As of June 2026, Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers has an AI-exposure score of 52/100 (Elevated exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index, blending O*NET tasks, the Anthropic Economic Index, the Penn/OpenAI study, and BLS data. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
More exposed than 38% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$38,150. About 22,200 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 — growth plus replacement).
Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) — your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.
How you compare to similar Healthcare Support roles
Your tasks, by AI exposure
- Record information relating to animal genealogy, feeding schedules, appearance, behavior, or breeding.
- Perform office reception duties, such as scheduling appointments or helping customers.
- Fill medication prescriptions.
- Prepare feed for animals according to specific instructions, such as diet lists or schedules.
- Clean, maintain, and sterilize instruments or equipment.
- Collect laboratory specimens, such as blood, urine, or feces, for testing.
- Provide assistance with euthanasia of animals or disposal of corpses.
- Prepare examination or treatment rooms by stocking them with appropriate supplies.
- Assist veterinarians in examining animals to determine the nature of illnesses or injuries.
- Prepare surgical equipment and pass instruments or materials to veterinarians during surgical procedures.
- Write reports, maintain research information, or perform clerical duties.
- Monitor animals recovering from surgery and notify veterinarians of any unusual changes or symptoms.
- Administer medication, immunizations, or blood plasma to animals as prescribed by veterinarians.
- Provide emergency first aid to sick or injured animals.
- Clean and maintain kennels, animal holding areas, examination or operating rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.
- Hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures.
- Perform hygiene-related duties, such as clipping animals' claws or cleaning and polishing teeth.
- Perform routine laboratory tests or diagnostic tests, such as taking or developing x-rays.
- Examine animals to detect behavioral changes or clinical symptoms that could indicate illness or injury.
- Educate or advise clients on animal health care, nutrition, or behavior problems.
Safer adjacent roles
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