close

Emergency Veterinarian in West Newton, Massachusetts

Emergency Vet Clinics in West Newton, MA

Friendly Emergency Vet Clinic in West Newton, 
Massachusetts Most veterinary clinics in West Newton, MA are bound by specific hours. However, a vet hospital isn't. They are a 24 hour medical facility that responds to all types of pet emergencies at any time of the day or night. Pet emergencies often times occur out of the blue and at unexpected times. Due to this, pet owners in West Newton view animal hospitals with admiration and the peace of mind that good pet care is just around the corner no matter the time and how dire the situation. Most general practices provide some emergency care, some dedicated clinics in null, null specialize in emergencies only, and other pet health care facilities provide a spectrum of services, including emergency care. About 15 percent of small animal practices in the U.S. are accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association, a voluntary program that has stringent requirements for care, service and medical protocol.

Trained Pet Doctors in West Newton, Massachusetts

Speaking of good pet care, a West Newton veterinary hospital is just as good as the staff and doctors that operate it. The same goes for vet clinics as well. However a hospital employs a larger staff and has more experienced specialists in its fleet capable of handling all pet emergencies. If your pet has a specific medical condition or disease, it is always a good idea to check with the local null veterinary hospital for all the types of pet services they provide. A pet's health and well being is the pet owner's responsibility and in situations like these it is always advisable to be prepared for both the expected and the unexpected. Training among veterinarians also varies. Although specialty training is not required to administer emergency and critical care, some vets pursue internships or residency programs to obtain additional experience. Some also become Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, which requires an additional three years of intense training in treating life-threatening conditions after receiving a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.

Full Service Emergency Vet West Newton

Emergency Veterinarian in West Newton 
Massachusetts Most veterinary clinics in West Newton simply do not have the right equipment to conduct detailed scans and x-rays on a pet. Hence they always recommend that a pet be examined at a hospital for any serious medical condition or symptoms. A veterinary hospital can accommodate different types of pets. They have the capability to conduct in-depth brain scans and X-rays of all parts of the body to identify potential fractures, broken bones and/or diseases. Whatever type of provider you choose for your pet, be warned that emergency services might take a chunk out of your wallet. Veterinarians and members interviewed for this story acknowledged that emergency care for pets can be quite costly due to factors like round-the-clock staffing; technology that may include ultrasound machines, oxygen cages or fluid pumps; and medicine or supplies. The costs for care vary depending on the case, but most require a fee for the initial exam. At the West Newton Pet Emergency Clinic, the base fee is $79, but $110 is not uncommon in Massachusetts. The American Veterinary Medical Association says there is no standard model for the industry, but some emergency vets require payment before treatment. Thirty-four percent of poll respondents reported paying between $251 and $500 for an emergency visit. Sixteen percent spent as much as $1,000 or more.

Areas that we cover in Massachusetts

We have emergency veterinarian clinics in cities all across the nation.  Call us right now and we will simplify your selection process and get your pet's treatment started right away.

Emergency Vet Clinic West Newton Massachusetts

Veterinary Technician vs Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Technician vs Veterinary Assistant

Many children dream of becoming veterinarians. Unfortunately for many, real, adult life gets in the way and those dreams go unrealized. Whether you don’t have the money to attend college for seven-plus years, or you took another path in life and are revisiting the idea of working with animals, you don’t have to give up your dreams. Working as a veterinary technician or a veterinary assistant can fulfill your desire to work with animals.

Vet techs and vet assistants work alongside veterinarians in private practices, large clinics and emergency hospitals. If you love animals and want to work with them on a daily basis, either job may be perfectly suited to you. Before you jump into the world of animal care, it’s important that you understand the difference between the two titles.

Most states have laws or regulations which govern the duties that vet techs and vet assistants may perform. The states that do not have regulations in place do indicate the procedures that may not be performed. Although state laws may differ, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has summarized state laws as they pertain to the duties of veterinary technicians and assistants.

What is a Veterinary Technician?

According to the AVMA, most states label a veterinary technician as “someone who is validly and currently licensed to practice as a veterinary technician” in that state. Many states specify that a vet tech must have graduated from an accredited, two-year program as specified by the AVMA or state licensing board. This makes sense as, in most states, a person cannot sit for the veterinary technology exam without having first earned a two-year degree.

What is a Veterinary Assistant?

A vet assistant is a person who works under the direction of a licensed veterinarian, much like a vet tech. Although there are veterinary assistant programs available in many states, the job does not require licensure. Many veterinarians will hire assistants and provide on-the-job training. Whether or not a veterinarian requires that an assistant have a certificate or diploma is strictly a personal decision.

Now that you know the difference between a veterinary technician and a veterinary assistant, it’s time to understand the duties of both. While a veterinary technician can legally do anything that a veterinary assistant can do, a veterinary assistant is not permitted to do all of the things that a vet tech can.

Shared Duties

When it comes to performing tasks in a clinic, most states require that technicians and assistants are supervised by a licensed veterinarian. Shared duties include:

1. Preparation of patients, instruments, equipment, and medications for surgery. The line is drawn for veterinary assistants when it comes to readying anesthetic agents and controlled substances. These chemicals are only prepared and administered by licensed vet techs and veterinarians.

2. Perform laboratory procedures such as fecal studies, urinalysis, and blood analysis. Veterinary assistants are only permitted to collect voided substances. This means that an assistant cannot biopsy organs or tissues, but that a veterinary technician can.

3. Perform diagnostic radiographic procedures. Both vet techs and assistants perform X-rays on animals that are sick or injured. These radiographs help veterinarians make a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

4. Vet techs and vet assistants are both able to perform venipuncture, or the collection of blood from a vein. These samples are then analyzed to determine the overall health of an animal, or to perform further diagnostics in the case of a sick or injured animal.

Exclusive Duties

As has been said, veterinary technicians are able to perform tasks that veterinary assistants are not. These tasks may include:

1. Suturing skin incisions or performing wound repair on injured animals.

2. Administration of anesthetic chemicals in preparation for surgeries or procedures.

3. Monitoring animals’ vital signs during surgical procedures.

4. Assisting veterinarians during surgical procedures.

5. Collection of specimens for laboratory analysis.

6. Administer or supervise the administration of oral, topical, or parenteral medication.

7. Dental prophylaxis and periodontal care, including extractions that do not involve sectioning of teeth, resection of bone, or both of these.

8. Implant permanent identification devices.

9. Euthanasia of animals.

These lists are by no means all-encompassing. They are merely an example of the regulations that many states have in place when it comes to the job duties of veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants. When it comes to choosing veterinary technician vs. assistant, the choice is a personal one; there are advantages to both positions.

Advantages of Becoming a Veterinary Technician

For some people, the ability to assist in surgeries is the most important aspect of becoming a veterinary technician. As a licensed tech, you will be able to get hands-on, literally, with regards to surgical procedures. Vet techs have the knowledge and skill necessary to not only assist in surgery, but to make sure the animal is properly monitored and cared for during a procedure.

As a licensed veterinary technician, you have a variety of positions open to you. You may work in a clinical setting or in a zoo or aquarium. You can choose to work with large, exotic animals, or you can opt to work with household pets. Additionally, your license is transferable from state to state, making it easy to find a job if you move from your current location.

Advantages of Becoming a Veterinary Assistant

Because veterinary assistants receive on-the-job training, you do not need to spend two years in school, nor do you have to spend money on tuition. If you are looking for a job with animal, you can begin a job as a veterinary assistant immediately, assuming a veterinarian in your area is hiring.

As a veterinary assistant, you do not assist in surgeries; an advantage if the mere thought of a pet’s insides makes you squeamish. Veterinary assistants often have more face time with pets’ owners, making this a great job if you love people as much as you love animals. Becoming a veterinary assistant is also a great way to get your foot in the door and try out the occupation if you think that you may want to pursue a license as a vet tech.

No matter which position you choose, veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants are in high-demand. These skilled professionals care for others’ pets as if they were their own. By working with a veterinarian, you will be an integral part in the health and well-being of animals, and a trusted source of information for those animals’ caretakers. If you have always dreamed of working with animals but don’t want to pursue a career as a licensed veterinarian, becoming a vet tech or vet assistant can be the perfect choice.


Veterinarian Office Near Me     Vet Doctor
Emergency Vets
Emergency Veterinarian in Chilmark, Massachusetts
Emergency Veterinarian in Templeton, Massachusetts
Emergency Veterinarian in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts
Emergency Veterinarian in Lexington, Massachusetts
Emergency Veterinarian in Baldwinville, Massachusetts