Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

What Does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Do?

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.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• 1Hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures.
• 2Monitor animals recovering from surgery and notify veterinarians of any unusual changes or symptoms.
• 3Fill medication prescriptions.
• 4Clean and maintain kennels, animal holding areas, examination or operating rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.
• 5Examine animals to detect behavioral changes or clinical symptoms that could indicate illness or injury.
• 6Perform routine laboratory tests or diagnostic tests, such as taking or developing x-rays.
• 7Assist veterinarians in examining animals to determine the nature of illnesses or injuries.
• 8Administer medication, immunizations, or blood plasma to animals as prescribed by veterinarians.

Required Skills

• Active Listening
• IDEXX Laboratories IDEXX Cornerstone
• Labeling software
• McAllister Software Systems AVImark
• Microsoft Access
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office software
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Word
• Practice management software PMS

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary