Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers support veterinarians and researchers by caring for animals and maintaining medical facilities. The work is hands-on, in demand, and you can start with a high school diploma. Here is what the work involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
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You help veterinarians examine and treat animals, and you care for laboratory animals used in research. Your day includes assisting during procedures, documenting medical records, monitoring animal health and behavior, and keeping facilities clean and safe. You communicate with veterinarians and colleagues about animal care needs, perform physical tasks like lifting and restraining animals, and stay alert to any changes in an animal's condition. The work requires attention to detail and a genuine commitment to animal welfare.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers earn a median of $38,150 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 9 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average for all occupations, with about 22,200 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You need a high school diploma or equivalent to start. Most positions require some on-the-job training, which employers typically provide. You will learn animal handling, medical record keeping, laboratory procedures, and facility maintenance through hands-on work. Some veterinary clinics and research facilities prefer candidates with coursework in biology or animal science, but it is not always required. As you gain experience, you can take on more complex tasks and responsibilities in the role.
Most people enter this field directly after high school or with some animal science background. If you are deciding between jumping in right away or getting more training first, Pathly can map the veterinary assistant and laboratory animal caretaker path that fits you and work through your options with a counselor who knows the local job market.
You do not need a license to work as a veterinary assistant and laboratory animal caretaker, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You are drawn to hands-on work with animals and systems. You listen carefully, think critically about animal care, and stay focused on monitoring health and safety.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).