Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
A Veterinary Technician is a skilled professional who assists veterinarians in providing medical care to animals. They play a crucial role in diagnosing, treating, and preventing illnesses in a variety of animal species.
Education: Associate's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 20.5% (far above average)
Annual job openings: 14 300
Direct AI exposure: 7% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 23% of tasks
| Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Animal Health Technologists and Veterinary Technicians. According to the wage tables, average income is $48K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $35K per year | $40K per year | $48K per year | $56K per year | $69K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $17K below the national average. | ||||
Veterinary Technicians typically work in animal hospitals, veterinary clinics, zoos, wildlife facilities, and research labs. Their role often requires them to work irregular hours, including nights and weekends, and may involve exposure to emotional situations like sick or injured animals.
Veterinary Technicians are essential to the veterinary field, acting as the right hand of veterinarians. They perform a variety of tasks from conducting medical tests and treating medical conditions to assisting in surgeries. This career requires a strong foundation in animal anatomy, pharmacology, and surgical techniques, as well as the ability to handle complex medical instruments.
The role demands both technical skill and emotional strength. Technicians must be capable of handling animals that may be scared, sick, or aggressive, and they need to provide compassionate care while managing their own emotional responses, especially in high-stress situations like emergencies or when dealing with critically ill animals.
Veterinary Technicians are vital in educating pet owners about proper animal care, nutrition, and disease prevention. The job can be physically demanding and sometimes emotionally draining, but it offers the rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of animals and their owners.
In Canada, becoming a Veterinary Technician (also called a Veterinary Technologist in some provinces) typically involves completing an accredited college diploma program in veterinary technology, which usually takes two to three years. Graduates must pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) and register with the provincial regulatory authority to practise.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
