Occupation AtlasVeterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
O*NET · 31-9096.00
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.
Also called Animal Care Provider · Animal Care Service Worker · Animal Care Specialist · Animal Caregiver · Animal Caretaker · Animal Health Technician · Avian Keeper · Certified Veterinary Assistant
17 more
Emergency Veterinary Assistant · Inpatient Technician Assistant · Kennel Vet Assistant · Kennel Vet Assistant (Kennel Veterinary Assistant) · Laboratory Animal Caretaker · Laboratory Animal Technician · Research Animal Attendant · Small Animal Caretaker · Vet Assistant · Vet Helper · Vet Kennel Assistant · Vet Receptionist · Veterinarian Assistant (Vet Assistant) · Veterinarian Helper (Vet Helper) · Veterinary Attendant · Veterinary Kennel Assistant (Vet Kennel Assistant) · Veterinary Receptionist (Vet Receptionist)
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
RICRealistic · Investigative · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order
- R Realistic6.33
- I Investigative4.25
- C Conventional3.96
- S Social3.51
- A Artistic1.00
- E Enterprising1.00
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- None (35%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- None (35%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (35%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.5Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- WritingbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Service OrientationImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Active LearningbasicImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- InstructingImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
Show the other 23
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.9Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- SciencebasicImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- NegotiationImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- PersuasionImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Operation and ControlImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- TroubleshootingImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- Technology DesignImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- RepairingImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- ProgrammingImportance 1.3Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
26 core · 2 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures.Importance 4.8
- Monitor animals recovering from surgery and notify veterinarians of any unusual changes or symptoms.Importance 4.7
- Fill medication prescriptions.Importance 4.7
- Clean and maintain kennels, animal holding areas, examination or operating rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.Importance 4.6
- Perform routine laboratory tests or diagnostic tests, such as taking or developing x-rays.Importance 4.5
- Examine animals to detect behavioral changes or clinical symptoms that could indicate illness or injury.Importance 4.5
- Assist veterinarians in examining animals to determine the nature of illnesses or injuries.Importance 4.5
- Clean, maintain, and sterilize instruments or equipment.Importance 4.4
- Administer medication, immunizations, or blood plasma to animals as prescribed by veterinarians.Importance 4.4
- Collect laboratory specimens, such as blood, urine, or feces, for testing.Importance 4.4
- Perform office reception duties, such as scheduling appointments or helping customers.Importance 4.4
- Provide emergency first aid to sick or injured animals.Importance 4.3
Show the other 16
- Record information relating to animal genealogy, feeding schedules, appearance, behavior, or breeding.Importance 4.3
- Prepare surgical equipment and pass instruments or materials to veterinarians during surgical procedures.Importance 4.2
- Prepare feed for animals according to specific instructions, such as diet lists or schedules.Importance 4.2
- Educate or advise clients on animal health care, nutrition, or behavior problems.Importance 4.2
- Prepare examination or treatment rooms by stocking them with appropriate supplies.Importance 4.2
- Provide assistance with euthanasia of animals or disposal of corpses.Importance 4.2
- Write reports, maintain research information, or perform clerical duties.Importance 4.1
- Perform enemas, catheterizations, ear flushes, intravenous feedings, or gavages.Importance 4.0
- Perform hygiene-related duties, such as clipping animals' claws or cleaning and polishing teeth.Importance 4.0
- Exercise animals or provide them with companionship.Importance 3.9
- Perform accounting duties, such as bookkeeping, billing customers for services, or maintaining inventories.Importance 3.9
- Place orders to restock inventory of hospital or laboratory supplies.Importance 3.7
- Sell pet food or supplies to customers.Importance 3.6
- Dust, spray, or bathe animals to control insect pests.Importance 3.5
- Administer anesthetics during surgery and monitor the effects on animals.Importance 4.7
- Groom, trim, or clip animals' coats.Importance 3.1
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.3Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- English LanguageImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- BiologyImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
- AdministrativeImportance 3.5Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 3.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Fill a tooth cavity
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.2Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- MathematicsImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
Show all 33
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.6Level 2.7
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.6Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
- ChemistryImportance 2.5Level 2.8
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
- PsychologyImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- MechanicalImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.2Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 2.2Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.1Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Production and ProcessingImportance 2.1Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- GeographyImportance 1.9Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- Food ProductionImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
- PhysicsImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- DesignImportance 1.5Level —
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.5Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- TransportationImportance 1.5Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.4Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.4Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.3Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
- Information OrderingImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Manual DexterityImportance 3.1Level 2.9
- Near VisionImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
Show all 52
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
- Finger DexterityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
- Trunk StrengthImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
- Category FlexibilityImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Far VisionImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Number FacilityImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Static StrengthImportance 2.8Level 2.9
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.5Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Time SharingImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- StaminaImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- OriginalityImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.3Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- VisualizationImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
- MemorizationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
- Rate ControlImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
- Reaction TimeImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Response OrientationImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 4.5Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.3Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 4.2Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Getting InformationImportance 4.1Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.1Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 4.0Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
Show all 41
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Working with ComputersImportance 3.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.8Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.7Level 2.8
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.7Level 2.8
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 3.7Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Processing InformationImportance 3.6Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.4Level 2.8
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.4Level 2.8
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.3Level 2.9
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.2Level 2.9
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.2Level 2.6
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.1Level 2.6
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.9Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 2.8
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.6Level 2.6
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 2.6Level 2.6
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.5Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 2.5Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 2.2Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
11 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
Hot (6)
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (5)
- IDEXX Laboratories IDEXX Cornerstone
- Labeling software
- McAllister Software Systems AVImark
- Practice management software PMS
- Scheduling software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Embalmers
Average difference 0.2 points · Speaking +0.9, Mathematics −0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Dental Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics −0.7, Science −0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Physical Therapist Aides
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Material Resources −0.8, Mathematics −0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Dental Hygienists
Average difference 0.2 points · Persuasion +0.9, Mathematics −0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Postal Service Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Science −1.6, Instructing −0.9
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Cargo and Freight Agents
Average difference 0.3 points · Science −1.6, Negotiation +1.0
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Phlebotomists
Average difference 0.3 points · Learning Strategies +0.9, Mathematics −0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
Average difference 0.3 points · Management of Financial Resources −0.9, Management of Material Resources −0.9
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.