As a vet tech, you'll likely work at a private practice supporting one or more veterinarians. Technicians are trained in first aid and may perform laboratory tests (like urinalysis or bloodwork), take X-rays, interview a client about their animal's medical history, prepare pets for surgery, and monitor their recovery. A tech may be the first person an owner meets at an animal hospital and the last one who sees them as they leave. They often teach people how to give their animals home medical care—like administering medications, giving fluid therapy under the skin, or feeding a critically ill pet through a tube. If you adore animals but don't want to spend the extra time attending veterinary school, consider this work instead. You can usually get certified in two years with an associate's degree, and you'll still have a career devoted to helping four-legged creatures and the people who love them.