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Animal Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Animal Family Veterinary Assistant/CSR

Davenport, IA · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Animal Family Veterinary Care Center , part of the Suveto network of hospitals, is looking for Receptionist/Vet Assistants to join our team. Ideal candidate has strong customer service skills ...

Opal Foods is currently accepting applications for the position of Animal Caretaker for our Iowa ... This position will also assist the Pullet Farm Manager with other projects and duties as needed.

Intermediate knowledge in at least 1 species. * Assist with updating training programs and audit ... Animal welfare or animal husbandry exposure required. * Computer proficiency required. * Possess ...

Animal Welfare Auditor II

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Intermediate knowledge in at least 1 species. * Assist with updating training programs and audit ... Animal welfare or animal husbandry exposure required. * Computer proficiency required. * Possess ...

Maintain testing schedules and assist with reagent/supply planning to ensure uninterrupted workflow ... Clinical/Animal-Side Operations (second half of contract) Perform product release safety and ...

Showing results 21-40

Animal Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$6

$13

$26

How much do animal assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal assistant in Iowa is $13.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.62 and $13.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do animal assistants do?

Animal assistants support veterinarians, pet owners, or animal care facilities by feeding, cleaning, and providing basic care for animals. They may also help with grooming, monitoring animal health, and handling animals safely, often working in kennels, shelters, or clinics. Basic knowledge of animal behavior and safety procedures is important for this role.

What is the difference between Animal Assistant vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectAnimal AssistantVeterinary Technician
CredentialsNone required or basic certificationsLicensed or certified, often requiring an associate degree
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, pet clinics, grooming facilitiesVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, research labs
Job DutiesAssist with animal care, cleaning, feeding, basic handlingPerform medical tests, assist in surgeries, administer medications
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal shelters, pet stores, grooming salonsVeterinary practices, animal hospitals, research institutions

Animal Assistants typically focus on basic animal care and support roles, often with minimal formal credentials. Veterinary Technicians have more advanced responsibilities, including medical procedures, requiring certifications or licenses. Both roles work closely with animals but differ significantly in training, duties, and work settings.

What is an animal assistant?

Animal Assistants are professionals who help care for animals in a variety of settings, such as veterinary clinics, animal shelters, pet boarding facilities, and research labs. Their duties typically include feeding, grooming, exercising, and monitoring animals, as well as cleaning enclosures and assisting veterinarians or other animal care specialists. They play a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of animals, and may also interact with pet owners and assist with administrative tasks. To become an Animal Assistant, a love for animals, attention to detail, and good communication skills are essential.

What do you need to be an animal assistant?

To become an animal assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic knowledge of animal care, and strong communication skills. Experience with animals, relevant certifications such as pet first aid, and the ability to work in a team are also beneficial.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Assistant, you need a basic understanding of animal care, handling, and health, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant coursework. Familiarity with animal restraint techniques, cleaning protocols, and sometimes specialized software for record-keeping is typically required. Compassion, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you provide quality care and work effectively with both animals and their owners. These skills ensure the safety, health, and well-being of animals while maintaining efficient operations in veterinary or animal care settings.

What are some common challenges animal assistants face in their daily work, and how can they prepare for them?

Animal Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing the stress and unpredictability of working with a variety of animals, handling physically demanding tasks, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. They may also need to communicate effectively with veterinarians, pet owners, or other staff members, which requires patience and strong interpersonal skills. To prepare, candidates should develop resilience, maintain physical fitness, and seek training in animal behavior and handling techniques, as well as familiarize themselves with the specific procedures of their workplace.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Animal jobs in Iowa are:
Infographic showing various Animal Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $27,789 per year, or $13.4 per hour.

Animal Family Veterinary Assistant/CSR

SuVeto

Davenport, IA • On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Suveto rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 52 rated veterinary


Job description

If you want to work for an AAHA accredited vet clinic with awesome people - then look no further! Animal Family Veterinary Care Center, part of the Suveto network of hospitals, is looking for Receptionist/Vet Assistants to join our team. Ideal candidate has strong customer service skills, organizational skills and great with time management.
Why should you work for us?
  • More time for you! 4-day work week allowing 3 days off each week! Hours: Open 7-6 M-F, and 8-2 on Saturday.
  • We believe in Fear Free.
  • AAHA accredited, because we believe in it.
  • 6-doctor practice with a great group of DVM's on board.

Responsibilities as Veterinary Assistant
  • Obtains and records patient medical history.
  • Performs accurate temperature/pulse/respirations on patients and records in medical record.
  • Explains procedures to clients and answers questions or obtains the desired information on behalf of the client.
  • Prepares patients, medications, and instruments for medical procedures and treatments.
  • Prepares DVM for appointment with brief synopsis of patient needs and client concerns.
  • Offers assistance to others during any time not performing assigned duties.
  • Checks out clients after appointments, issues billing invoices, and accurately processes payments.
  • Takes appropriate and accurate medical notes during patient exam to ensure DVM has a clear picture of abnormal exam findings and client discussion points.
  • Performs various restraints for procedures to be completed to the animal, making sure the safety of the animal and the doctor or technician performing the procedure is of primary concern.
  • Medicates patients either orally or by giving injections and understands proper techniques for handling the patient while medicating.
  • Understands medical terminology commonly used, including dosage instructions, and is familiar with drugs prescribed for treatment.
  • Fills prescriptions according to DVM instructions, documents properly in the medical record, and calls in prescriptions to pharmacies when needed.
  • Obtains blood, urine, and other samples from patient ensuring patient safety and well-being.
  • Completes radiology procedures in a timely fashion, documents results in the medical record, and provides images to doctors.

Responsibilities as Client Services
  • Manage large amounts of incoming calls
  • Handle cash and credit card transactions
  • Identify and assess customers' needs to achieve satisfaction
  • Provide accurate, valid and complete information by using the right methods/tools
  • Handle customer complaints, provide appropriate solutions and alternatives
  • Follow communication procedures, guidelines, and policies
  • Strong phone contact handling skills and active listening
  • Basic computer skills
  • Familiarity with Impromed systems
  • Customer orientation and ability to adapt/respond to different types of characters
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and manage time effectively

Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or equivalent required and minimum 18 years old
  • At least one year of previous experience in client services preferred.
  • Must be computer literate; basic computer skills with ability to navigate new software.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Ability to multi-task.
  • Ability to work well within a team environment

Our employment package includes paid time off, paid holidays, medical, dental and vision insurance, pet care discounts, 401K with a true match up to 4%, continuing education, and more.
Animal Family Veterinary Care Center, part of the Suveto network of hospitals, is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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