Do you want to be a vet?

[cali]

wolfsoul I live in a provence with one of the vet schools and you certainly dont need straight A's! the university with the vet school in it cam,e to my school for a presentation I have the requirments for the school on the table, just a sec..
ok you need at least a 70% in these subjects:
a grade 12:an english 30A, and englich 30B, and a math 30A all of which are requirments to graduate anyway, and you need a bio 30, and a chem 30. just maintain a 70% average in those subjects and you can get in. anyway thats off topic.

no I dont want to be a vet and have never wanted to be one. I would howver like to be a dog trainer, and open a border collie rescue station.

[aly]

Originally posted by luckies4me
Sometimes that's the most gratifying part, is to euthanize an animal. I have PTS hundreds of pets, yes hundreds, and some of them are very heartbreaking but others are meant to go. It's a great feeling when you can ease the pain of an animal and let them go, know when it's their time, instead of being selfish and keeping them here in pain and agony.


I have seen several abuse cases, and it was my job to console these pets, to make sure their last time spent on earth was laying in gentle arms, and to feel love, even for one second. The look of thanks that they give you sends chills down your spine, they know you love them enough to end their suffering and for that they thank you deeply.





Are you a vegan? Do you go to the circus, or zoo, or aquarium? Why are you being prejudice over the animals? It's not their fault they are in those situations. Would you really turn them away if one should need your help? What about rescued greyhounds? Are you saying that animals bred for food deserve less? Why not help those animals and try to make their lives better, instead of turning them away? Do you wear leather, use glue etc?

The fact remains that humans are omnivores, we eat both plant and MEAT. That is never going to change.

If Kate chooses not to work for those industries, it doesn't mean she doesn't care about those animals, nor does it mean she'd turn one away if one needed her help. She has strong beliefs and she stands for them, just as I'm sure you do yours. She is trying to make a difference in this world. I wish everyone would put forth the effort she has.

[wolflady]

I agree with you, Aly.

I also went through that stage of wanting to be a vet, but I never made it. All the work and schooling would kill me. I am working as a Vet Tech right now and am learning a lot, but there are just so many things that our vet does that I know I could not.

Heck, I don't think I could have passed all those Chem and Math courses in college, let alone make it to vet school! LOL

I did seriously think about switching careers from computers to being a full time vet tech, but now that I am in the vet tech field, it helped me realize that I really fit more in with the computer industry.
I know that sounds bad, but it's not that way at all. I admire vets, and being a vet tech is very hard work for very little pay. I would not be able to support myself with this job long term, because the cost of living here is so high. There are also situations that I don't particularly agree with, that vets and techs have to deal with with a smile. I have a hard time dealing with some of these situations because I have very strong opinions on certain things. So, all in all, it's not an easy job and it's not for everyone, but it is rewarding when you genuinely help the animal and comfort their owners.

[CatDad]

I answered no, and I guess that it may be that I found something else first.

However the main reason that I could not do that is becasue I do not have the stomach for it. I would also be upset all the time becasue I really feel for animals in need and if they are hurt. Nobody wants a vet that is crying half the time.

I can't even volunteer at the animal shelter, because I feel so bad for all of the puppies and kitties.

[Uabassoon]

Would you really turn them away if one should need your help? What about rescued greyhounds? Are you saying that animals bred for food deserve less? Why not help those animals and try to make their lives better, instead of turning them away? Do you wear leather, use glue etc?

I don't think it's a matter of turning away an animal in need, but by working for a company like that you are helping to support them. Working for these industries that Kater mentioned, would be like her saying that it's ok to race animals or use them for our entertainment. That's almost like asking, why wouldn't you want to work at a puppy mill, those dogs need you too? People need to stop supporting companies that hurt animals, if you support them then they will continue to hurt animals.

[luckies4me]

I misunderstood her post. Of course she wouldn't work FOR them, but it also sounded as if she wouldn't treat rescues or anything. Remember, things get interpreted on the internet differently by different people. I misunderstood is all. I too would never work for such things, it's against what I stand for.

[Kater]

It’s OK Luckies. Misunderstandings are bound to happen! But I was pretty hurt that you would think I could be so cruel! Oh well, I’m glad it was just a miscommunication.

But for later reference ---- animals that have been rescued, be it farm animals, horses, greyhounds, etc. change from industry property to “pets” upon their rescue. At least that is how I define that change.

[Kfamr]

I don't think or see how anyone could think of you as cruel, Kate.
You're as sweet as sugar.

[wolfsoul]

Originally posted by cali
wolfsoul I live in a provence with one of the vet schools and you certainly dont need straight A's!

Well that's a good thing, atleast maybe there will be more people able to be vets. My friend who is a vet tech told me that you need straight A's to get in. I think what she actually meant is, you pretty much do need straight A's, considering there is such high competition you probably wouldn't be able to get in unless you can prove you are one of the best. She said that thousands of people from all over apply every year.

[rizzy]

I personally could never be a vet even if I really wanted to. I couldnt do some of the things they have to do, and I know its helping them but I cant stand seeing my babys get there shots, How would I ever be able to give them?lol

[luckies4me]

Originally posted by Kater
It’s OK Luckies. Misunderstandings are bound to happen! But I was pretty hurt that you would think I could be so cruel! Oh well, I’m glad it was just a miscommunication.

But for later reference ---- animals that have been rescued, be it farm animals, horses, greyhounds, etc. change from industry property to “pets” upon their rescue. At least that is how I define that change.

I would NEVER think your cruel, ever! Your one of my favorites here on Pet Talk BTW.

[luckies4me]

Originally posted by wolflady



There are also situations that I don't particularly agree with, that vets and techs have to deal with with a smile. I have a hard time dealing with some of these situations because I have very strong opinions on certain things. So, all in all, it's not an easy job and it's not for everyone, but it is rewarding when you genuinely help the animal and comfort their owners.

I have been in that circumstance so many times. At my first job we had a doctor there, Dr. Toledo who operated on a cat while it was waking up from anesthesia and it was very obvious that the cat could feel what was happening. He also sexual assaulted me, and in front of clients as well, grabbing my butt and trying to kiss me. That is one of the reasons I quick. I was 18 and he was 38. They also employed a veterinarian that was NOT licensed in the US, but in another country so it was illegal for him to practice in the US. He routinely did surgeries at that hospital. I am unsure whether or not he was reported.

There has been several instances that I had to euthanize animals because they didn't match the new carpet or the owner didn't want to pay 30 dollars for a bottle of CefaDrops. Things like that. How long have you been a tech? Are you an assistant or an actual tech? I have had 6 years experience working in clinics.

Surgeries will always remain my favorite thing to do. But I have had bad experiences. I have been attacked numerous times, including by exotics such as servals and racoons. The vet I work for specializes in exotics. Once a man came in looking for his chinchilla which had been PTS. Everyone in the clinic were looking for his chin and we could not for the life of us find it. We looked in the freezer outside, nothing. Finally Dr. Barrett came back from lunch and he had stuck the chin in the freezer inside which is used for medications and vaccines. He actually made me hand it to the man in the cold box, which I found very odd and uncomfortable. I have been put in situations like this all too often.

Have you been to tech school or taken any classes? I am hopefully going to be certified next year. You are right that is cannot be a career for most people. The most I have gotten paid for vet tech work was 11 dollars an hour, not much if you have a family to support. I used to want to be a vet but computers are really sparking my interst all of a sudden. I have thought about Zoology, have after start pre vet classes but am unsure whether or not that is really what I want to do. I find it hard not to bad mouth certain people who come in, and until I learn self control in those circumstances I just couldn't do it....yet. Plus all the things I like to do I can do being a tech.

[veegan]

my dad is a vet, and a specialist at that, so I have seen first hand what all it entails and I have known from a young age I never want to be a vet! lol TOO MUCH SCHOOLING FOR ME!!! plus I know a lot of people think "oh I love animals so I'll be a vet" but what I think a lot of people fail to realize is that its really about science and medicine. there are tons of other animal related careers that are better suited to people who are interested in being a vet for the animal aspect of it. or you could always become a vet tech. Ive been working just as a vet assitant for my dad for the past 5 months, and its really cool, but yeah, Id never want to be a vet. lol Im just not cut out for it.

[wolfsoul]

For you vet techs, how long was the schooling? The vet tech I know said she was only in school for 6 months, but I know that people have said four years.

[luckies4me]

It's three to four years depending on what school you go to. There are similar classes you can take that last about 6 months but you are not a full fledged tech, more like a licensed assistant.