Mar 23 2009
Working With Animals: Is It For You?
Making the decision to work with animals may seem like an easy thing, but it really isn’t. First, the pay in most animal related fields is zilch; second, it’s a difficult field to get into when experience is lacking, and it can be difficult to obtain that experience when no one wants a newbie hired!
It was especially difficult for me to get into this field. I already had a well paid business job (which I hated). I knew what animal jobs were out there but I lacked the formal education in it to get something that would pay my bills. So I did something that changed my life forever: I started volunteering at my local animal shelter.
I did this for a few years before it really sunk in that I had a knack for aiding their health and well being, both medically and emotionally. I enrolled part time at the closest veterinary technology program, which was an hour away and offering classes right smack in the middle of the day to inconvenience everyone. Once I had that under my belt, I was able to switch jobs to an entry veterinary assistant, making peanuts and barely keeping my head above water. But I loved it. I stayed with the shelter as well.
My bachelor’s in veterinary technology took me quite some time to finish despite already having had a college degree, since I had to go part time, couldn’t work enough hours or for enough pay to help me pay it, and even being homeless here and there while doing this. It was the biggest undertaking of my life, and I’m not convinced could go through it again. But I’m so glad I got through, got my professional license, and worked hard enough and made enough connections to be at the level of medicine I am at now; I’m hoping that where I am now is where I finish off my career, and the changes in the respect and pay in the field has finally been on the upward trend. I can pay my bills now 
Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than talking about this field with people and explaining the pros and cons, and why it may not be for everyone. There is always something out there you can do with animals, medicine is just one small part of it. If you’re thinking of going off to college for this, want to start out in an animal shelter, wondering what variety exists in this field, or have other questions about doing what I’ve done, don’t hesitate to comment me, I will (eventually) get back to you on it. The field of veterinary medicine can always use more animal lovers!
Christine, LVT
