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Animal Assistant Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Animal Hospital of Sebastopol

Veterinarian

Sebastopol, CA · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Animal Hospital of Sebastopol Sebastopol, CA Veterinarian/Medical Director Opportunity About Us ... assistants) as well as technical staff running tech appointments. * Call-backs shared by both ...

Animal Hospital of Sebastopol

Veterinarian

Sebastopol, CA · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Animal Hospital of Sebastopol Sebastopol, CA Veterinarian/Medical Director Opportunity About Us ... assistants) as well as technical staff running tech appointments. * Call-backs shared by both ...

Animal Hospital of Sebastopol

Veterinarian

Sebastopol, CA · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Animal Hospital of Sebastopol Sebastopol, CA Veterinarian/Medical Director Opportunity About Us ... assistants) as well as technical staff running tech appointments. * Call-backs shared by both ...

David & Karen Mccrystle

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Receptionist/Kennel Assistant

Healdsburg, CA · On-site

This dual role combines front of house client service with back of house animal care, requiring a versatile professional who can balance administrative duties with hands-on support. Key ...

David & Karen Mccrystle

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Receptionist/Kennel Assistant

Healdsburg, CA · On-site

This dual role combines front of house client service with back of house animal care, requiring a versatile professional who can balance administrative duties with hands-on support. Key ...

Vetcor

Veterinarian - Petaluma CA

Petaluma, CA

$140K - $170K/yr

Associate Veterinarian - Central Animal Hospital in Petaluma, CA Central Animal Hospital is seeking ... Multiple assistants currently in RVT school * A technician who is also a licensed veterinarian in ...

Petco

Veterinary Assistant

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... The Veterinary Assistant represents the mission and values to all clients. Our Veterinary ...

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All JobsAnimal JobsAnimal Assistant JobsAnimal Assistant Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Animal Assistant information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$8

$16

$31

How much do animal assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal assistant in Santa Rosa, CA is $16.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.78 and $16.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are Animal Assistants?

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 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 Santa Rosa, CA? The most popular types of Animal jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Animal Assistant jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Animal Assistant job openings:
Animal Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Assistant job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,001 per year, or $16.3 per hour.
PT Veterinary Assistant - South Novato Animal Hospital

PT Veterinary Assistant - South Novato Animal Hospital

South Novato Animal Hospital

Novato, CA • On-site

$18.50 - $23.25/hr

Part-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

PetVet Care Centers' South Novato Animal Hospital is currently seeking PT Veterinary Assistant to join their team.
At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people - providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage - for all the moments that matter.
Because life is better with pets.
We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience - every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.
With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:
  • Local autonomy with national support
  • Career mobility and development opportunities
  • A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.
Position Overview
Join our team as a Part-Time Veterinary Assistant who supports the veterinarians and technicians in their daily tasks by cleaning and maintaining equipment, feeding, exercising and grooming patients, preparing and sanitizing surgery suites, restraining and handling patients, and clerical and administrative work. They deliver quality care for all patients and provide exceptional service.
At South Novato Animal Hospital in Novato, California, we're a hard-working, dedicated team that values collaboration and compassionate care. Our hospital offers a collaborative environment where every team member plays a vital role in delivering excellent patient care and client service.
Key Responsibilities
  • Provide compassionate care to all patients
  • Greet patients and their owners as they arrive and show them to an examining room, taking the patient's weight and other vital signs upon arrival
  • Triage patients, perform physical exams, treatments, and administer medication as directed by the licensed veterinary technicians (LVT's).
  • Calm and soothe anxious patients
  • Assist doctors and technicians with the administration of medications or with patient restraint
  • Perform laboratory tests and take radiographs
  • Operate and maintain hospital equipment, including EKG, fluid pump, syringe pump, scales, anesthetic monitors, and machines, etc.
  • Fill prescriptions, calculate and administer medications, maintain proper documentation, logging, and security of controlled drugs.
  • Feed patients as prescribed by the attending doctor or as the client has requested; record appetites; recognize and report any unusual conditions or abnormal behaviors
  • Communicate in a positive manner with clients and ensure that they feel comfortable leaving their pet(s)
  • Educate clients about insurance, wellness, and medicinal plans
  • Maintain the cleanliness of the hospital each day; clean equipment, kennels, and facilities using chemicals and supplies; ensure the safe use of chemicals; complete laundry
  • Bath and care for patients who stay overnight; ensure that every animal released is clean and properly groomed prior to their release
  • Adhere to the hospital's safety and wellness regulations
  • Understand and carry out oral and written directions
  • Maintain accurate medical records
  • Show up for work regularly; full-time presence at work is essential for every shift
  • Promote hospital products and services and support the organization
  • Respond respectfully with urgency to directions given by Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVT).
  • Perform any other duties as assigned by the Manager; may have other assigned duties if working in a specialty area (i.e., dentistry, surgery, emergency, radiology, cardiology, neurology, internal medicine, etc.)

Qualifications (Required)
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Willing to train.
  • Has Veterinary Assistance experience with basic understanding of pet care
  • May consider an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience
  • Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this position

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)
  • Experience in veterinary industry a plus!
  • Care and Compassion - displays a desire to build rapport, provide personal assistance, and emotional support
  • Animal Restraint and Safety - uses sound judgment when handling patients and always takes appropriate precautionary steps when needed
  • Communication - uses effective and appropriate methods of interacting with others
  • Team Orientation - works cooperatively with the team to address tasks and accomplish goals
  • Dependability - demonstrates responsibility in completing all job tasks
  • Cleanliness Standards - consistently follows sanitization and sterilization policies and procedures
  • Energy and Productivity - completes tasks quickly and thoroughly without prompting
  • Time Management - manages time and prioritizes work tasks effectively
  • Technical Skills and Learning - keeps up-to-date with new technical skills and knowledge in the field
  • Care and Use of Equipment - takes appropriate steps to perform operation checks and maintenance of equipment

Schedule
  • Monday-Saturday from 8AM-6PM
  • Monday-Friday from 8AM-6PM
  • Saturdays from 9AM-5PM

Pay Range
$20-$23 USD
At PetVet Care Centers, we're committed to a Culture of Care - for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 420 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.
Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you're providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.
You care for pets. We care for you.
PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V
PetVet respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. Please see our privacy notice for additional information about our data practices.

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