Veterinary Assistant
Quick Facts
Median Salary$35,748
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth+55.32%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
A Veterinary Assistant assists with animals under veterinary care or in laboratories. Feeds animals, cleans cages, and administers medical treatment under the supervision of a veterinarian or veterinary technician. Works in a veterinary clinic, animal hospital, or laboratory.
Core 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.
- Clean, maintain, and sterilize instruments or equipment.
- Perform office reception duties, such as scheduling appointments or helping customers.
- 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.
- Prepare feed for animals according to specific instructions, such as diet lists or schedules.
- Educate or advise clients on animal health care, nutrition, or behavior problems.
- Prepare examination or treatment rooms by stocking them with appropriate supplies.
- Provide assistance with euthanasia of animals or disposal of corpses.
- Write reports, maintain research information, or perform clerical duties.
- Perform enemas, catheterizations, ear flushes, intravenous feedings, or gavages.
- Perform hygiene-related duties, such as clipping animals' claws or cleaning and polishing teeth.
- Perform accounting duties, such as bookkeeping, billing customers for services, or maintaining inventories.
- Exercise animals or provide them with companionship.
- Place orders to restock inventory of hospital or laboratory supplies.
- Sell pet food or supplies to customers.
- Dust, spray, or bathe animals to control insect pests.
What to expect as a Veterinary Assistant
1Earn a High school or GED Diploma
35% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Veterinary Assistant related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
3826 openings for Veterinary Assistants
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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