Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Healthcare Support
Animals are held still for exams and procedures, watched after surgery, and checked for behavior or symptoms that could mean illness or injury. Kennels, holding areas, exam and operating rooms, and loading spaces are cleaned and disinfected so disease does not spread. Medications, immunizations, or blood plasma are given as prescribed; prescriptions are filled; and routine tests such as x-rays may be taken or developed. Clinics, animal hospitals, and laboratories are the usual settings, under a veterinarian, technician, or scientist. A better match for people who prefer hands-on animal handling and set care and hygiene steps.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$38'150
Median Wage Market Position
$38'150
What you might do
- Hold animals still during exams and procedures
- Watch recovering animals and report unusual symptoms
- Fill medication prescriptions written by the veterinarian
- Clean kennels and rooms to control disease
- Check animals for signs of illness or injury
- Take x-rays or run other routine lab tests
Skills that matter
- Holding animals still during procedures
- Spotting illness from behavior changes
- Watching animals recover after surgery
- Filling and giving prescribed medications
- Cleaning kennels to limit disease
- Reporting unusual symptoms to veterinarians
AI & the future of this role
Much of this work involves handling animals, cleaning facilities, and assisting with exams that need calm presence and physical care. Software may ease scheduling or records, but in-person animal handling and clinic support are likely to remain central.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details