- Provide nursing care to animals: Veterinary assistants handle routine nursing tasks such as administering medications, taking and recording vital signs, cleaning wounds and applying dressings, and observing and monitoring animals for any signs of illness or distress.
- Prepare animals for medical procedures: These professionals assist veterinarians in preparing animals for surgery and other procedures by tasks such as shaving the surgical site, administering medication, and monitoring the animal's condition before, during, and after the procedure.
- Help restrain animals: Veterinary assistants may help restrain animals during examination or treatment, ensuring the safety of both the animal and the veterinarian.
- Collect laboratory samples: Veterinary assistants may collect samples such as blood, urine, and tissue for laboratory analysis.
- Administer medications: Under the guidance of a veterinarian, veterinary assistants may administer medications to animals, either orally, topically, or by injection.
- Educate pet owners: Veterinary assistants can provide information and guidance to pet owners regarding pet care, nutrition, and preventive measures to maintain the animals' health.
- Perform dental care: Veterinary assistants can perform basic dental procedures such as cleaning and polishing teeth and applying fluoride treatments.
- Manage medical records: They assist in maintaining and updating the medical records of patients.
- Prepare animals for adoption or sale: Veterinary assistants may be responsible for grooming, vaccinating, and preparing animals for adoption or sale.
- Emergency and critical care: Veterinary assistants can assist with emergency procedures and provide critical care to animals in life-threatening situations.