Animal Care Specialist

OVERVIEW
Animal Care Specialists provide medical care, management and treatment for K-9 units, ceremonial horses, and the pets of Soldiers and their families. They help Army veterinarians conduct routine exams, administer medications, and perform surgical and emergency procedures for animals.

JOB DUTIES

• Provide routine daily care for animals in veterinary treatment or research and development facilities
• Obtain medical history from owners and/or handlers, and measure and record animal vital signs
• Perform physical examinations on animals
• Calculate doses and administer oral and topical medications as directed by the veterinarian
• Maintain sanitary conditions for all components of the veterinary treatment facilities, to include operating room and equipment
• Perform advanced emergency medical procedures on animals
• Clean, debride and suture superficial wounds 
• Collect, preserve and prepare samples 
• Perform routine diagnostic laboratory tests and record results
• Take and develop X-rays
• Initiate and maintain animal health records
• Provide technical guidance, management and training to junior personnel
• Supervise day-to-day operations, supply management and patient administration procedures
• Maintain clinical and organizational equipment

TRAINING
Formal training, including the completion of MOS 68T course conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE), is required. Advanced Individual Training is 11 weeks at Fort Sam Houston, TX.

Skills you'll learn:

• Animal care
• Detection and control of animal diseases
• Treatment of animals and procedures

HELPFUL SKILLS

• Interest in animals and their care
• Interest in biology
• Interest in math

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Skilled Technical (ST): 91

Learn more about the ASVAB. 

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will prepare you for a career in veterinary care with a private practice, government agency or private business focusing on animal care and sciences. Army National Guard Animal Care Specialists may earn up to 20 national certifications for this specialty to aid in future employment.