Veterinary Assistant

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.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Animal Care Provider; Animal Caregiver; Avian Keeper; Certified Veterinary Assistant; Emergency Veterinary Assistant; Inpatient Technician Assistant; Kennel Vet Assistant (Kennel Veterinary Assistant); Research Animal Attendant; Small Animal Caretaker; Veterinarian Assistant (Vet Assistant)

Tasks

• 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.
• Collect laboratory specimens, such as blood, urine, or feces, for testing.
• Perform office reception duties, such as scheduling appointments or helping customers.
• Clean, maintain, and sterilize instruments or equipment.
• Record information relating to animal genealogy, feeding schedules, appearance, behavior, or breeding.
• Provide emergency first aid to sick or injured animals.
• Prepare surgical equipment and pass instruments or materials to veterinarians during surgical procedures.
• Educate or advise clients on animal health care, nutrition, or behavior problems.

Knowledge

• Customer and Personal Service
• English Language
• Biology
• Administrative
• Medicine and Dentistry
• Computers and Electronics

Skills

• Active Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Reading Comprehension
• Writing
• Monitoring
• Speaking

Abilities

• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Written Expression
• Problem Sensitivity
• Information Ordering
• Deductive Reasoning
• Manual Dexterity
• Near Vision
• Written Comprehension
• Inductive Reasoning
• Flexibility of Closure
• Selective Attention
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Finger Dexterity
• Multilimb Coordination
• Trunk Strength
• Extent Flexibility
• Speech Recognition
• Speech Clarity