While working as a vet assistant can be a very rewarding job, it can have its drawbacks. The hardest parts about being a vet assistant are often the more physically or emotionally demanding tasks and the stress that comes with working in a busy environment. As a vet assistant, your work away from the front desk can involve messy situations, handling angry or scared animals, and the potential for bites and scratches. It can also involve cleaning up messes you’d rather not deal with, especially from sick animals who can’t do their business in a litter box or outside. You’ll probably also regularly have to deal with losing patients – no matter how hard the vet techs and veterinarian work to help a pet, not all of them will pull through. It can be very physically and emotionally draining work, so if you don’t love working with animals, it can be a tough place to start a long-term career. Because the work of a veterinary clinic is demanding and stressful – both physically and emotionally – the work environment at some vet clinics can be tough. Many people working in veterinary medicine can be competitive and expect a lot from their employees and coworkers. That can lead to being overcritical of your work and skills, which can be a disheartening environment to deal with every day. Not every clinic is like this, though! A well-run veterinary clinic focuses on making a safe and productive environment for both patients and employees. When you’re applying for jobs in the field, get a feel for the atmosphere and how well people work together when you show up for your interview. That can help you make sure you find a job in a practice that makes you happy. But if you know you want to make a difference with your job, the hardest parts of working as a vet assistant can be more than worth it. The work you do can make a pet happier and healthier, and even when you can’t save a patient, you can be confident in knowing you did all you could to keep them comfortable and comfort their owners.