Occupational Employment Statistics
31-9096 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
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 post-operative 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. Excludes "Nonfarm Animal Caretakers" (39-2021).
| Natural Resources and Mining | N/A | N/A |
| Manufacturing | N/A | N/A |
| Professional and Business Services | 850 | $17.89/hr |
| Education and Health Services | N/A | $20.75/hr |
| Other Services | 20 | $11.79/hr |
- Hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures.
- Prepare examination or treatment rooms by stocking them with appropriate supplies.
- Assist veterinarians in examining animals to determine the nature of illnesses or injuries.
- Clean and maintain kennels, animal holding areas, examination or operating rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.
- Perform office reception duties, such as scheduling appointments or helping customers.
- Provide assistance with euthanasia of animals or disposal of corpses.
- Clean, maintain, and sterilize instruments or equipment.
- Place orders to restock inventory of hospital or laboratory supplies.
- Prepare surgical equipment and pass instruments or materials to veterinarians during surgical procedures.
- Fill medication prescriptions.