Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
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.
What you’d do
- 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.
Skills that matter
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Service Orientation
- Writing
How to get there
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Also called
- Animal Care Provider
- Animal Caregiver
- Certified Veterinary Assistant
- Veterinarian Assistant (Vet Assistant)
- Avian Keeper
- Emergency Veterinary Assistant
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