Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

• Provide nursing care and rehabilitation therapy for animals

• Handle, restrain and care for animals undergoing treatment and surgery

• Produce radiographs, collect and analyse samples and perform other laboratory tests to assist in diagnosis of animal health problems

• Assist veterinarian with animals before, during and following surgery by preparing surgical equipment, administering and monitoring anaesthetics and cleaning up after surgery

• Prepare and administer medications and vaccines under direction of a veterinarian

• Administer treatments as prescribed by a veterinarian

• Provide wound and bandage care

• Conduct specialized procedures such as animal identification and hoof trimming

• Educate and advise clients on animal health care including nutrition and home care

• Assist in laboratory research

• Perform routine animal dental procedures and assist veterinarians with animal dentistry

• May perform a variety of office management and clerical duties.

• Completion of a two- or three-year animal health/veterinary technology college program is required.

• Successful completion of a national registration examination may be required in some employment settings.

• Registration with provincial animal health technologists' or veterinary technicians' associations is available, and is mandatory in some provinces.

• With experience, animal health technologists and veterinary technicians may progress to supervisory positions.