Whether an orangutan needs surgery
or a rat performs in a drug trial,
veterinary assistants and
laboratory animal caretakers
help make sure animals’ needs
and well-being are looked after.
Veterinary assistants and
laboratory animal caretakers
perform routine care tasks such as
bathing and exercising animals,
cleaning and disinfecting facilities,
and providing first aid or care after surgery.
They work under the supervision of scientists,
veterinarians,
and veterinary technologists and technicians.
They also administer medication,
and help restrain animals for examinations
and lab procedures.
While empathy for animals
makes for a good start,
there’s often a somber side to animal care.
These caregivers treat animals who are sick
or have been mistreated
and sometimes need to be euthanized.
Handling and restraining animals
takes physical strength and stamina,
but dexterity is also important—
especially when handling medical equipment.
Good communication skills and
an eye for detail are also essential.
Work settings for these two fields differ:
Veterinary assistants typically work in clinics
and animal hospitals,
helping treat animals with
injuries and illnesses,
while laboratory animal caretakers
generally work in
laboratories where they feed
and monitor the animals involved in research.
Work hours may be full- or part-time,
and often include nights, weekends
and holidays.
Most workers in these fields have a
high school diploma or equivalent,
and learn the work on the job.