What it pays
Government survey numbers — not estimates, not ads.
Half of all Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in the U.S. earn more than $38,150 a year — the middle 80% land between $30,120 and $49,150. About 126,580 people in the U.S. do this work. Figures are for the U.S. occupation group “Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers”. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics survey, published 2025.) In India, Service and sales workers earn about ₹15,575 a month on average — around ₹1.9 lakh a year (government PLFS survey via ILOSTAT, occupation-family figure).
$38,150typical pay / year
126,580people in this work
$49,150+top 10% earn
₹1.9 lakha year in India (family avg)
Think you get this job?Six quick questions on how it really works — with a hint and the reason behind every answer.
Test yourself →The work, task by task
These are the real jobs-to-be-done, not a wish list. Each task shows where we found it, and the prompt underneath is written for that exact task.
Care2
Collect laboratory specimens
+Collect blood, urine, skin scrapings and fecal samples from Mr. Alvarez’s dog Rufus, label each specimen with…
Collect laboratory specimens
+Collect blood, urine, skin scrapings and fecal samples from Mr. Alvarez’s dog Rufus, label each specimen with patient name, date and collector, store blood on ice and send same-day to the diagnostic lab after confirming requisition and client consent.
The tools that do the workIDEXX Laboratories IDEXX Cornerstonejob descriptionsO*NET
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Hold or restrain animals
+Securely hold Barkley the lab mix for his rabies vaccine and nail trim, use a gentle head restraint and…
Hold or restrain animals
+Securely hold Barkley the lab mix for his rabies vaccine and nail trim, use a gentle head restraint and one-person scruff technique while the vet injects and the assistant trims, call for a second handler immediately if Barkley becomes more than mildly agitated.
The tools that do the workPractice management software PMSjob descriptionsO*NETWikipedia
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Keeping the record3
Prepare surgical instruments
+Sterilise the instrument set for the 10am spay: ultrasonic clean, inspect each clamp and scalpel for damage,…
Prepare surgical instruments
+Sterilise the instrument set for the 10am spay: ultrasonic clean, inspect each clamp and scalpel for damage, wrap sets in indicator-logged packs, and place them in the sterile storage with today’s date so the surgical nurse can open them at 9:30am.
The tools that do the workPractice management software PMSjob descriptionsO*NETWikipedia
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Record animal information
+Update Milo’s record with today’s weight, vaccinations given, microchip number, recent fecal and blood test…
Record animal information
+Update Milo’s record with today’s weight, vaccinations given, microchip number, recent fecal and blood test results, and the behavioural notes from the visit so the vet can complete the discharge instructions before the owner picks him up at 4pm.
The tools that do the workMcAllister Software Systems AVImarkjob descriptionsO*NETWikipedia
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Fill medication prescriptions.
+Count and prepare the sent prescription for Rosie: verify drug name and dose against the surgeon’s order,…
Fill medication prescriptions.
+Count and prepare the sent prescription for Rosie: verify drug name and dose against the surgeon’s order, label the bottle with dose and administration times, record the dispensed quantity in the patient chart, and place the meds on the pickup shelf with today’s date.
The tools that do the workIDEXX Laboratories IDEXX Cornerstonejob descriptionsO*NETWikipedia
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Learning1
Examine animals for illness
+Perform a focused exam on Daisy: check mucous membrane color, temperature, auscultate heart and lungs,…
Examine animals for illness
+Perform a focused exam on Daisy: check mucous membrane color, temperature, auscultate heart and lungs, palpate abdomen for pain or masses, note any limping or discharge, and flag the exam notes for the vet to review before prescribing treatment.
The tools that do the workIDEXX Laboratories IDEXX Cornerstonejob descriptionsO*NETWikipedia
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The daily work18
Perform enemas, catheterizations, ear flushes, intravenous feedings, or gavages.
+Administer the enema, place the urinary catheter, perform the ear flush, set up and begin the IV feeding or…
Perform enemas, catheterizations, ear flushes, intravenous feedings, or gavages.
+Administer the enema, place the urinary catheter, perform the ear flush, set up and begin the IV feeding or gavage as ordered by Dr. Morales, monitor vitals throughout, document volumes and patient response in the medical record before shift end.
The tools that do the workMcAllister Software Systems AVImarkO*NET
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Place orders to restock inventory of hospital or laboratory supplies.
+Check current stock of gauze, syringes, catheters, and lab reagents against reorder points, create a purchase…
Place orders to restock inventory of hospital or laboratory supplies.
+Check current stock of gauze, syringes, catheters, and lab reagents against reorder points, create a purchase request to restock items low today, include vendor, catalog numbers, needed quantities, and requested delivery for Tuesday.
The tools that do the workPractice management software PMSO*NET
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Sell pet food or supplies to customers.
+Ring up the pet food and supply sale for Mr. Alvarez, confirm the diet and quantity, apply the clinic loyalty…
Sell pet food or supplies to customers.
+Ring up the pet food and supply sale for Mr. Alvarez, confirm the diet and quantity, apply the clinic loyalty discount, process payment, print the receipt, and add the sale and dietary notes to Bella’s patient file.
The tools that do the workMcAllister Software Systems AVImarkO*NET
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Dust, spray, or bathe animals to control insect pests.
+Prepare treatment area, restrain the patient safely, apply approved topical insecticide or bathe with…
Dust, spray, or bathe animals to control insect pests.
+Prepare treatment area, restrain the patient safely, apply approved topical insecticide or bathe with medicated shampoo following label directions, record product, dose, and animal tolerance in the patient chart after treatment.
The tools that do the workPractice management software PMSO*NET
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Groom, trim, or clip animals' coats.
+Clip and brush the coat to remove mats, bathe with the prescribed shampoo, dry and trim as requested on the…
Groom, trim, or clip animals' coats.
+Clip and brush the coat to remove mats, bathe with the prescribed shampoo, dry and trim as requested on the work order, note any skin lesions or client instructions in the patient chart and notify the vet if abnormalities found.
The tools that do the workPractice management software PMSO*NET
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Water animals
+Provide fresh water to all kennels and enclosures first thing, record volumes and any patients refusing…
Water animals
+Provide fresh water to all kennels and enclosures first thing, record volumes and any patients refusing water, top up automated watering systems, and note hydration concerns in the medical record for the attending veterinarian.
The tools that do the workMcAllister Software Systems AVImarkjob descriptions
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Feed animals
+Feed the kennel dogs and quarantine cats their prescribed diets this morning, note refusals or changes on…
Feed animals
+Feed the kennel dogs and quarantine cats their prescribed diets this morning, note refusals or changes on each animal's health chart, top up fresh water, and return any uneaten portions to the fridge labeled with animal name and time.
The tools that do the workMcAllister Software Systems AVImarkjob descriptionsO*NET
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Help with euthanasia or disposal of animals
+Prepare and administer the scheduled pre-euthanasia comfort measures, follow the clinic's disposal checklist…
Help with euthanasia or disposal of animals
+Prepare and administer the scheduled pre-euthanasia comfort measures, follow the clinic's disposal checklist after the procedure, document owner consent, time and method used on the animal's record, and arrange refrigerated holding per policy.
The tools that do the workPractice management software PMSjob descriptionsO*NET
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Provide animal health care and support
+Perform morning rounds: check incision sites, refill medications in treatment cages as prescribed, record…
Provide animal health care and support
+Perform morning rounds: check incision sites, refill medications in treatment cages as prescribed, record temperatures and appetite changes, note anything abnormal on the treatment log and alert Dr. Morales if a patient is deteriorating.
The tools that do the workIDEXX Laboratories IDEXX CornerstoneO*NETWikipedia
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Assist with laboratory animal care
+Clean and replenish the lab animal housing, follow enrichment schedule for rodents, check and record…
Assist with laboratory animal care
+Clean and replenish the lab animal housing, follow enrichment schedule for rodents, check and record cage-side observations, submit any health concerns to the research tech and update the study animal log with cage changes and treatments.
The tools that do the workLabelingjob descriptionsWikipedia
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Provide technical support to the veterinarian
+Set up the surgery tray and anesthesia machine to the veterinarian's checklist, pass instruments and hold…
Provide technical support to the veterinarian
+Set up the surgery tray and anesthesia machine to the veterinarian's checklist, pass instruments and hold patients during procedures, monitor vitals and record drugs and doses on the patient chart as the vet instructs.
The tools that do the workMcAllister Software Systems AVImarkESCOWikipedia
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Write reports, maintain research information, or perform clerical duties.
+Compile yesterday's treatment notes, transfuse lab results and medication inventories into the clinic…
Write reports, maintain research information, or perform clerical duties.
+Compile yesterday's treatment notes, transfuse lab results and medication inventories into the clinic research binder, write a concise incident summary for any adverse events, and file the completed reports in the patient study folder.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft WordO*NET
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Clean cages and work areas
+Clean the cat and dog wards this morning: strip and disinfect all cages and bedding, scrub food and water…
Clean cages and work areas
+Clean the cat and dog wards this morning: strip and disinfect all cages and bedding, scrub food and water bowls, mop floors with veterinary-grade disinfectant, restock isolation PPE and record completion on the unit log before noon.
The tools that do the workPractice management software PMSjob descriptions
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Schedule appointments
+Schedule follow-up vaccinations for Bella Harper and a wellness check for Milo Torres next week, offering 9am…
Schedule appointments
+Schedule follow-up vaccinations for Bella Harper and a wellness check for Milo Torres next week, offering 9am or 3pm slots, confirm client phone numbers, and send appointment reminders with pre-visit instructions the afternoon you book them.
The tools that do the workMcAllister Software Systems AVImarkjob descriptions
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Provide emergency first aid
+Provide emergency first aid to a small-breed dog with a bleeding paw: apply direct pressure, bandage the…
Provide emergency first aid
+Provide emergency first aid to a small-breed dog with a bleeding paw: apply direct pressure, bandage the wound, administer pain-first protocols you are authorized for, notify Dr. Nguyen immediately and document vitals and treatments in the patient record.
The tools that do the workIDEXX Laboratories IDEXX Cornerstonejob descriptions
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Perform procedures autonomously or semi-autonomously
+Perform routine dentals, ear cleanings and nail trims today within your scope: prepare the treatment area,…
Perform procedures autonomously or semi-autonomously
+Perform routine dentals, ear cleanings and nail trims today within your scope: prepare the treatment area, follow aseptic technique, monitor sedation or restraint as directed, record procedures, and escalate any abnormal findings to Dr. Patel.
The tools that do the workPractice management software PMSWikipedia
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Conduct minor surgeries where permitted
+Assist Dr. Alvarez with a spay scheduled this afternoon: set up sterile instruments, prep the surgical site,…
Conduct minor surgeries where permitted
+Assist Dr. Alvarez with a spay scheduled this afternoon: set up sterile instruments, prep the surgical site, monitor anesthesia parameters during surgery, log instrument counts and post-op instructions for the owner before discharge.
The tools that do the workPractice management software PMSWikipedia
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Educate pet owners about animal care
+Explain home care for a diabetic cat to Ms. Ramos: review insulin dosing and syringe technique, demonstrate…
Educate pet owners about animal care
+Explain home care for a diabetic cat to Ms. Ramos: review insulin dosing and syringe technique, demonstrate blood glucose monitoring, hand her written feeding and follow-up instructions, and add a client education note to the patient file.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordPractice management software PMSWikipedia
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Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses