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 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.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers earn a median of $18.34/hr — about $38,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $14.48/hr; the top 10% earn $23.63/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
What you'd actually do
- 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.
How you get there
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma. Overall preparation: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).
The feel of the work
Much of the work happens outdoors; precision matters — small details carry weight. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)
Working for yourself
About 0.2% of veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers are self-employed.
Who it tends to fit
This work tends to fit people who are hands-on, analytical and organized and detail-focused.
Work a simulated shift in this job — freeMake the real decisions this job involves, then see what your choices say about you.Related careers
- Physical Therapist Assistants
- Occupational Therapy Assistants
- Orderlies
- Pharmacy Aides
- Occupational Therapy Aides
- Medical Transcriptionists
Quick questions
- How much does a veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretaker make?
- The median pay is $18.34 per hour — roughly $38,000 a year, with the real range running from about $14.48/hr (10th percentile) to $23.63/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Do you need a degree to be a veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretaker?
- The typical entry-level education is: High school diploma. Overall preparation level: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).
- What does a veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretaker actually do all day?
- Hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures. Monitor animals recovering from surgery and notify veterinarians of any unusual changes or symptoms. Fill medication prescriptions.
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