Overview

The animal care specialist is primarily responsible for the prevention and control of diseases transmitted from animal to man, as well as the comprehensive care for government-owned animals.

Job Duties

• Provide routine daily care for animals in veterinary treatment or research and development facilities
  
• Perform physical examinations to detect obvious abnormalities and reports findings to veterinarian
  
• Calculate doses and administers oral and topical medications as directed by the veterinarian
  
• Assist veterinarian in surgical procedures and perform euthanasia when instructed by veterinarian

Training

Job training for an animal care specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 11 weeks of Advanced Individual Training, including practice in animal care.

Some of the skills you’ll learn are:

• Patient care techniques
  
• Emergency medical techniques
  
• Methods of sterilizing surgical equipment
  
• Plaster-casting techniques

Helpful Skills

• Interest in general science and biology
  
• Enjoy helping others
• Ability to work under stressful or emergency conditions and follow directions precisely

Required ASVAB Score(s)

Learn more about the ASVAB and see what jobs you could qualify for.

Compensation

Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time. Learn more about total compensation.

Future Civilian Careers

The skills you learn will help prepare you for a future as a veterinary aide or assistant at a veterinary hospital.

With training and continued study, you may qualify for certification as an assistant laboratory animal technician.