Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers typically perform the following 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. • Prepare examination or treatment rooms by stocking them with appropriate supplies. • Prepare feed for animals according to specific instructions, such as diet lists or schedules. • Provide assistance with euthanasia of animals or disposal of corpses. • Write reports, maintain research information, or perform clerical duties. • Perform hygiene-related duties, such as clipping animals' claws or cleaning and polishing teeth.