Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

SOC Code: 31-9096

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures. This career typically requires moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year). With an AI-proof score of 82.9/100, this role has high resilience to automation. Key skills include Active Listening, Active Listening, Critical Thinking.

AI-Proof Score: 82.9Very High
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Median Salary

$37,320

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Job Growth

8.7%

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Training Time

Moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year)

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Job Zone

Zone 2 / 5

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Training Cost

~$5,000

Key Skills

  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Writing
  • Service Orientation
  • Monitoring
  • Reading Comprehension

Common Tasks

  • Hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures.
  • Monitor animals recovering from surgery and notify veterinarians of any unusual changes or symptoms.
  • Fill medication prescriptions.
  • Clean and maintain kennels, animal holding areas, examination or operating rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.
  • Examine animals to detect behavioral changes or clinical symptoms that could indicate illness or injury.

Why AI-Proof?

  • Requires hands-on physical presence and dexterity
  • Demands human empathy, judgment, and trust
  • Operates in unpredictable, variable environments
  • Social and regulatory barriers to full automation