According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures. | 95% |
| Monitor animals recovering from surgery and notify veterinarians of any unusual changes or symptoms. | 94% |
| Administer anesthetics during surgery and monitor the effects on animals. | 94% |
| Fill medication prescriptions. | 93% |
| Clean and maintain kennels, animal holding areas, examination or operating rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease. | 92% |
| Examine animals to detect behavioral changes or clinical symptoms that could indicate illness or injury. | 90% |
| Perform routine laboratory tests or diagnostic tests, such as taking or developing x-rays. | 90% |
| Assist veterinarians in examining animals to determine the nature of illnesses or injuries. | 89% |
| Administer medication, immunizations, or blood plasma to animals as prescribed by veterinarians. | 88% |
| Collect laboratory specimens, such as blood, urine, or feces, for testing. | 87% |
| Perform office reception duties, such as scheduling appointments or helping customers. | 86% |
| Clean, maintain, and sterilize instruments or equipment. | 86% |
| Record information relating to animal genealogy, feeding schedules, appearance, behavior, or breeding. | 86% |
| Provide emergency first aid to sick or injured animals. | 85% |
| Prepare surgical equipment and pass instruments or materials to veterinarians during surgical procedures. | 84% |
| Educate or advise clients on animal health care, nutrition, or behavior problems. | 83% |
| Prepare feed for animals according to specific instructions, such as diet lists or schedules. | 83% |
| Prepare examination or treatment rooms by stocking them with appropriate supplies. | 83% |
| Provide assistance with euthanasia of animals or disposal of corpses. | 83% |
| Write reports, maintain research information, or perform clerical duties. | 82% |
| Perform hygiene-related duties, such as clipping animals' claws or cleaning and polishing teeth. | 80% |
| Perform enemas, catheterizations, ear flushes, intravenous feedings, or gavages. | 79% |
| Perform accounting duties, such as bookkeeping, billing customers for services, or maintaining inventories. | 78% |
| Exercise animals or provide them with companionship. | 77% |
| Place orders to restock inventory of hospital or laboratory supplies. | 74% |
| Sell pet food or supplies to customers. | 72% |
| Dust, spray, or bathe animals to control insect pests. | 69% |
| Groom, trim, or clip animals' coats. | 61% |
