either animal hospitals or clinics. Other veterinarians teach veterinary science or work in laboratories.

Job Requirements

In order to become a veterinarian, you must obtain a doctorate in veterinary medicine. The job requires that vets work longs hours, or approximately 50 hours per week. Group practices may have veterinarians working rotational schedules, which include weekends, evenings, and nights. In addition, doctors must attend to emergencies. By working and acclimating yourself to a clinic atmosphere, you can use your experience as a veterinary assistant or technician to move into the eventual role of a doctor.

Applying for a Job in the Veterinary Field

In order to apply for an entry level job at a veterinarian clinic, ask the office how they prefer to receive applications. They will probably direct you to fill out an application online. Once you have the paperwork filled out and sent, follow up with a phone call. Make sure you add any educational training in the veterinary field.

Benefits and Salaries

Veterinarian technicians normally make around $30,000 per year and enjoy such benefits as sick leave, paid vacations, and pay for continuing education. If you enjoy working with animals and like to multi-task, then working as a technician is the ideal assignment. Should you go on to become a veterinarian, average beginning salaries fall at around $65,000 annually. Doctors in the field normally receive paid vacations, paid sick leave, and excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.

Entry level jobs, such as veterinary assistant or receptionist, can be obtained at between $23,000 and $25,000 per year, with reception jobs paying a big higher. The benefits you receive will depend on whether you work full or part-time. However, full-time jobs normally include paid continuing education, sick leave, and paid vacation time.

So, what do you think about the above entry-level jobs in the veterinarian field? Do you have the skills and desires to work as a veterinary assistant or receptionist? Would you like to use your experience to move into a position as a veterinarian technician or veterinarian? Carefully review the requirements of a job before you apply. If you still need more experience or skills, check out animal care volunteer opportunities in your area.