Working as a vet office manager can be rewarding, as you will get to aid in the well-being of clients and their furry companions.
That said, vet office managers won’t need to undergo clinical training but instead will focus on managerial tasks.
You’ll be responsible for reception, bookkeeping, and maintaining records as a vet office manager.
It’s a rewarding job, but you may wonder if any downsides exist.
Below, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of being a vet office manager and what you should consider.
Table of Contents
Pros of Being a Vet Office Manager
Working With Animals
Working as a vet office manager will allow you to help aid clients and their pets in a wide variety of ways.
You will meet a wide range of animals, including critters, cats, and dogs.
This can be exciting if you love animals, as you’ll get to greet them as they walk in the door.
As a vet office manager, you’ll play a crucial role in the health and well-being of animals.
This can be incredibly fulfilling, especially if you have a deep love for pets.
It’s a perfect job for an animal lover who wants to make a difference in the lives of these furry companions.
Less Schooling
If you’re interested in working with animals, then look no further.
A vet office manager won’t need to go to veterinary school or have any formal clinical training.
Instead, they can work in an office setting and still get to meet new furry companions.
Other roles in a veterinary clinic often require extensive training or schooling.
However, vet office managers can learn on the job and won’t need to attend higher education.
This can be good if your ultimate goal is to work with animals but not have to attend schooling.
Job Security
Vet office managers often have better job security than other jobs.
Pets and their owners aren’t going away shortly.
It’s estimated that 66% of households in the United States own a pet.
That means that there is a great need for pet healthcare.
The more pets, the more clinics will need a vet office manager to run the front desk.
While pet ownership might slow down, it will never completely disappear, making the job more secure compared to others.
Competitive Salary
In the United States, a vet office manager is often paid an average of $37 to $47.
Considering this job doesn’t require formal education, it’s great starting pay.
Vet office managers can make upward of $52 per hour, above other managerial positions.
A vet office manager can make nearly double the average American salary of $28.
That means that they not only make a decent, livable wage but also have a competitive salary.
So, being a pet office manager can be a great choice if you love working with animals but also want a financially stable profession.
Highly Rewarding
Working at the front desk will require you to be the first point of contact with clients.
You will be able to walk them through any necessary steps and help get their pets the treatment they need. Y
ou can also help explain billing options and other necessary care.
Working with clients can be extremely rewarding, especially in a crisis.
It’s rewarding to ensure that their pet gets the care they need and that the client can rest assured that their pet is in good hands.
So, you’ll be helping not only clients but their companions as well.
Never Boring
As a vet office manager, you’ll have a diverse range of responsibilities beyond just managing the front desk.
If you’re someone who thrives on variety and enjoys a job that keeps you on your toes, then this role could be perfect for you.
From facility upkeep to bookkeeping to staff training, every day will bring new challenges and opportunities.
Leadership
If you’re someone who enjoys taking on leadership roles and guiding others, then the role of a vet office manager could be a great fit.
In this position, you’ll be responsible for training and mentoring staff, ensuring everyone is up-to-date with state regulations, and maintaining high standards of work.
It’s a role that offers plenty of opportunities to lead and make a real difference in the clinic.
This can be very exciting for those who enjoy teaching trainees the necessary skills.
In fact, as a vet office manager, you may also be required to help in other job roles.
So, it’s a diverse job with lots of opportunities to lead and help people.
Cons of Being a Vet Office Manager
Stressful
While the job can be very relaxing most of the time, there are also moments when it can be hectic and stressful.
Most days, you will just be booking clients and seeing their pets for routine checkups.
However, on certain days, you may be faced with emergencies that mean life or death for furry companions.
This can not only be super stressful, but it may not be the right job if you can’t handle seeing pets in pain.
Of course, you’ll be there to help aid in recovery or do as much as you can to make the animal comfortable, but you may be unable to save them.
So, it can be highly stressful in these times.
Bad Client Interactions
You’ll have to deal with many clients as a vet office manager.
Some may not be as nice as others, or they may be in a state of panic.
You will need to have good customer service skills and strong empathy to help clients with their pets.
In addition, some clients may be difficult to work with and may not want to get their pets the best care.
In these cases, you may need to make tough decisions.
So, the job isn’t right for everyone.
Burnout
Being a vet office manager means that you’re essentially the clinic’s problem solver.
This can take a toll on a day-to-day basis.
Many vet office managers experience burnout, especially when there are many problems to solve at once.
This can be particularly challenging when the clinic is understaffed or during peak periods of demand, such as flu season.
Burnout can also happen if there are many back-to-back problems or if you are understaffed.
Many clinics find themselves understaffed, especially during the flu season.
Managing all the tasks can become extremely tiring during these times.
Emotionally Draining
While many days will be great, and you will feel positive about the job, some days may not be that good.
The job can become emotionally draining when you’re dealing with sick or injured animals.
Many days, you may have to see animals coming in just to be put down.
On the other hand, sometimes animals will have shocking injuries.
Over time, this can become emotionally draining.
Dealing with clients and keeping a happy face can become more burdensome than anything.
So, it may not be a good fit if you don’t manage stress well.
Job Hazards
Working with animals always poses the risk of getting bit.
Animals may come in aggressive and scared and lash out at the first person they see.
This can be very dangerous, and many people aren’t able to handle it.
While it’s not common for individuals to get bit on the job, there isn’t any risk.
So, you should be prepared to encounter situations where harm may come.
Of course, taking the necessary procedures can reduce this risk.
No Errors
One of the downsides is that you aren’t allowed to make errors.
You will deal with bookkeeping, records, and sensitive data as a vet office manager. Inputting the wrong information can be detrimental.
Those working in these positions will have to maintain their good performance, even when they are stressed or tired.
One error can lead to many problems down the road, so you’ll have to be very detail-oriented and double-check your work.
Long Hours
Many vet office managers are salaried and will be expected to work long hours or over the weekend.
If you’re uncomfortable giving up your weekend or filling in when staff is short, this may not be the job for you.
A vet clinic can’t run smoothly unless a vet office manager can meet the demand.
Understaffing is a huge issue, especially in bigger cities.
If you plan to work as a vet office manager, you should love the job. If not, you may find the excess work to be too much.
Should You Become a Vet Office Manager?
A vet office manager can be an excellent career path for those who enjoy working with pets but also enjoy managerial duties.
Those who apply for the job must enjoy working in a fast-paced environment with many duties.
Ultimately, the decision to become a vet office manager is yours, and you should weigh the pros and cons to determine if it’s the right career path for you.
Pros and Cons of Being a Vet Office Manager – Summary Table
| Pros of Being a Vet Office Manager | Cons of Being a Vet Office Manager |
|---|---|
| Working With Animals | Stressful |
| Less Schooling | Bad Client Interactions |
| Job Security | Burnout |
| Competitive Salary | Emotionally Draining |
| Highly Rewarding | Job Hazards |
| Never Boring | No Errors |
| Leadership | Long Hours |