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For many Americans, animals are not just pets, but part of the family. Animals also have an important role to play in scientific research, especially within the biomedical industry. In both cases, these animals provide humans with a valuable service, so it is only natural that we would return the favor by tending to their needs, both medical and in the course of day-to-day care. That is precisely where veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers come in.

A day on the job for a veterinary assistants or laboratory animal caretaker

Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers tend to the day-to-day well-being of animals in a variety of settings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, veterinary assistants work mainly in medical clinics while laboratory animal caretakers work in research laboratories. Wherever their environment, the BLS notes that both professionals perform many of the following duties:

• Caring and monitoring animals following surgery
• Maintaining and sterilizing veterinary equipment
• Cleaning cages, crates, and exam or operating rooms
• Giving medication or immunizations prescribed by veterinarians
• Helping administer emergency first aid
• Feeding and bathing animals
• Collecting specimens for testing

The BLS reports that veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers must be compassionate and detail-oriented. They must also exhibit excellent dexterity and physical strength, as they are often called upon to handle or transport animals. Many of their additional skills are honed either on the job or in the classroom.

Veterinary assistant training and education

According to the BLS, because veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers often learn on the job, some employers only require a high school diploma. Future assistants and caretakers who want additional experience may benefit from courses through formal veterinary assistant schools. Because of the hands-on nature of the profession, some students may be able to complete some, but probably not all of their formal veterinary assistant training online.

The BLS reports that laboratory animal caretakers working in research facilities must usually become certified, earning an assistant laboratory animal technician (ALAT), laboratory animal technician (LAT) or laboratory animal technologist (LATG) certification. To become certified, candidates must pass an exam and have experience in the field.

Veterinary assistant salary trends

According to the BLS, the national veterinary assistant salary in 2011 was $22,830 median, with the lowest 10 percent earning up to $16,970 and the top 10 percent of workers earning up to $34,970 (BLS.gov, 2012). A number of factors can influence earnings, however, including employer, location and experience.

According to the BLS, the following states offered the highest median veterinary assistant salaries in 2011 (BLS.gov, 2012):

• Massachusetts: $31,230 median
• Delaware: $30,100 median
• Maine: $29,650 median

Location can also impact earnings. As such, the BLS reports that the following industries reported the highest median veterinary assistant salaries in 2011 (BLS.gov, 2012):

• Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing: $44,050 median
• Local government: $34,180 median
• Scientific research and development services: $33,610 median

Experience and education may also affect veterinary assistants' earnings potential.

Career outlook for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers

According to the BLS, employment of veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers is projected to grow by 14 percent between 2010 and 2020 (BLS.gov, 2012). A growing pet population and veterinary medical advancements will spur much of that growth within veterinary services, though an increase in biomedical research may also boost employment within laboratory settings.

As with earnings, location can affect your employment outlook The U.S. Department of Labor projects that the following states will see the strongest employment growth among veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers between 2008 and 2018, the most recent data available:

• Oklahoma: 43 percent
• Utah: 32 percent
• Virginia: 32 percent

No two veterinary assistant education programs are alike, so it's important to research a number of programs -- both in your area and online -- to find the one that best suits your needs.