Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

What the job really is

Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics. Clean and disinfect cages and work areas, and sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment. May provide routine postoperative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of veterinary or laboratory animal technologists or technicians, veterinarians, or scientists.

At a glance

• Sector: Healthcare Support
• O*NET-SOC code: 31-9096
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures.
• Monitor animals recovering from surgery and notify veterinarians of any unusual changes or symptoms.
• Fill medication prescriptions.
• Clean and maintain kennels, animal holding areas, examination or operating rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.
• Examine animals to detect behavioral changes or clinical symptoms that could indicate illness or injury.
• Perform routine laboratory tests or diagnostic tests, such as taking or developing x-rays.
• Assist veterinarians in examining animals to determine the nature of illnesses or injuries.
• Administer medication, immunizations, or blood plasma to animals as prescribed by veterinarians.
• Collect laboratory specimens, such as blood, urine, or feces, for testing.
• Perform office reception duties, such as scheduling appointments or helping customers.
• Clean, maintain, and sterilize instruments or equipment.
• Record information relating to animal genealogy, feeding schedules, appearance, behavior, or breeding.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Animal nail clippers, Animal razors, Animal restraints, Balling guns, Bandage scissors, Benchtop centrifuges

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
• Animal Caretakers
• Medical Assistants
• Paramedics
• Surgical Assistants
• Emergency Medical Technicians
• Nursing Assistants
• Phlebotomists

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.