How to become a Veterinary Assistant or Laboratory Animal Caretaker
Official title: Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Also called: Animal Care Provider, Animal Caregiver, Avian Keeper, Certified Veterinary Assistant, Emergency Veterinary Assistant, Inpatient Technician Assistant, Kennel Vet Assistant (Kennel Veterinary Assistant), Research Animal Attendant, Small Animal Caretaker, Veterinarian Assistant (Vet Assistant)
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.
Main 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.
How to become one
Most veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers have a high school diploma or equivalent and learn the occupation on the job.
Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent
Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Veterinary/Lab Animal Tech (Alternate Title: Animal Care Specialist).
- Licence: A licence is required in 7 states.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Median pay: $38,150 a year The middle half earn $35,660 to $45,710.
- About 132,100 people work in this job now, and about 144,200 are projected by 2035. (+9.1%)
- People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.
Related jobs
- Dental Assistants
- Medical Assistants
- Medical Equipment Preparers
- Medical Transcriptionists
- Pharmacy Aides
- Phlebotomists
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Veterinary Assistant or Laboratory Animal Caretaker?
Most veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers have a high school diploma or equivalent and learn the occupation on the job.
How much does a Veterinary Assistant or Laboratory Animal Caretaker earn in the US?
Median full-time pay is $38,150 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $35,660 to $45,710.
Is a Veterinary Assistant or Laboratory Animal Caretaker a growing career in the US?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 9% by 2035, from about 132,100 to about 144,200 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become a Veterinary Assistant or Laboratory Animal Caretaker?
Not always. 39% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Veterinary/Lab Animal Tech (Alternate Title: Animal Care Specialist).
Will AI change the work of a Veterinary Assistant or Laboratory Animal Caretaker?
People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.
Sources
- Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03
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.