A Veterinary Assistant helps in the examination and treatment of sick and injured animals.

A Veterinary Assistant prepares vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. They also prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. They also clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines.

Job projections show that Veterinary Assistant positions will be growing faster than average for all positions by 2014.

Veterinary Assistants should be patient, gentle and concerned for animals. They should enjoy working with both animals and people, and be able to remain calm in emergencies. Veterinary Assistants often help vets during operations, so they must not be squeamish.

Veterinary Assistants need to know about basic science, including the anatomy and physiology of animals. They also need to know about animal care, hygiene and medicine, and how to handle stressful situations resulting from emergencies. A knowledge of office procedures may be useful.

Most Veterinary Assistants must have a minimum of an associate’s degree in a related field.

Veterinary Assistants need to have animal-handling skills and an eye for detail. They also need organizational ability and good communication skills.

Veterinary Assistants may work indoors or outdoors.