Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. May assist a veterinarian during surgery.
<ul><li>Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.</li><li>Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.</li><li>Maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books.</li><li>Administer emergency first aid, such as performing emergency resuscitation or other life saving procedures.</li><li>Restrain animals during exams or procedures.</li><li>Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, serums, or treatments, as prescribed by veterinarians.</li><li>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.</li><li>Observe the behavior and condition of animals and monitor their clinical symptoms.</li><li>Collect, prepare, and label samples for laboratory testing, culture, or microscopic examination.</li><li>Clean and sterilize instruments, equipment, or materials.</li><li>Prepare animals for surgery, performing such tasks as shaving surgical areas.</li><li>Discuss medical health of pets with clients, such as post-operative status.</li><li>Fill prescriptions, measuring medications and labeling containers.</li><li>Take animals into treatment areas and assist with physical examinations by performing such duties as obtaining temperature, pulse, or respiration data.</li><li>Take and develop diagnostic radiographs, using x-ray equipment.</li><li>Maintain laboratory, research, or treatment records, as well as inventories of pharmaceuticals, equipment, or supplies.</li><li>Provide veterinarians with the correct equipment or instruments, as needed.</li><li>Prepare treatment rooms for surgery.</li><li>Perform dental work, such as cleaning, polishing, or extracting teeth.</li><li>Clean kennels, animal holding areas, surgery suites, examination rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.</li><li>Provide information or counseling regarding issues such as animal health care, behavior problems, or nutrition.</li><li>Schedule appointments and procedures for animals.</li><li>Dress and suture wounds and apply splints or other protective devices.</li><li>Give enemas and perform catheterizations, ear flushes, intravenous feedings, or gavages.</li><li>Maintain instruments, equipment, or machinery to ensure proper working condition.</li><li>Provide assistance with animal euthanasia and the disposal of remains.</li><li>Supervise or train veterinary students or other staff members.</li><li>Monitor medical supplies and place orders when inventory is low.</li><li>Perform a variety of office, clerical, or accounting duties, such as reception, billing, bookkeeping, or selling products.</li><li>Bathe animals, clip nails or claws, and brush or cut animals' hair.</li></ul>