What activity is NOT typically performed under the direct supervision of a veterinarian?

Administering anesthesia requires a high level of expertise and is considered a critical procedure that can have significant implications for an animal's health and safety. Consequently, this task must be performed by a licensed veterinarian or a veterinary technician with specific training and oversight. Under veterinary practice laws, such activities must align with the legal definitions of the practice of veterinary medicine, which usually stipulate that anesthesia administration is reserved for those with the necessary qualifications and direct supervisory authority.

In contrast, selecting medication, labeling medication, and packaging medication are tasks that can typically be performed by trained staff, such as veterinary technicians or medication clerks, under the general supervision of a veterinarian. These tasks, while important, do not carry the same level of risk as administering anesthesia and can be appropriately delegated, provided that the staff member has received the necessary training and operates within established protocols.