How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at a Vetenarian's Office?
- The federal Fair Labor Standards Act sets extensive guidelines for the employment of minors. Children under the age of 18 may work. However, under FLSA, the number of hours worked per week is limited. Certain hazardous activities are not allowed, but veterinary office work is not considered hazardous. Thus, while it is possible for someone less than 18-years-old to work for a veterinarian, limitations may make a youth candidate undesirable.
- Each state also has labor laws to protect employees. Those laws include limitations on when and how a minor may work, similar to the FLSA. For example, in California, a minor must have a work permit to hold any job. There are some exceptions for family-owned businesses.
- Depending on the type of position sought, a minor be eliminated as a job candidate because of lack of education. To be a veterinary assistant, some college courses are often required. However, veterinary offices may have other jobs, such as front desk assistant or appointment setter that would not require college course work.