Veterinary Technician

Prepare animals for surgery, performing such tasks as shaving surgical areas.

Prepare treatment rooms for surgery.

Provide assistance with animal euthanasia and the disposal of remains.

Take animals into treatment areas and assist with physical examinations by performing such duties as obtaining temperature, pulse, or respiration data.

Perform a variety of office, clerical, or accounting duties, such as reception, billing, bookkeeping, or selling products.

Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.

Supervise or train veterinary students or other staff members.

Give enemas and perform catheterizations, ear flushes, intravenous feedings, or gavages.

Observe the behavior and condition of animals and monitor their clinical symptoms.

Monitor medical supplies and place orders when inventory is low.

Collect, prepare, and label samples for laboratory testing, culture, or microscopic examination.

Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, serums, or treatments, as prescribed by veterinarians.

Administer emergency first aid, such as performing emergency resuscitation or other life saving procedures.

Fill prescriptions, measuring medications and labeling containers.

Schedule appointments and procedures for animals.

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.

Clean kennels, animal holding areas, surgery suites, examination rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.

Perform dental work, such as cleaning, polishing, or extracting teeth.

Maintain laboratory, research, or treatment records, as well as inventories of pharmaceuticals, equipment, or supplies.

Provide veterinarians with the correct equipment or instruments, as needed.

Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.

Maintain instruments, equipment, or machinery to ensure proper working condition.

Restrain animals during exams or procedures.

Discuss medical health of pets with clients, such as post-operative status.

Clean and sterilize instruments, equipment, or materials.

Maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books.

Provide information or counseling regarding issues such as animal health care, behavior problems, or nutrition.

Dress and suture wounds and apply splints or other protective devices.

Take and develop diagnostic radiographs, using x-ray equipment.

Bathe animals, clip nails or claws, and brush or cut animals' hair.