Kay - working at a vet was probably the best thing to ever happen to me. I met most of my friends there and really got into dogs from working there, and also gained so much invaluble knowledge. At 16 I was allowed to do nearly everything a technician could do. I can only remember not being allowed to draw blood, assist in surgeries, and assist in x-rays. I was allowed to fill prescriptions though probably shouldn't have been allowed since I am not old enough. You could probably work yourself up to technician really fast, if that is not what they are already hiring you for.

The downsides - the biggest is euthanasia is seen almost every day, you may see it multiple times a day if the office you might work for is really busy. Most of the time, I didn't know the animals, even after 1.5 years of working there. Some of the times, though, it was an animal that had been a favorite of mine and I would just start bawling in the middle of work. Another big downside is sanitation. It is really, really hard to stay clean in a place like that and who knows what you could bring home to your dogs. You have to clean your tennis shoes often (or use rubber shoes that won't absorb liquid), especially if you work in the kennel, because diseases are all over there and when you clean out the runs the bacteria easily gets into your shoes. Another downside is animals who are a PITA. Most animals were good, some animals required a muzzle to be calmed, but some are just downright nasty and no matter what will bite, snap, growl, etc. The thing about working at a vet is that you usually don't refuse service to a dog or cat if it is aggressive, so you have to deal with these animals. I was bitten so many times I lost count. Most of the times it was from cats, but there were some dogs who would bite. I had a Husky and a GSD try to rip my leg off one time. Another time I made the mistake of letting a GSDx run free in the backyard, and he ran to guard the door and growled at me. When I tried to calm him (hey I was new then) I was nearly bitten, so I just waited outside until someone "rescued" me. Some of the animals are really, really scary. Also people can be a real PITA sometimes, but I'm sure you get enough of that at your current job anyway.

However, I'd say it was the best experience I've had yet. The amount of knowledge I aquired is truly priceless. You would be a great addition to a vet office. Do what you think is right for you, not for the two places needing your help.

Also, I know the situation you are caught in. I tried to quit for six months. I made up many resignation letters, filled out many applications, but never turned any of them in. I couldn't leave because I was comfortable there. I wanted to switch to another vet office because I hated my boss, but I thought I may not be able to do so much at the other ones, or I may be stuck back in the kennel even longer before I had a chance to be promoted. I got fired in January (unfairly) and it was actually a huge relief. I wished I had quit, but I was glad to be out of there. So maybe since you are thinking of quitting, you should? I think getting different jobs is a great way to gain more knowledge and to better prepare you for the future.


Oh, one more thing - the 50% break is a nice chunk you save on vet bills! 50% is standard employee discount at a vet clinic around here, not sure if it is the same everywhere.