Is a neat/tidy appearance part of professionalism in our industry? I think back to one day at work at the clinic when a colleague of mine was frantically searching for a lint roller.
She was really upset that she had a lot of fur on her clothes. Another colleague commented on how it was okay to be covered in fur since we work with animals.
Personally, I think personal appearance does matter because as Debbie Boone states in her article, Dress Code for Staff of Veterinary Hospital, it is important to “always look your best—we greet the public every day and you never get a second chance to make a good first impression.” (1)
As I started to research more on this topic, one article from Sanford Brown summarized their take on this topic quite well:
“The standard scrub set is one of those amazing perks of working in medical fields: They're comfortable, easy to clean and come in neat colors and patterns. When working in the veterinary clinic, these attributes can sometimes get lost behind mounds of animal fur.
A good tip for all animal caretakers is to bring a change of work clothes and to use those handy lint rollers that are a staple of every veterinary office. Wiping a damp paper towel gently across your scrubs will also remove the hair and fur that looks careless in excess.
Keeping your uniform fresh gives the appearance of a clean, well-run office and good personal hygiene while lessening the chances of disease transmission from one pet to another. If you have long hair, it should be worn pulled up or back and out of the way. Jewelry should be minimal and discreet, as well.” (2)
What is your take on this topic? Comment below to share your thoughts!
While the most obvious career choice for many vet techs might be small animal practice, that isn’t your only option! Vet techs can work (and thrive!) in a number of different settings, including some careers that may not immediately come to mind as obvious choices for a vet tech.
Having an awareness of your options can help you not only as you start your career, but also during future transitions that you may make during the course of your career.