Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers
SOC Code: 31-9096Also known as:
Animal Care Provider, Animal Care Service Worker, Animal Care Specialist, Animal Caregiver, Animal Caretaker
Median Annual Salary
$37,320
+8.7% growth (2024-2034)
22K
Openings/Year
118K
Current Jobs
What Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers Do
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.
💰 Salary
$37,320
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+8.7%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
22K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
117,800
Projected Employment (2034)
128,100
Related Careers
Paramedics
$58,410 •
+5.0% growth
Veterinary technologists and technicians
$45,980 •
+9.1% growth
Surgical assistants
$60,290 •
+5.1% growth
Medical assistants
$44,200 •
+12.5% growth
Animal caretakers
$33,470 •
+12.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Writing
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Perform office reception duties, such as scheduling appointments or helping customers.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers:
Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant
9,026 degrees awarded •
273 colleges offer this program
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians, Other
25 degrees awarded •
3 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers make?
The median annual salary for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers is $37,320.
What education do veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers need?
Most veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians, Other.
Is becoming veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers a good career choice?
Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers is projected to see +8.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 22,200 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers?
Top colleges for aspiring veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers include
Purdue University-Main Campus, Mid-America Technology Center, Moore Norman Technology Center, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, Dallas College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers?
Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers may also be known as: Animal Care Provider, Animal Care Service Worker, Animal Care Specialist, Animal Caregiver, Animal Caretaker, Animal Health Technician, Avian Keeper, Certified Veterinary Assistant, Emergency Veterinary Assistant, Inpatient Technician Assistant, Kennel Vet Assistant (Kennel Veterinary Assistant), Laboratory Animal Caretaker, Laboratory Animal Technician, Research Animal Attendant, Small Animal Caretaker, Veterinarian Assistant (Vet Assistant), Veterinarian Helper (Vet Helper), Veterinary Attendant, Veterinary Kennel Assistant (Vet Kennel Assistant), Veterinary Receptionist (Vet Receptionist).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.