Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

Hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures.

Clean and maintain kennels, animal holding areas, examination or operating rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.

Fill medication prescriptions.

Administer anesthetics during surgery and monitor the effects on animals.

Assist veterinarians in examining animals to determine the nature of illnesses or injuries.

Monitor animals recovering from surgery and notify veterinarians of any unusual changes or symptoms.

Clean, maintain, and sterilize instruments or equipment.

Examine animals to detect behavioral changes or clinical symptoms that could indicate illness or injury.

Educate or advise clients on animal health care, nutrition, or behavior problems.

Administer medication, immunizations, or blood plasma to animals as prescribed by veterinarians.

Collect laboratory specimens, such as blood, urine, or feces, for testing.

Prepare surgical equipment and pass instruments or materials to veterinarians during surgical procedures.

Prepare feed for animals according to specific instructions, such as diet lists or schedules.

Provide emergency first aid to sick or injured animals.

Perform routine laboratory tests or diagnostic tests, such as taking or developing x-rays.

Exercise animals or provide them with companionship.

Prepare examination or treatment rooms by stocking them with appropriate supplies.

Perform enemas, catheterizations, ear flushes, intravenous feedings, or gavages.

Provide assistance with euthanasia of animals or disposal of corpses.

Record information relating to animal genealogy, feeding schedules, appearance, behavior, or breeding.

Perform office reception duties, such as scheduling appointments or helping customers.

Perform hygiene-related duties, such as clipping animals' claws or cleaning and polishing teeth.

Perform accounting duties, such as bookkeeping, billing customers for services, or maintaining inventories.

Write reports, maintain research information, or perform clerical duties.

Sell pet food or supplies to customers.

Dust, spray, or bathe animals to control insect pests.

Groom, trim, or clip animals' coats.

Place orders to restock inventory of hospital or laboratory supplies.