Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers feed, water, and monitor pets and other nonfarm animals in hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. They clean and disinfect cages, sterilize surgical equipment, and watch for signs of illness or injury. Some provide postoperative care and administer medications under veterinarian supervision.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves daily animal care routines such as feeding, watering, and exercising animals in their assigned areas. Staff clean and disinfect cages, kennels, and work spaces regularly. They may assist during surgical procedures, monitor animals for health changes, prepare medical instruments for sterilization, and record observations about animal behavior and condition. Tasks vary depending on whether the setting is a veterinary clinic, animal hospital, or research laboratory.
Who this work suits
Holland code RIC. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You do well in this work if you're observant about physical details and patterns—noticing when an animal seems off or needs attention. You tend to prefer hands-on, practical work with clear procedures and measurable results, and you're motivated by direct responsibility for animal welfare and laboratory operations.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Veterinary Assistant · Banfield Pet Hospital · Stockton, San Joaquin County · $37,862–$37,862
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $37,440 | $49,770 | $49,930 | 380 |
| District of Columbia | $46,960 | $49,080 | $60,700 | 240 |
| Massachusetts | $37,440 | $46,670 | $59,290 | 2,130 |
| California | $39,760 | $46,260 | $49,290 | 16,080 |
| New Jersey | $39,700 | $46,160 | $48,190 | 3,270 |
| Maine | $39,640 | $45,510 | $47,260 | 690 |
| Minnesota | $38,000 | $45,280 | $46,500 | 1,450 |
| Maryland | $39,440 | $44,770 | $49,230 | 2,220 |
| New York | $38,610 | $44,750 | $46,560 | 5,790 |
| Oregon | $38,570 | $44,370 | $46,950 | 3,170 |
| Connecticut | $36,720 | $44,250 | $51,470 | 1,390 |
| Washington | $39,930 | $44,150 | $47,220 | 4,380 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT/RALAT) — American Association for Laboratory Animal Science
- Veterinary Assistant Online National Certification (CVA) — American Allied Health
- Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) — American Association for Laboratory Animal Science
- Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) — American Association for Laboratory Animal Science
- Certified Manager of Animal Resources (CMAR) — American Association for Laboratory Animal Science
- North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) — International Council for Veterinary Assessment
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 31-9096.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.