Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers typically do the following:

• Feed, bathe, and exercise animals
• Clean and disinfect cages, kennels, and examination and operating rooms
• Restrain animals during examination and laboratory procedures
• Maintain and sterilize surgical instruments and equipment
• Monitor and care for animals after surgery
• Help provide emergency first aid to sick and injured animals
• Give medication or immunizations that veterinarians prescribe
• Assist in the collection of blood, urine, and tissue samples

Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers are responsible for many daily tasks, such as feeding, weighing, and taking the temperature of animals. Other duties may include giving medication, cleaning cages, and providing nursing care before and after surgery and other medical procedures.

Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers play a large role in helping veterinarians and animal scientists with surgery and other minor procedures. They may prepare equipment and pass surgical instruments and materials to veterinarians during surgery. They also move animals and restrain them during testing and other procedures.

Veterinary assistants typically work in clinics and animal hospitals, helping veterinarians and veterinary technologists and technicians treat injuries and illnesses of animals.

Laboratory animal caretakers work in laboratories under the supervision of a veterinarian, scientist, veterinary technician, or veterinary technologist. Their daily tasks include feeding animals, cleaning kennels, and monitoring the animals.