What is a veterinary technician at Dermatology for Animals?

BEEP...BEEP...BEEP...BEEP the alarm clock goes off. We start our journey to work just like any other career. Then we arrive at the office and immediately jump in to look at what our day holds. Reading through electronic chart after chart of new patients and existing patients‘ histories. We are eager each and every day to greet, listen, educate and help deliver the doctors recommendations to you.

One of the most fascinating parts of this career for me is interactions with our pet owners, hearing their stories, helping make their pet’s life better and also bonding with their pets.
We hear story after story of our itchy, scratchy friends and all we want to do is be there to help you out. We bond with not only your pets but with you. I personally enjoy educating our pet owners and taking the time to help them through very frustrating times. Did you know there is a veterinary technician stationed everyday just to take your questions, get your refills or call them into a pharmacy even if your local office is closed. The Gilbert Arizona office is where your calls are forwarded if your local office is closed so that a technician can help you 6 days a week.

We also have to be the one that runs into the exam room to get vitals which include that dreaded thermometer. We set catheters, draw blood and urine samples, perform injections, clean our fuzzy friends ears no matter how bad they get, and many other job tasks on a daily basis. We monitor your pet under anesthesia, making sure that every vital sign is watched carefully and maintained properly. We have become typing machines for your discharges while translating horrible doctor handwriting. We take all of the bites, scratches, head butts and whatever else our patients throw at us and keep on moving. We also develop a special bond with our patients that most of our pet owners do not even see as this happens in our treatment areas, outside of the exam rooms.

Many of us have gone through years of schooling to be registered, certified, or licensed (depending on the state) and many of us have tons of experience under our belts. Some of us, just like our doctor counterparts, also travel from clinic to clinic. We are well equipped to answer many of your questions and concerns. We go to numerous continuing education classes every year to keep up with the newest medical advancements. Some of us even volunteer in pet rescue and shelters when we are not working.

So don’t be afraid to put us to the test, ask us questions, tell us your stories, and see the light in our eyes shine. Hopefully this shed some light on what a your veterinary technician does for you and your pet.