Life Working Outside the Vet Clinic

I think it is safe to say that most RVT's start off working in vet clinics, some spending most or all of their careers working in clinics. The reason behind this being the large, and ever-growing, amount of animal hospitals as well as the fact that it is the job position where you , in most cases, utilize most of your skills. The job can also be very rewarding working with cases from the beginning to the end. Unfortunately, in some cases, the pay is inadequate and the stress is high and the business focus is more on the money then the care of the pet.

After working in this area of veterinary medicine for 10+ years I decided it was time for a change. In May I decided to resign from my job in an animal hospital and I took 5 months off ( thankfully spring and summer here in Ontario!). It was great! It gave me time to chill out and seriously think about what I wanted to do with my career next.

I stumbled upon a job posting for a city run animal shelter (also responisble for animal control) and the rest is history! I am fortunate to work with great, fun staff, have more than decent pay and benefits and be learning something new everyday. Although I practice way fewer "tech" skills, the job is rewarding in other ways such as watching sucessfull adoptions and reunions.

There definelty is rewarding work for technicians outside the veterinary clinic. Sometimes we just have to step out of our comfort zones to see what else is out there! Something that is sometimes easier said then done but always rewarding in the end!