O*NET-SOC 31-9096.00

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

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.

From O*NET 30.3

Tasks

From O*NET 30.3, by importance, as O*NET OnLine lists them

Free · O*NET 30.3

Hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures.Core4312
Monitor animals recovering from surgery and notify veterinarians of any unusual changes or symptoms.Core4306
Administer anesthetics during surgery and monitor the effects on animals.Supplemental4307
Fill medication prescriptions.Core4314
Clean and maintain kennels, animal holding areas, examination or operating rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.Core4311
Examine animals to detect behavioral changes or clinical symptoms that could indicate illness or injury.Core4316
Perform routine laboratory tests or diagnostic tests, such as taking or developing x-rays.Core4313
Assist veterinarians in examining animals to determine the nature of illnesses or injuries.Core4317
Administer medication, immunizations, or blood plasma to animals as prescribed by veterinarians.Core4309
Collect laboratory specimens, such as blood, urine, or feces, for testing.Core4315
Perform office reception duties, such as scheduling appointments or helping customers.Core4327
Clean, maintain, and sterilize instruments or equipment.Core4308
Record information relating to animal genealogy, feeding schedules, appearance, behavior, or breeding.Core4322
Provide emergency first aid to sick or injured animals.Core4310
Prepare surgical equipment and pass instruments or materials to veterinarians during surgical procedures.Core4318
Educate or advise clients on animal health care, nutrition, or behavior problems.Core4323
Prepare examination or treatment rooms by stocking them with appropriate supplies.Core4325
Prepare feed for animals according to specific instructions, such as diet lists or schedules.Core4320
Provide assistance with euthanasia of animals or disposal of corpses.Core4326
Write reports, maintain research information, or perform clerical duties.Core4329
Perform hygiene-related duties, such as clipping animals' claws or cleaning and polishing teeth.Core4324
Perform enemas, catheterizations, ear flushes, intravenous feedings, or gavages.Core4319
Perform accounting duties, such as bookkeeping, billing customers for services, or maintaining inventories.Core4330
Exercise animals or provide them with companionship.Core4321
Place orders to restock inventory of hospital or laboratory supplies.Core21195
Sell pet food or supplies to customers.Core4332
Dust, spray, or bathe animals to control insect pests.Core4328
Groom, trim, or clip animals' coats.Supplemental4333

Technology Skills

From O*NET 30.3, 11 examples in 9 categories, 6 Hot Technology

Free · O*NET 30.3

Medical software

IDEXX Laboratories IDEXX Cornerstone
McAllister Software Systems AVImark
Practice management software PMS

Label making software

Labeling software

Data base user interface and query software

Microsoft AccessHot Technology

Spreadsheet software

Microsoft ExcelHot Technology

Office suite software

Microsoft Office softwareHot Technology

Electronic mail software

Microsoft OutlookHot Technology

Presentation software

Microsoft PowerPointHot Technology

Word processing software

Microsoft WordHot Technology

Calendar and scheduling software

Scheduling software

Detailed Work Activities

From O*NET 30.3, under their work activities; open one for the AI skills Workforce Automation maps to it

Free · O*NET 30.3

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Monitor patients to detect health problems.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Conduct diagnostic tests to determine patient health.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Assess physical conditions of patients to aid in diagnosis or treatment.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Scheduling Work and Activities

Schedule patient procedures or appointments.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Performing General Physical Activities

Clean patient rooms or patient treatment rooms.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Dispose of biomedical waste in accordance with standards.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Clean medical equipment.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Handling and Moving Objects

Stock medical or patient care supplies.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Collect biological specimens from patients.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Prepare medical instruments or equipment for use.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Prepare patient treatment areas for use.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

Maintain medical equipment or instruments.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Documenting/Recording Information

Prepare medical reports or documents.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Record vital statistics or other health information.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Assisting and Caring for Others

Give medications or immunizations.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Administer basic health care or medical treatments.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Feed patients.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Assist patients with daily activities.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Assist practitioners to perform medical procedures.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Hold patients to ensure proper positioning or safety.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Selling or Influencing Others

Sell products or services.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Training and Teaching Others

Teach medical procedures or medical equipment use to patients.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Performing Administrative Activities

Perform clerical work in medical settings.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Process medical billing information.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Monitoring and Controlling Resources

Order medical supplies or equipment.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Control prescription refills or authorizations.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Inventory medical supplies or equipment.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Job Zone

From O*NET 30.3

Free · O*NET 30.3

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Workforce Automation analysis, not part of the source

WFA coverage: AI skills for this job

WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

Pilot mapping: these skill links come from our seed list and haven’t been reviewed yet. Expect them to change as each one is checked.

DWAs covered by an AI skill0 of 28

Distinct tools0

Level mix

No tools yet

Equivalents

NICE work roles, with their DCWF equivalents

Mapped to this job by the ETO-CSET NICE/O*NET crosswalk (2024); roles from NICE Framework Components v2.2.0, DCWF equivalents from DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

Free · NICE Framework Components v2.2.0 and DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

No NICE work role maps to this job.