Veterinary Assistant

Melissa Howe

What is a Veterinary Assistant?

Veterinary assistants assist the veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians. They care for animals in laboratories, animal hospitals and clinics. Some have received a certificate in veterinary assisting through an accredited college or on the job professional training.

What responsibilities do veterinary assistants have?

On a typical day a Veterinary Assistant working with smalls animals, for example dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles, in a clinical practice will:

• Obtaining and recording patient case histories
• Restraint of animals during an exam
• Feed, water and observe animals
• Clean and disinfect cages and work areas
• Sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment
• Provide post-operative care
• Administer medication orally or topically
• Prepare samples for laboratory examination under a veterinarian or veterinarian technician's supervision