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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.

Tasks
28 tasks26 core, 2 supplemental
Family
Healthcare SupportOne of its 20 occupations
Code
31-9096.00SOC 2018: 31-9096

Read the 28 tasks Download this record as JSON

What the work is made of

26 core tasks and 2 supplemental, each quoted as published, with the survey it came from.

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Core: central to the jobSupplemental: done by some, not all

  1. Task 1. Hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures.Core taskTask 4312Rated by 65 people who do the job, August 2020
  2. Task 2. Monitor animals recovering from surgery and notify veterinarians of any unusual changes or symptoms.Core taskTask 4306Rated by 65 people who do the job, August 2020
  3. Task 3. Fill medication prescriptions.Core taskTask 4314Rated by 65 people who do the job, August 2020
  4. Task 4. Clean and maintain kennels, animal holding areas, examination or operating rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.Core taskTask 4311Rated by 65 people who do the job, August 2020
  5. Task 5. Examine animals to detect behavioral changes or clinical symptoms that could indicate illness or injury.Core taskTask 4316Rated by 65 people who do the job, August 2020
  6. Task 6. Perform routine laboratory tests or diagnostic tests, such as taking or developing x-rays.Core taskTask 4313Rated by 65 people who do the job, August 2020
  7. Task 7. Assist veterinarians in examining animals to determine the nature of illnesses or injuries.Core taskTask 4317Rated by 65 people who do the job, August 2020
  8. Task 8. Administer medication, immunizations, or blood plasma to animals as prescribed by veterinarians.Core taskTask 4309Rated by 65 people who do the job, August 2020
  9. Task 9. Collect laboratory specimens, such as blood, urine, or feces, for testing.Core taskTask 4315Rated by 65 people who do the job, August 2020
  10. Task 10. Perform office reception duties, such as scheduling appointments or helping customers.Core taskTask 4327Rated by 65 people who do the job, August 2020
  11. Task 11. Clean, maintain, and sterilize instruments or equipment.Core taskTask 4308Rated by 65 people who do the job, August 2020
  12. Task 12. Record information relating to animal genealogy, feeding schedules, appearance, behavior, or breeding.Core taskTask 4322Rated by 65 people who do the job, August 2020
  13. Task 13. Provide emergency first aid to sick or injured animals.Core taskTask 4310Rated by 65 people who do the job, August 2020
  14. Task 14. Prepare surgical equipment and pass instruments or materials to veterinarians during surgical procedures.Core taskTask 4318Rated by 65 people who do the job, August 2020
  15. Task 15. Educate or advise clients on animal health care, nutrition, or behavior problems.Core taskTask 4323Rated by 65 people who do the job, August 2020
  16. Task 16. Prepare examination or treatment rooms by stocking them with appropriate supplies.Core taskTask 4325Rated by 64 people who do the job, August 2020
  17. Task 17. Prepare feed for animals according to specific instructions, such as diet lists or schedules.Core taskTask 4320Rated by 64 people who do the job, August 2020
  18. Task 18. Provide assistance with euthanasia of animals or disposal of corpses.Core taskTask 4326Rated by 65 people who do the job, August 2020
  19. Task 19. Write reports, maintain research information, or perform clerical duties.Core taskTask 4329Rated by 65 people who do the job, August 2020
  20. Task 20. Perform hygiene-related duties, such as clipping animals' claws or cleaning and polishing teeth.Core taskTask 4324Rated by 65 people who do the job, August 2020
  21. Task 21. Perform enemas, catheterizations, ear flushes, intravenous feedings, or gavages.Core taskTask 4319Rated by 65 people who do the job, August 2020
  22. Task 22. Perform accounting duties, such as bookkeeping, billing customers for services, or maintaining inventories.Core taskTask 4330Rated by 65 people who do the job, August 2020
  23. Task 23. Exercise animals or provide them with companionship.Core taskTask 4321Rated by 64 people who do the job, August 2020
  24. Task 24. Place orders to restock inventory of hospital or laboratory supplies.Core taskTask 21195Rated by 65 people who do the job, August 2020
  25. Task 25. Sell pet food or supplies to customers.Core taskTask 4332Rated by 65 people who do the job, August 2020
  26. Task 26. Dust, spray, or bathe animals to control insect pests.Core taskTask 4328Rated by 65 people who do the job, August 2020
  27. Task 27. Administer anesthetics during surgery and monitor the effects on animals.Supplemental taskTask 4307Rated by 64 people who do the job, August 2020
  28. Task 28. Groom, trim, or clip animals' coats.Supplemental taskTask 4333Rated by 64 people who do the job, August 2020

Where this comes from

Quoted from the U.S. Department of Labor, and credited. Nothing on this page is written by us.

How we copy and credit sources
  1. Published by
    O*NET 29.0, U.S. Department of LaborEmployment and Training Administration
  2. Classification
    Standard Occupational Classification 2018, 31-9096
  3. License
    CC BY 4.0Free to copy and reuse, with credit
  4. Changed by us
    Nothing.

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