SHERIDAN — At animal health clinics, veterinary technicians are often the ones running the show.

While not veterinary doctors, vet techs perform anesthesia, dental cleanings, surgery assistance, general appointments, blood work, catheters, X-rays, ultrasounds, receptionist work and triage. According to Dr. Chris Newton, owner and veterinarian of Mountain View Veterinary Hospital in Sheridan, vet techs provide an essential service to pets and their caregivers.

“Vet techs are like the backbone of what we do,” Newton said.

It's a time when the career faces significant shortages and high levels of burnout, according to the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges. Local vet techs said it can be a stressful position, but the variety of daily tasks and a passion for caring for animals make it rewarding.

On the job

Kate Olson, a vet tech at Mountain View, said she loves being on her feet at work. Often, she said there are no moments to rest or take a lunch break. A full day for a veterinary clinic could involve four to five surgeries, daily appointments and a variety of emergency needs in between — like rattlesnake bites, blockage from foreign objects or porcupine encounters.

Mountain View, along with other Sheridan clinics like Big Goose Veterinary Clinic and Wellness Center, are considered general practice clinics. But with the nearest emergency clinics being located two hours away in places like Billings and Casper, Olson said local veterinarians and vet techs often take on emergency services locally.

“There are things we can’t handle,” Olson said. “But pretty much, you are the 9 to 5 clinic and you’re the overnight clinic.”

Local vet clinics like Big Goose and Mountain View share overnight shift services, and Olson said using triage services has also limited several in-person visits. But every time an emergency happens, one doctor and one vet tech must be there to take care of the patient.

“When you’re on call on the weekends … you might come in once or twice, and it’s easy peasy,” Olson said. “And then there’s other weekends where you’re in emergency surgery and you’ve got four or five people waiting in the lobby because they have sick pets, and you literally have two people to do what a normal 15-employee hospital would do during the week.”

Olson said one of the hardest parts is the emotional toll, as vet techs build strong bonds with the animals under their care and their families. Unlike humans, animals can’t tell their doctors how they’re feeling. And often, providing care means walking families through painful procedures.

“I think a lot of people (want) to be a veterinary technician because they want to help animals or be around puppies and kittens,” Olson said. “Yes, we do come to work every day and we’re surrounded by cats and dogs, but unfortunately, you’re the one that’s hurting them and not cuddling them. You have to be OK with that, because you have to know in the back of your mind that you’re helping them.”

Britney Varner, a fellow vet tech at Mountain View, said the euthanasia process is the most emotional part of the job.

“You have your happy days with puppies and kittens, and then your sad days (where) you’ve seen the dog for 12 years and you help them over the rainbow bridge,” Varner said. “For us to not have that pet in pain anymore and support what the client wants to do (is important) ... we have to support them and help them with that.”

A shortage

The AAVMC estimates the demand for U.S. pet health care services increases 6% every year, and the amount of vet techs in the country hasn’t risen enough to meet this demand.

In Wyoming, a vet tech is required to have a two-year associate of applied science degree and a veterinary aide certificate. But the state has few programs, with the largest at Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington.

Varner, an EWC graduate, said it’s not uncommon for people to express interest in the profession, but then ultimately go a different direction.

“If people want to, they get a taste of it and change their mind,” Varner said. “It’s hard on your body.”

Varner said vet techs are often carrying large objects and restraining aggressive pets until they are calm enough for treatment. Following her back surgery, Varner said the role has become more taxing.

“That’s why I’m part-time,” Varner said. “My body can’t do it anymore.”

Olson said the profession isn’t easy, but it does provide plenty of options for those wanting to work with animals in a health care setting. 

“There’s large animal technicians that go out to farms and ranches. You can go into exotics. You can go into wildlife. Those fields aren’t as common, but they’re definitely out there,” Olson said.

That being said, Olson and Varner said the job requires a special type of person — someone with patience, multitasking skills, strong communication and an “iron stomach.”

But most importantly, “a big heart.”