Caring for farm animals

The idea of becoming a rural bovine veterinarian came to me relatively late in my studies. In fact, I had to try out different areas of veterinary medicine before figuring out what I liked and what I didn’t. That’s the beauty of veterinary medicine: there are so many paths to explore. There’s truly a “hoof for every claw,” so to speak.

I knew I wanted to work in a rural setting, to be on the road and independent while still being part of a team. I also wanted to work with large animals that would challenge me both mentally and physically. I hoped to build genuine relationships with clients who value the work I do. So, I did internships in bovine practice, what we affectionately call being a “cow vet,” and I discovered the amazing world of agriculture. I fell in love with it, and it became my career.

To be a good vet in the dairy world, you need to be a people person and enjoy collaborating with farmers and others in the field. You must be humble enough to know you don’t have all the answers, and not be afraid of getting dirty (especially when you’re 5 foot 3 like me!). And while you don’t need to be an Olympic athlete, you do have to enjoy being active.

Rural veterinarian: a dream job

I quickly fell in love with my work. With my trusty toolbox in hand and wearing my farm-scented overalls, I hop into my car each morning like I’m heading off on a new adventure. I love that my days are planned yet still full of surprises, big and small. This pushes me to be adaptable and develop good stress and time management skills. In summer, I love driving with the windows down, listening to country music, and picking up a basket of fresh raspberries along the way. In winter, I love knowing I can always call one of my loyal clients if I ever end up in a ditch! Joking aside, farmers are incredibly generous people, always ready to lend a hand. Many have become friends. They know how devoted and passionate I am about my job, and they also know my feisty Jersey bull attitude.

And being a bit of a foodie, I’ll admit that having access to fresh meat, cheese, and maple products straight from the source is a definite perk.

In short, I’m incredibly lucky to have found a profession I’m passionate about. I get to be part of a tight-knit and dynamic team. We always have lots of projects, team activities, and continuing education. Like any workplace, it’s important to feel supported and know you can count on your colleagues when needed. Even when I’m out on the road, all it takes is a quick phone call to chat with a teammate or ask for help. I really am so fortunate. I truly hope that all of you get to do what you love and feel just as fulfilled.

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Most AHTs are women.

A typical day

Surgical admissions, updating medical records, preparing equipment and supplies, reassuring pet owners, and comfortably settling patients: this is often how AHTs begin their day. Then it’s the veterinarian’s turn to step “on stage.”

Throughout the day, they take part in patient care and assist the veterinarian with many other tasks, much like a nurse on a human healthcare team. Blood draws, lab analyses, medication preparation, surgical assistance, anesthetic monitoring of little furry patients… their days are full!

In the evening, while veterinarians finish charts and return calls, AHTs also wrap up their files, prepare everything needed for the next day, and continue administering care and treatments to hospitalized patients.

What to know about the AHT profession

The AHT diploma is a Diplôme d’études collégiales (DEC), earned after a 3-year program. The program is offered at the following institutions:

• Collège Lionel-Groulx (St-Thérèse)
• Vanier College (St-Laurent)
• Cégep de La Pocatière
• Cégep de Saint-Hyacinthe
• Cégep de Sherbrooke
• Cégep de St-Félicien
• Cégep Beauce-Appalaches (St-Georges)
• Collège Laflèche (Trois-Rivières)

AHTs are trained to work with companion animals, farm animals, and laboratory animals. They also study animal nutrition, behavior, and grooming. They’re trained to assist professionals in surgical care (anesthesia, monitoring, sterilization), as well as to perform blood and urine sampling and laboratory testing.

AHTs are trained in cardiac resuscitation. Working alongside veterinarians, they can make a real difference in the success of such procedures.

Job prospects for AHTs are excellent: 90% of students find full-time employment immediately after graduation. Some go on to university studies in related fields such as biology or agronomy, or pursue veterinary medicine.

At the end of their third year, AHTs must complete a 5-week full-time internship in a veterinary facility, as well as one or two additional internships (depending on the college and their interests) in research labs, equine settings, exotic animal care, etc.

As a veterinarian, I am extremely proud to work every day alongside AHTs with such big hearts; skilled, dedicated women who place animal well-being at the center of everything they do. ❤️

Pour (ré)écouter ma chronique sur le sujet, au micro de Geneviève Pettersen, c’est ici :

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