Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
1. OVERVIEW
Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers assist veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and scientists by providing routine care for animals. They are responsible for feeding, cleaning, and observing animals, helping with basic medical tasks, and supporting research in laboratories. This role is critical in ensuring animals receive proper care and contribute to research and treatment in both clinical and laboratory settings.
2024 Median Pay: $37,320 per year
Job Growth (2023–2033): 19% (Much faster than average)
Typical Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Work Experience: None required for entry-level roles
On-the-job Training: Short-term on-the-job training
2. Role Breakdown by Level
Entry-Level Role: Veterinary Assistant / Laboratory Animal Caretaker
Job Titles: Veterinary Assistant, Animal Care Assistant, Laboratory Animal Caretaker
Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may prefer candidates who have completed vocational training in animal care or related fields.
Experience: Entry-level positions do not require prior experience, though any experience with animals (volunteering, internships) may be helpful.
Certifications: Certification is optional, but the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) offers the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) designation. Laboratory animal caretakers can pursue certification through the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS).
Core Duties:
Feed, bathe, and exercise animals
Clean and disinfect cages and medical equipment
Assist in restraining animals during exams or procedures
Administer medications and vaccines as directed by veterinarians
Monitor animals post-surgery and assist with first aid
Help in collecting blood, urine, and tissue samples
Salary Range: $29,160 – $37,070 per year
Key Skills:
Animal handling and care
Attention to detail
Communication with team members and animal owners
Basic knowledge of medical terminology
Mid-Level Role: Senior Veterinary Assistant / Laboratory Animal Caretaker
Job Titles: Senior Veterinary Assistant, Lead Laboratory Animal Caretaker
Education: High school diploma is required; some positions may prefer or require vocational training in animal science or health.
Experience: 2-4 years of experience as a veterinary assistant or laboratory animal caretaker, with demonstrated ability to handle more advanced tasks such as assisting in surgeries or conducting diagnostic tests.
Certifications: Certification such as AVA or AALAS may be required or strongly preferred.
Core Duties:
Supervise junior assistants
Perform more advanced medical tasks, such as assisting with surgeries and administering anesthesia
Take detailed medical histories and report to veterinarians
Educate animal owners about care, diet, and treatments
Maintain detailed records of procedures and animal treatments
Salary Range: $37,070 – $45,000 per year
Key Skills:
Supervision and team management
Advanced animal care skills
Strong communication and record-keeping
Problem-solving in high-pressure environments
Senior-Level Role: Veterinary Clinic Supervisor / Laboratory Animal Care Director
Job Titles: Veterinary Clinic Supervisor, Animal Care Director, Senior Laboratory Animal Caretaker
Education: A high school diploma is necessary, and an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in animal science or a related field may be preferred for supervisory roles.
Experience: 5+ years of experience in animal care, with experience in supervision and advanced procedures in both clinical and laboratory settings.
Certifications: Advanced certifications in veterinary technology or laboratory animal science are preferred (e.g., LATG from AALAS).
Core Duties:
Manage and supervise a team of veterinary assistants or animal caretakers
Oversee the care of animals in veterinary hospitals or laboratories
Ensure compliance with safety and health regulations
Organize and conduct training programs for junior staff
Liaise with veterinarians, researchers, and animal owners regarding medical care or research
Salary Range: $45,000 – $50,000+ per year
Key Skills:
Leadership and supervisory skills
Advanced knowledge of animal care, medical procedures, and laboratory operations
Excellent organizational skills
Proficiency in regulatory compliance
3. How to Become a Veterinary Assistant or Laboratory Animal Caretaker
Education Requirements:
Entry-Level: Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Some positions may prefer vocational training in animal care or health.
Mid-Level: Some positions may require additional certifications or vocational training in animal science, and prior experience in a veterinary clinic or laboratory is essential.
Senior-Level: A high school diploma is necessary, but additional education in animal science or management may be required, depending on the position.
Licenses and Certifications:
AVMA Certification: The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) offers the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) certification for veterinary assistants.
AALAS Certification: For laboratory animal caretakers, the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) offers certifications such as Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT), Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT), and Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG).
State-specific Licensing: Certification and licensing requirements vary by state, so be sure to check local regulations.
Training:
On-the-job training is typically provided to new veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers, covering tasks such as cleaning animal enclosures, handling animals, assisting with medical procedures, and operating medical equipment.
4. Skill & Tools
Core Skills:
Animal Care: Understanding of how to properly handle, feed, bathe, and exercise animals.
Attention to Detail: Monitoring animal health, maintaining accurate medical records, and following sterilization procedures for medical equipment.
Communication: Ability to clearly communicate with veterinarians, researchers, and pet owners regarding animal care and treatment.
Physical Strength: Capability to handle and lift animals when required.
Compassion: Providing care with empathy for animals and their owners.
Tools & Equipment:
Surgical Instruments: Tools used to assist veterinarians during surgery or medical procedures.
Diagnostic Equipment: Tools for taking samples or conducting tests such as blood draws or urine collection.
Animal Care Supplies: Equipment for feeding, bathing, and housing animals.
5. Work Environment
Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers work in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, research laboratories, and educational institutions.
Work Schedule: The majority of workers are part-time, though evening, weekend, or holiday shifts may be required, especially in veterinary clinics.
Physical Demands: The role involves physically demanding tasks such as handling animals, cleaning enclosures, and assisting with surgeries.
Emotional Stress: These positions can be emotionally challenging, particularly when dealing with sick or injured animals and euthanasia.
6. Pay
Median Annual Wage (2024): $37,320 per year
Salaries by Specialty:
Veterinary Services: $37,070
Educational Services: $47,670
Scientific Research: $47,780
7. Job Outlook
Job Growth (2023–2033): 19%, much faster than the average for all occupations.
As the demand for veterinary services grows, employment for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers is expected to increase. There will also be high demand in scientific research facilities that require laboratory animals for testing.
8. Related Occupations
Animal Care and Service Workers: Work in animal shelters, kennels, and boarding facilities.
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians: Perform medical tests and assist with diagnosing injuries and illnesses in animals.
Surgical Technologists: Assist during surgeries in human and animal healthcare settings.
9. Resources for Learning & Advancement
Books:
"Veterinary Assistant's Manual" by Heather S. D. Smith
"Animal Care and Management" by Debra L. Dufresne
Online Courses:
Coursera: Animal care and veterinary assistant programs.
LinkedIn Learning: Courses on veterinary care, animal welfare, and lab animal care.
Certifications:
Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) from NAVTA.
AALAS Certifications (ALAT, LAT, LATG) for laboratory animal caretakers.
Communities:
Reddit: r/VeterinaryCareers for advice, networking, and job opportunities.
YouTube: Channels offering tutorials on veterinary assistant duties and animal care tips.
