Choosing a career path can be one of the most important decisions in one's life. For animal lovers, professions related to animals often come to mind, with veterinary technology being a common choice. However, despite its appeal, being a vet tech may not be the right career for everyone. In this article, we'll explore why being a vet tech might not be the ideal career choice and discuss the advantages of pursuing a career in pet grooming as an alternative.

6 Reasons Why Being a Vet Tech Might Not Be the Right Career Choice

Here are the main reasons to reconsider being a vet tech.

Education is Lengthy and Costly 

One significant drawback of pursuing a career as a vet tech is the required extensive education. Individuals typically need to complete a two-year associate degree program to become a licensed veterinary technician. This can be quite a financial burden. This education may require taking out loans or accumulating debt.

Nontraditional Hours

Depending on where they’re employed, vet techs sometimes have to work nontraditional hours. This means working nights, weekends, and holidays. Sometimes, they may even be on call in case of emergencies. While many people don’t mind working nonstandard hours, others may need to find strategies to accommodate their work schedules. A healthy work-life balance must be achieved, especially for demanding jobs.

Emotionally Challenging

Working as a vet tech can be challenging emotionally. These professionals are often exposed to animals who are suffering, whether it be an illness or injury. Witnessing the pain and distress of animals daily can be difficult to see and may not be suitable for those with sensitive natures.

Physically Demanding

Vet techs are often required to perform physically demanding tasks. This could be restraining animals during examinations and procedures, lifting heavy animals, and cleaning kennels/surgical instruments. This physical strain can lead to long-term health issues and injuries, making it less appealing for individuals who may not be physically fit, inclined, or have existing health problems or injuries.

Risk of Injury

It’s important to keep in mind that domesticated animals are still animals. No matter how well-trained they may be, you can’t reason with them. A dog or cat who is injured, prone to anxiety, and/or exposed to an unfamiliar setting, like a vet’s office, can cause them to behave in a way they usually wouldn’t. This means that when handling animals, vet techs must watch out for risky behaviors to prevent scratches and bites.

Career Advancement is Limited

While vet techs play a crucial role in veterinary practices, career advancement opportunities are often limited compared to other healthcare professions. The hierarchy within veterinary medicine can be rigid, with veterinarians occupying the top positions, leaving little room for vet techs to progress in their careers.

6 Advantages of Pet Grooming as an Alternative Career

Here are the main reasons you should consider a career in pet grooming over becoming a vet tech.

The Training Period is Shorter

To become a vet tech, you have to go through lengthy educational requirements. Becoming a pet groomer requires much less investment and time. Many pet grooming programs can be completed in months, making it an accessible choice for those looking to enter the animal care field without extensive schooling.

Educational Costs Less

Pet grooming programs are usually more affordable than veterinary technician programs. This reduces the financial burden on individuals who want to pursue a career that involves working with animals. This makes pet grooming the better option for those who want to work with animals but have budget constraints.

Less Emotional Stress

Pet grooming involves less exposure to emotional stress. Unfortunately, being a vet tech exposes you to stressful and upsetting situations. While groomers encounter some challenging situations, such as dealing with anxious or aggressive animals, it is generally less emotionally demanding than witnessing injury or severe illness regularly.

More Creativity

One thing people may not realize comes with being a pet groomer is creative expression! Pet grooming offers a unique outlet for groomers to use their creative side; they transform pets into works of art. It’s not uncommon for groomers to create intricate and stylish cuts that showcase their artistic skills. This aspect can be gratifying for those who enjoy working with animals and expressing their creativity.

Entrepreneurship and Flexibility

Pet grooming careers often come with a degree of flexibility that may not be as readily available to vet techs. Groomers can choose to work in established grooming salons, start their own businesses, or offer mobile grooming services. This entrepreneurial freedom can lead to greater job satisfaction and financial independence.

Strong Job Outlook

The demand for pet grooming services has boomed in recent years. In fact, the demand is expected to increase in the coming years steadily. This is due to the growing pet industry and pet owners' desire to pamper their furry friends. Overall, it’s a stable job market.

Wrapping Up

While being a veterinary technician is a noble profession with its own merits, there may be better career choices for some. The extensive education, emotional and physical demands, and limited career opportunities can make it less appealing for some individuals.

A less taxing career choice is pet grooming. This is because it allows you to work with animals, has a more affordable educational path, lower emotional stress, and creative freedom. Choosing these two careers ultimately depends on your interests, strengths, and career goals.

Here at Groomers University, we offer a comprehensive and valuable training program that encompasses essential modules in physiology, safety, practical skills, and business knowledge modules. Additionally, you get the added benefits of access to an online community, weekly workshops, course updates for an entire year, and a certificate of completion.

With the proper education and certification from Groomers University, a world of opportunities opens up for you. You’ll be able to pursue diverse career options, including roles in pet grooming salons, veterinary clinics, mobile grooming services, or even the establishment of a personal grooming business.