Veterinary assistants care for animals and assist with lab tests, treatment, and surgery.

Veterinary assistants feed and exercise animals. They clean cages and exam areas. They also keep watch on animals in treatment or after surgery. Assistants notify the doctor of changes or problems.

All assistants document their work. They make notes in charts of treatment, lab tests, and their observations of animals.

Veterinary assistants may care for animals and assist veterinarians in:

Clinics

Sometimes assistants help veterinarians as they examine and treat animals. They prepare the exam room and help hold or move the animal. They assist with and sometimes give shots. They help dress wounds and other injuries.

Veterinary assistants sometimes draw blood from animals or prepare tissue samples. They may also run lab tests. Assistants prepare medications and sterilize instruments for surgery. They also prepare the animal and assist the veterinarian during surgery.

Research Labs

Some veterinary assistants work in research labs. These workers are called laboratory animal technicians. They perform similar duties as assistants who work in clinics.