Other duties include cleaning and sterilizing instruments and materials. Technicians often maintain equipment and machines. Depending on the office, veterinary technicians may feed, water, bathe, groom, and exercise animals. They also watch as animals recover from surgery and check whether dressings are still on correctly. They observe the animals' overall attitude and notify a doctor if anything seems out of the ordinary.
All work is conducted under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
Some veterinary technicians work in biological research labs, drug or feed manufacturing companies, or animal production facilities. In these jobs, duties might include record keeping, animal care, and animal feeding. They also may be in charge of laboratory procedures, such as blood tests. Finally, technicians may inspect equipment or products. Regardless of the employer, veterinary technicians are supervised by a veterinarian, scientist, or senior technologist.