Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 3 (11%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 6 (21%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 19 (68%)

• Record information relating to animal genealogy, feeding schedules, appearance, behavior, or breeding.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Write reports, maintain research information, or perform clerical duties.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Perform accounting duties, such as bookkeeping, billing customers for services, or maintaining inventories.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Fill medication prescriptions.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Perform routine laboratory tests or diagnostic tests, such as taking or developing x-rays.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Perform office reception duties, such as scheduling appointments or helping customers.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Educate or advise clients on animal health care, nutrition, or behavior problems.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Place orders to restock inventory of hospital or laboratory supplies.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Sell pet food or supplies to customers.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Monitor animals recovering from surgery and notify veterinarians of any unusual changes or symptoms.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Clean and maintain kennels, animal holding areas, examination or operating rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Examine animals to detect behavioral changes or clinical symptoms that could indicate illness or injury.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Assist veterinarians in examining animals to determine the nature of illnesses or injuries.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Administer medication, immunizations, or blood plasma to animals as prescribed by veterinarians.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Collect laboratory specimens, such as blood, urine, or feces, for testing.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Clean, maintain, and sterilize instruments or equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Provide emergency first aid to sick or injured animals.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Prepare surgical equipment and pass instruments or materials to veterinarians during surgical procedures.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Prepare examination or treatment rooms by stocking them with appropriate supplies.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Prepare feed for animals according to specific instructions, such as diet lists or schedules.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Provide assistance with euthanasia of animals or disposal of corpses.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform hygiene-related duties, such as clipping animals' claws or cleaning and polishing teeth.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform enemas, catheterizations, ear flushes, intravenous feedings, or gavages.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Exercise animals or provide them with companionship.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Dust, spray, or bathe animals to control insect pests.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Administer anesthetics during surgery and monitor the effects on animals.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Groom, trim, or clip animals' coats.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers and AI