A career as a veterinary assistant (sometimes referred to as an animal assistant) is an excellent opportunity for those who love working with animals and want to be part of a veterinary healthcare team.
Veterinary assistants provide essential support to veterinarians and veterinary nurses, ensuring the smooth operation of clinics, hospitals and animal care facilities.
A veterinary assistant and a veterinary nurse both play essential roles in animal care, but their responsibilities and required qualifications differ.
| Veterinary Assistant | Veterinary Nurse |
|---|---|
| Perform tasks such as feeding animals, monitoring their weight, cleaning their cages, cleaning equipment and workspaces and nursing animals after procedures | Provide medical care under a vet’s supervision, including administering medication, assisting with surgeries, and performing diagnostic tests |
| Under the supervision of a Veterinary Nurse | Under the supervision of a Veterinarian |
| Entry level role | Higher level role |
| Certificate II or III in Animal Care | Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing |
Becoming a veterinary assistant allows you to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of animals. This role offers hands-on experience in animal care, making it a perfect starting point for those considering a long-term career in veterinary medicine.
Veterinary assistants play a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency of veterinary practices. They ensure that animals receive proper care, assist veterinary staff during treatments, and help keep veterinary practices clean and organised. Their contributions allow veterinarians and veterinary nurses to focus on complex medical procedures, improving the overall standard of care for patients.
Veterinary assistants take on a variety of responsibilities, including:
Veterinary assistants possess a combination of technical skills and personal attributes, including:
Veterinary assistants can work in a variety of animal care settings, such as:
One of the most common questions aspiring vet assistants ask is, “How much does a veterinary assistant earn?” While salaries vary based on location and experience, here’s a general overview:
Average salary for a veterinary assistant: $48,000 – $58,000 per year (based on approx. award rates from fairwork.gov.au).
The demand for skilled veterinary assistants continues to grow as pet ownership increases in Australia. With the right training, candidates have great job opportunities in the field.
To become a veterinary assistant, gaining formal education and hands-on experience is beneficial. The recommended pathway includes:
A career as a veterinary assistant is a fantastic way to start working with animals while gaining valuable experience in the veterinary field. With dedication and further education, many veterinary assistants go on to become veterinary nurses or pursue other specialised animal care careers.
Skilled volunteers and foster carers play a crucial role in animal rescues, offering hands-on care and enrichment to animals in need. With formal training, you can take your compassion further and contribute meaningfully to animal welfare efforts.
Already a dog trainer, Kelby sought to expand her knowledge and refine her skills by enrolling in AVT’s Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training. Now, she feels more confident in supporting owners and taking on more challenging cases in her business, Full of Beans Dog Training.
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The leader in delivery of Australian Nationally Recognised Qualifications including ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (formerly Animal Studies), ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services, ACM40818 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training.
Applied Vocational Training (AVT) delivers a range of qualifications and short courses for students wishing to pursue a career working with animals.
AVT is a Registered Training Organisation based in Perth, Western Australia, providing on-campus and online courses to students studying throughout Australia. More about us →
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