How to Become a Veterinary Assistant in Connecticut

The increase of pet owners gave rise to the increase in animal care facilities.

It has affected the need for vets and their staff to take care of and treat animals.

So to ensure that a facility runs smoothly, vets and vet techs need vet assistants.

Not only will you work with pets but also livestock, zoo, and laboratory animals.

You have a lot of daily responsibilities at the facility, and you’ll learn a few of them here.

So read on to know how you can be a vet assistant in Connecticut.

What a Vet Assistant Does

Vet assistants are individuals who look after the animals in animal care facilities.

You entered this profession due to your desire to work with and help animals in need.

Mainly, you support vets and vet techs in their tasks, but you also have other responsibilities.

A few of your everyday duties are as follows:

• Handle and manage animal patients
• Pharmacy and laboratory tasks
• Radiology and diagnostic imaging
• Monitor veterinary computer programs
• Ensure hospital maintenance
• Communicate and deal with clients
• Inventory control
• Assist in surgery, examination, and filling prescriptions
• Provide basic animal care
• Arrange appointments and visits

Note that your tasks depend on the work required by the facility you’re working at.

The bigger and more reputable they are, the heavier your responsibilities will be.

So to ensure career success, you have to exert all your best.

Some of the personal skills you need to possess are:

• Good communication skills
• Empathy
• Passion for animals
• Observational skills
• Time management

Popular Programs

Education Requirements in Connecticut

Becoming a vet assistant in Connecticut is easy.

You only need to be a high school graduate or have a GED equivalent to start working.

No prior experience is required as you’re usually trained under the vet’s guidance.

Despite that, you’re encouraged to at least acquire some knowledge and skills in animal care.

One way to do that is to enroll in a vet assistant program, preferably one that’s accredited by NAVTA.

Here are some of the schools offering the program in Connecticut.

• Manchester Community College
• Middlesex Community College
• Northwest Connecticut Community College

After completion, you’ll be able to take the certification exam.

You can either take the exam by the school or NAVTA.

If you choose NAVTA, you’ll become an Approved Veterinary Assistant.

Passing it will mean that you’re highly competent to work at any animal care facility in the state and in the country.

Not to mention that it will improve your employment chances in the future.

Job Prospects in Connecticut

In Connecticut, looking for a job isn’t difficult.

That’s because there are plenty of animal care facilities looking for vet assistants here.

Of course, preference is given to those with expertise, years of experience, and/or certification.

Here’s a list of potential employers you can consider applying to.

• Veterinary Centers of America Branches
  • Bristol Animal Hospital
  • Valley Animal Hospital
  • Foxon Animal Hospital
  • Plainfield Animal Hospital
• Banfield Pet Hospital in:
  • Waterbury
  • North Haven
  • Norwalk
• Vetco Wellness Centers and Vaccination Clinics in:
  • Avon Petco
  • Danbury Petco
  • North Haven Petco
  • Stratford Petco

Potential Salary in Connecticut

A vet assistant’s annual salary varies from place to place.

Numerous factors can affect it, such as:

• Area development
• Residents’ income
• Your experience
• Working hours

Per Salary.com, the annual salary typically ranges from $27,689 to $41,452 as of February 2022.

The average annual salary amounts to $34,365.

Below is the salary percentile for Connecticut.

Meanwhile, this one shows the salaries in different places within the state.

Average Annual Salary by Location

Regional Salary in Connecticut

Continuing Education for Vet Assistants

We believe that this is the time to start advancing your career and raise your status in the veterinary field.

You may even decide to be a vet tech someday.

Some of the continuing education resources are as follows:

• VetMedTeam
• Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association
• American Veterinary Medical Association
• Connecticut Humane Society
• Pet Animal Welfare Society
• SPCA of Connecticut, Inc.

Final Words

You as a vet assistant are a valuable member of the vet team.

You assist them during surgical procedures as well as take on administrative tasks.

Without your help, the facility may not run as smoothly as it hopes to be.

Now that they’re looking forward to hiring more of you, you should take this chance to increase your qualifications.

Get educated, be trained, and earn your certification.

The success of your career awaits.

How to Become a Veterinary Assistant by State