Do you find yourself drawn to every wagging tail or purring cat you meet? For many, the dream of working with animals isn’t just about a hobby—it’s about a career.
However, the path to becoming a veterinarian takes nearly a decade, and even becoming a licensed technician requires years of intense medical schooling.
If you are looking for a faster, more hands-on way to enter the animal care industry, becoming a veterinary assistant is one of the most fulfilling and accessible routes available.
At Stautzenberger College, we specialize in bridging the gap between passion and profession. Our Veterinary Assistant and Grooming Diploma program is a unique, dual-focused curriculum designed to make you twice as valuable in the job market.
By combining clinical support skills with professional grooming techniques, we prepare our students to be versatile “healthcare heroes” for pets.
Whether you want to work in a high-paced emergency animal hospital or start your own mobile grooming business, Stautzenberger College provides the foundation to get you there in as little as 12 months.
A veterinary assistant is essentially the “right hand” of the veterinary team. While veterinarians diagnose and perform surgery, and technicians handle advanced
medical testing, the assistant ensures that the entire clinic runs smoothly.
On a daily basis, a veterinary assistant’s duties include:
Patient Restraint: Safely and humanely holding animals during exams, vaccinations, or blood draws to ensure the safety of both the pet and the medical staff.
Clinical Support: Preparing examination rooms, sterilizing surgical instruments, and assisting with basic laboratory tests like urinalysis or fecal screens.
Animal Husbandry: Monitoring recovering patients, feeding, exercising, and cleaning habitats to ensure a sterile and stress-free environment.
Pharmacy Support: Counting out medications and preparing prescription labels under the direct supervision of a veterinarian.
What sets the Stautzenberger College program apart is the integration of professional grooming. In 2025, pet owners are increasingly looking for “all-in-one” care.
A professional who is a veterinary assistant and groomer has a massive competitive advantage.
Health-Conscious Grooming: Because you have medical training, you can identify skin infections, unusual lumps, or ear mites during a standard grooming session
that a traditional groomer might miss.
Diverse Career Paths: You aren’t limited to just clinics. You can work in luxury pet spas, animal shelters, or even large-scale boarding facilities.
Increased Earning Potential: By holding a diploma that covers two distinct industries, you can negotiate higher pay or offer a wider range of services
as an independent contractor.
While some clinics offer on-the-job training, the industry has become highly competitive. Employers in 2025 prioritize “work-ready” hires. Enrolling in a diploma
program like the one at Stautzenberger College shows employers you have a formal understanding of animal anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.
Animal care is a physical job. Our program utilizes high-quality video demonstrations and simulated activities to teach grooming styles and restraint techniques. Furthermore, Stautzenberger College integrates practical training components to ensure you are comfortable handling animals of all temperaments before
you even graduate.
A huge part of being a veterinary assistant is communicating with pet owners. You are often the first person a worried owner speaks to. Developing empathy,
clear communication, and administrative skills (like managing medical records) is just as important as knowing how to handle a dog.
The pet industry is currently experiencing a historic boom, with spending expected to exceed $143 billion this year. As more people adopt pets, the demand for support staff has skyrocketed.
| Metric | 2025 Industry Standards |
| Job Growth | Faster than average (approx. 19% growth) |
| Median Salary | ~$35,000 – $42,000 (varies by location/experience) |
| Work Environment | Clinics, Shelters, Pet Spas, Mobile Units |
Q. What is the difference between a Veterinary Assistant and a Vet Tech?
A Veterinary Technician (Vet Tech) typically requires a two-year Associate degree and must pass a national exam (VTNE) to be licensed to perform tasks like administering anesthesia. A veterinary assistant supports the tech and doctor, focusing more on animal handling, grooming, and clinic flow. The assistant path
is generally faster to complete (12 months vs. 24 months).
Q. Can I complete the Stautzenberger College program while working?
Yes! Our program is designed to be 100% online and flexible. This allow students to balance their studies with current jobs or family commitments.
You can learn the theory and grooming techniques from the comfort of your home.
Q. Do I need previous experience with animals to enroll?
Not at all. We welcome students from all backgrounds. The only requirement is a high school diploma (or equivalent) and a genuine passion for animal welfare.
We take you from a novice to a trained professional through our structured modules.
Choosing a career as a veterinary assistant is about more than just playing with puppies; it’s about becoming an essential part of a life-saving medical team.
By choosing the dual Veterinary Assistant and Grooming Diploma at Stautzenberger College, you aren’t just getting a job—you are building a versatile, future-proof career in an industry that shows no signs of slowing down.
Are you ready to turn your passion into a paycheck? Your journey toward a rewarding life with animals is just one click away.
Maumee Campus
1796 Indian Wood Circle
Maumee, OH 43537
Phone: (419) 866-0261
OH REG# 99-10-1523T
Brecksville Campus
(Branch Campus of
Stautzenberger College Maumee)
8001 Katherine Blvd.
Brecksville, OH 44141
Phone (440) 838-1999
OH REG# 05-03-1754T
Satellite Location of Stautzenberger College Maumee
5105 Glendale Avenue
Toledo, OH 43614
