According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted. | 96% |
| Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery. | 95% |
| Maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books. | 94% |
| Perform laboratory tests on blood, urine, or feces, such as urinalyses or blood counts, to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems. | 94% |
| Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, serums, or treatments, as prescribed by veterinarians. | 93% |
| Restrain animals during exams or procedures. | 93% |
| Administer emergency first aid, such as performing emergency resuscitation or other life saving procedures. | 92% |
| Clean and sterilize instruments, equipment, or materials. | 91% |
| Provide veterinarians with the correct equipment or instruments, as needed. | 91% |
| Perform dental work, such as cleaning, polishing, or extracting teeth. | 91% |
| Observe the behavior and condition of animals and monitor their clinical symptoms. | 90% |
| Give enemas and perform catheterizations, ear flushes, intravenous feedings, or gavages. | 89% |
| Fill prescriptions, measuring medications and labeling containers. | 89% |
| Collect, prepare, and label samples for laboratory testing, culture, or microscopic examination. | 89% |
| Prepare animals for surgery, performing such tasks as shaving surgical areas. | 89% |
| Discuss medical health of pets with clients, such as post-operative status. | 88% |
| Take and develop diagnostic radiographs, using x-ray equipment. | 88% |
| Clean kennels, animal holding areas, surgery suites, examination rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease. | 88% |
| Take animals into treatment areas and assist with physical examinations by performing such duties as obtaining temperature, pulse, or respiration data. | 87% |
| Prepare treatment rooms for surgery. | 87% |
| Maintain laboratory, research, or treatment records, as well as inventories of pharmaceuticals, equipment, or supplies. | 86% |
| Maintain instruments, equipment, or machinery to ensure proper working condition. | 86% |
| Dress and suture wounds and apply splints or other protective devices. | 84% |
| Provide assistance with animal euthanasia and the disposal of remains. | 83% |
| Schedule appointments and procedures for animals. | 82% |
| Provide information or counseling regarding issues such as animal health care, behavior problems, or nutrition. | 81% |
| Monitor medical supplies and place orders when inventory is low. | 80% |
| Supervise or train veterinary students or other staff members. | 79% |
| Perform a variety of office, clerical, or accounting duties, such as reception, billing, bookkeeping, or selling products. | 77% |
| Bathe animals, clip nails or claws, and brush or cut animals' hair. | 72% |
| Conduct specialized procedures, such as animal branding or tattooing or hoof trimming. | 64% |
