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Veterinary Technician Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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A Veterinary Technician, or Clinical Veterinary Technician, is responsible for performing routine checkups and other medical procedures on animals to ensure their health and well-being. Their duties include communicating with pet owners to determine whether their pet experienced changes in activity or diet, checking an animal’s weight, heartbeat and other vitals to record in patient files and assisting other veterinary personnel in taking blood samples or administering medications.

Veterinary Technician duties and responsibilities

A Veterinary Technician takes care of animals that come into the facility and maintains the facility itself. A Veterinary Technician may have the following responsibilities: 

  • Providing general nursing care
  • Examining animals and checking vitals in preparation for the Veterinarian
  • Taking X-rays of animals
  • Administering first aid for emergencies
  • Administering medication and treatments
  • Drawing blood samples for testing
  • Monitoring animals under anesthesia

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Veterinary Technician Job Description Examples

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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What does a Veterinary Technician do?

Veterinary Technicians typically work for veterinary clinics or veterinary hospitals to provide a range of medical services to animals. They work closely with other Veterinary Technicians, Veterinarians and front desk staff to oversee pet checkups or more in-depth medical care. Their job is to take x-rays or perform ultrasounds, update patient records, administer vaccinations and speak with pet owners about how to best care for their animals. They may also be responsible for helping schedule pet check-ups and sending reminders to owners as needed.

Veterinary Technician skills and qualifications

A successful Veterinary Technician candidate will have multiple prerequisite skills and qualifications needed for the performance of their duties. Some necessary skills and qualifications include:

  • Working knowledge of the pharmaceuticals that are prescribed by the Veterinarian
  • Good listening skills
  • Compassion
  • Communication skills
  • Physical stamina
  • Knowledge of a variety of animal species

Veterinary Technician salary expectations

A Veterinary Technician makes an average of $15.86 an hour. Pay rate may depend on a candidate’s education, experience level and geographical location.

Veterinary Technician salary expectations

2025-10-018.5522.9144.10HOURLY
  • Common salary: 22.91 HOURLY
  • Typical salaries range from 8.55 - 44.10 HOURLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Veterinary Technician education and training requirements

A typical education for Veterinary Technicians consists of a two-year degree or equivalent education that focuses on the care of animals. Courses typically include learning basic nursing care for animals, anatomy and physiology of animals, veterinary pathology, biochemistry, anesthesia and surgical nursing. Training usually involves working in a clinical setting for practical experience and time spent in laboratory settings to learn various skills.

Veterinary Technician experience requirements

A Veterinary Technician should have experience working in a variety of settings that focus on the care of animals. Someone who has just completed their education should have worked in clinical and laboratory settings. Experience working as a volunteer in animal shelters is also beneficial. A Veterinary Technician with more experience has handled multiple animal species, understands animal behavior and the handling of animals in all temperaments and can communicate medical information to clients, Veterinarians and coworkers.

Job description samples for similar positions

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Frequently asked questions about Veterinary Technicians

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