Healthcare Support
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Also called: Animal Care Provider, Animal Caregiver, Avian Keeper, Certified Veterinary Assistant
US median pay
$38,150
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+9.1%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
23,200
132,100 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do day to 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.
- 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.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Service Orientation3.1/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.0/5
- Coordination3.0/5
- Judgment and Decision Making2.9/5
- Instructing2.9/5
- Complex Problem Solving2.9/5
- Management of Material Resources2.2/5
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service4.3/5
- English Language3.8/5
- Biology3.6/5
- Administrative3.5/5
- Medicine and Dentistry3.5/5
- Computers and Electronics3.2/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma78%
- Post-secondary certificate11%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.