What is a Veterinary Medical Assistant (Tiermedizinische/r Fachangestellte/r – TFA)?
A Veterinary Medical Assistant supports veterinarians during examinations and treatments, cares for animals before and after surgery, handles clinic administration and interacts with animal owners. The job combines medical-technical tasks with office and customer service work.
Dual vocational training (Ausbildung) lasting 3 years
Combination of practical experience in veterinary practices or animal hospitals and theoretical lessons at vocational school (Berufsschule)
Final state-recognized examination conducted by the responsible veterinary chamber
Assisting in treatment
Preparing instruments and medical materials for examinations and surgeries
Assisting the veterinarian during physical examinations, vaccinations and operations
Gently but safely restraining animals during treatment
Animal care
Looking after in-clinic animals before and after surgery
Monitoring vital signs and administering medications as instructed
Cleaning cages, kennels and treatment areas
Administrative work
Welcoming clients and their animals at the reception
Scheduling appointments and managing medical records
Preparing invoices and handling insurance matters
Laboratory work
Collecting blood, urine or fecal samples
Performing basic lab tests and sending samples to specialized laboratories
Private veterinary practices
Veterinary clinics and hospitals
Veterinary emergency centers
University veterinary clinics
Animal shelters and animal care facilities
Strong love of animals and patience when dealing with them
Good manual dexterity and a confident, gentle handling of animals
Empathy and clear communication with animal owners
Ability to cope with emotionally challenging situations
Solid organizational and administrative skills
Specialization in areas such as anesthesia, veterinary dentistry or exotic/avian medicine
Further training as a Tierpflegemeister/in (master in animal care) or similar advanced roles
Promotion to practice manager or administrative supervisor in larger clinics
Continuing education or study in advanced veterinary or health-related fields
| TFA (Veterinary Medical Assistant) | Tierpfleger/in (Animal Keeper) | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Medical support, assisting the vet, administrative tasks | Daily animal care in zoos, shelters, breeding or husbandry facilities |
| Main tasks | Preparing examinations, assisting in treatments, client contact | Feeding, cleaning, enrichment, general animal care |
| Typical workplaces | Veterinary practices and clinics | Zoos, animal parks, shelters, farms |
The profession of Veterinary Medical Assistant is an excellent choice for those who care deeply about animal health, have a big heart and want an active role in improving animals’ lives.
It offers a varied working environment with intensive contact to both animals and people.
It opens up many paths for further development, medically and organizationally.
It combines hands-on practical work with care and emotional responsibility.
The editorial team of the website strives to provide information as accurately as possible based on extensive research and multiple sources. However, errors may occur and legal regulations or requirements may change over time. Therefore, the information provided should be understood as an initial, non-binding guide. For binding and up-to-date information, please always consult official authorities, veterinary chambers, vocational schools or employment agencies.
