Career Overview
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.
Also Known As
- Animal Care Provider
- Animal Caregiver
- Certified Veterinary Assistant
- Veterinarian Assistant (Vet Assistant)
Alternate Job Titles
- Animal Care Provider
- Animal Care Service Worker
- Animal Care Specialist
- Animal Caregiver
- Animal Caretaker
- Animal Health Technician
- Avian Keeper
- Certified Veterinary Assistant
- Emergency Veterinary Assistant
- Inpatient Technician Assistant
- Kennel Vet Assistant (Kennel Veterinary Assistant)
- Laboratory Animal Caretaker
- Laboratory Animal Technician
- Research Animal Attendant
- Small Animal Caretaker
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Biology
- Administrative
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Information Ordering
- Near Vision
- Deductive Reasoning
- Manual Dexterity
- Selective Attention
- Speech Recognition
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cooperation
- Integrity
- Self-Control
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Support
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
On-the-Job Training: Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Animal nail clippers
- Animal razors
- Animal restraints
- Balling guns
- Bandage scissors
- Benchtop centrifuges
- Bite gloves
- Blood collection syringes
- Chemical sterilizers
- Commercial dryers
- Commercial washing machines
- Desktop computers
- Digital cameras
- Digital veterinary thermometers
- Digital veterinary x ray equipment
Work Environment
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Spend Time Standing
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Contact With Others
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $29,160 |
| Median | $37,320 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $48,150 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 114,190
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $45,980
Animal Caretakers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $33,470
Medical Assistants
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $44,200
Paramedics
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $58,410
Surgical Assistants
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $60,290
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.