Technicians assist veterinarians, biological workers, and other scientists by performing more routine tasks, freeing them for specialized, complex tasks. They also work in companies that produce drugs and feeds, animal production facilities, zoos, meat packing companies, animal shelters, animal control facilities, and spaying and neutering clinics. Veterinary Technicians who assist veterinarians perform duties in the medical, surgical, and therapeutic treatment of animals. Under the direction of veterinarians, they assist with physical examinations that help determine the nature of the illness or injury. They administer medications, immunizations, anesthesia and blood plasma to the animals as prescribed by the veterinarian.
Technicians take and record temperature, pulse and respiration.
They collect and label specimens for culture or microscopic examination. They dress and suture wounds, apply splints and other protective devices, and clean and extract teeth. On some jobs, Veterinary Technicians operate electro-cardiographic and radiographic equipment and also expose and develop diagnostic radiographs. In surgery, they assist veterinarians by providing correct equipment and instruments and by assuring that monitoring and support equipment such as anesthetic machines, cardiac monitors, scopes and breathing apparatus are in good working condition. Technicians must also maintain treatment records and inventory of all pharmaceuticals, equipment and supplies.