OHS Veterinary Technician

Our OHS staff answers frequently asked questions:

What is a typical day like in your job?

My day starts with reviewing the surgical list and prioritizing the schedule. I assess each patient to determine their health status, medical needs and develop an anaesthetic protocol and needs assessment to be able to best determine the success of the procedure and its outcome. I prepare the surgical suite and equipment and perform the anaesthesia and monitoring of animals. Other responsibilities include laboratory work, radiography, maintaining surgical records and data entry. I am responsible to maintain all supplies and equipment.

Why did you get involved in this type of work?

Since a very young age I have always been aware of a connection I had with animals. I wanted to be an animal doctor. Upon entry to high school, a counsellor introduced me to a college calendar where I realized there was a career as a veterinary technician. This struck me as a better match to my personality, level of care toward animals and interest as to animals' needs supportively and diagnostically. I then focused my academic needs to match the criteria set out in the calendar. There were some struggles with sciences but overall worth it in reaching my goals for college. Whether owned, surrendered or abandoned, I try to give my best. Each animal requires excellent care.

What skills and training do you need for this job?

To invest in this career you require a high school diploma with college/university equivalent math, English and science. Ideally you should apply to a college which is accredited.

What's the hardest part of your job?

The hardest part of my job is going home at the end of my day and calling an end to surgical procedures. The needs in this field are endless. I constantly am assessing whether I did my best to have a positive outcome each day. Could I have approached it differently and strategizing each day to be better than the one before? Our patients do not have anyone to advocate on their behalf so I tend to treat each as my own.

What's the most rewarding part of your job?

Working with an excellent team and succeeding in completing the workload of the day in a scheduled manner and taking home a smile. Having lots of critters available on post surgery day to send them to adoptions or our pet store adoption centres. Sharing my knowledge with teammates and co-workers.

Do you have any advice for kids who would like to do this type of job when they get older?

If you have an opportunity to do a job shadow or co-op, go to a veterinary hospital or consider our shelter and clinic. Be open minded as to the types of animals or services field related that are out there. Shop around for the college that meets accreditation criteria and your needs. Do not limit yourself. Some people can not work directly with animals so a private clinic setting is not a good match. As a veterinary technician you can be employed in a clinic, research facility, pharmeceuticals, food industry, sales and so much more.

Do you have any pets?

Currently I have just one pet. Holly is an all Canadian, some Labrador Retriever and Border Collie. She is amazing. Holly came to us as a seven-week old-puppy. She was abandoned in the community I lived in at the time and came to my work place for general care, warming up and nourishment. We got her just before Christmas so hence the name Holly which stands for new beginnings. Holly is involved in two programs at the shelter: humane education and Brightening Lives. She is perfect.

There are lots of ways you can work with animals. Read more in our animal careers section!

Ottawa Humane Society Staff Profiles

There are many interesting jobs at the Ottawa Humane Society! Meet a few of our staff members to find out what they do!