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Animal Hospital Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Neurologist

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$310K - $387K/yr

Introduction Join us as a board-certified or residency-trained Neurologist at VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital & Referral Center and you'll quickly discover that you're well supported by world ...

Veterinary Assistant

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

We are VCA Wyoming Animal Hospital in Albuquerque, NM. Our hospital is growing, and we are looking for a dedicated Veterinary Assistant to join our team of compassionate veterinary professionals. Our ...

Animal Care Tech 1

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

The focus of responsibility for the Animal Care Tech I is to provide of extended animal care and ensure wellbeing of all residents, to learn the routine for the Admissions, Rehab center and Adoption ...

Animal Care Tech 1

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

The focus of responsibility for the Animal Care Tech I is to provide of extended animal care and ensure wellbeing of all residents, to learn the routine for the Admissions, Rehab center and Adoption ...

Ophthalmologist

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$200K - $300K/yr

VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital & Referral Center located in Albuquerque, New Mexico is looking for an Ophthalmologist who enjoys practicing advanced medicine with a cohesive, tenured team. Vet ...

Animal Care Tech 1

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

The focus of responsibility for the Animal Care Tech I is to provide of extended animal care and ensure wellbeing of all residents, to learn the routine for the Admissions, Rehab center and Adoption ...

Apply today and become part of the At Our Animal Hospital family! What We Offer: * Competitive Salary & Bonuses * Comprehensive Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K) * Generous PTO & CE Allowance

Veterinary Receptionist

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

At VCA Animal Hospitals, we take our mission statement - your pet's health is our top priority and excellent service is our goal - very seriously. With every opportunity, we aim to exceed each pet ...

Ophthalmologist

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$200K - $300K/yr

VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital & Referral Center located in Albuquerque, New Mexico is looking for an Ophthalmologist who enjoys practicing advanced medicine with a cohesive, tenured team. Vet ...

Be Seen First

NM Dog, Viva NM Rural Animal Rescue, Animal Hospital of Los Lunas & Valencia Animal Shelter, Fat Katz, Second Chance Animal Rescue Inc. NM, Member Rotary Club of Albuquerque

Aztec Animal Hospital is seeking a full-time associate veterinarian to join our thriving and growing practice! Job Details • Salary: $100,000 - $150,000 commensurate with experience • Signing ...

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Animal Hospital information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

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How much do animal hospital jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal hospital in Rio Rancho, NM is $20.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $23.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do you need to work at a vet clinic?

To work at a vet clinic, animal hospital staff typically need relevant education such as a high school diploma or equivalent, and may require specialized training or certifications like veterinary technician credentials. Skills in animal care, communication, and familiarity with medical tools are also important. Requirements vary by position, with veterinary technicians often needing formal certification or licensing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive when working at an animal hospital, and why are they important?

To thrive in an animal hospital, you need a solid foundation in veterinary medicine, animal care techniques, and a relevant qualification such as a veterinary technician certification or veterinary degree. Familiarity with veterinary management software, laboratory equipment, and diagnostic imaging tools is typically required. Compassion, strong communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure the delivery of high-quality animal care, efficient operations, and positive client experiences in a fast-paced medical environment.

What jobs can I do in animal care?

In animal care, common jobs include veterinary technician, animal caretaker, pet groomer, and kennel attendant. These roles often require knowledge of animal behavior, basic medical skills, and sometimes certification or training. They involve working in veterinary clinics, animal shelters, or pet grooming facilities to support animal health and well-being.

What is an animal hospital?

An animal hospital is a medical facility that provides healthcare services for animals, including preventive care, diagnostics, surgery, and emergency treatment. Staffed by veterinarians and veterinary technicians, animal hospitals care for pets such as dogs, cats, and sometimes exotic animals. They offer services like vaccinations, dental care, spaying and neutering, and treatment for injuries or illnesses. Animal hospitals are equipped to handle both routine check-ups and urgent medical situations, ensuring the well-being of their animal patients.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working in an animal hospital, and how are they addressed?

Staff at an animal hospital often encounter challenges such as managing high-stress situations, handling emotional pet owners, and working with a wide variety of animal health issues. To address these, teams typically rely on strong communication, thorough training in both medical and customer service skills, and ongoing support from supervisors and colleagues. Many animal hospitals also provide structured protocols for triage and emergencies, as well as opportunities for staff to debrief after particularly difficult cases, which helps maintain a supportive and resilient work environment.

What is the difference between Animal Hospital vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectAnimal HospitalVeterinary Technician
CredentialsVaries; often includes veterinary assistant or technician certificationsRequires veterinary technician certification (CVT, LVT, RVT)
Work EnvironmentAnimal hospitals, clinics, emergency centersAnimal hospitals, clinics, laboratories
Job RoleProvides support to veterinarians, assists with exams, treatmentsPerforms medical tests, administers anesthesia, assists in surgeries
Industry UsageCommonly used to describe facilities and servicesSpecific job title for trained veterinary support staff

While an animal hospital is a facility providing veterinary services, a veterinary technician is a trained professional working within such facilities to assist veterinarians and care for animals. Both are integral to animal healthcare, but the animal hospital is the workplace, and the veterinary technician is the skilled staff member providing medical support.

What is the highest paying job working with animals?

The highest paying jobs working with animals typically include veterinary specialists such as veterinary surgeons, anesthesiologists, or internal medicine specialists, who often earn six-figure salaries. These roles require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience, and they work in clinical or research settings with specialized skills and equipment.

What is the highest paying job in animal care?

The highest paying jobs in animal care typically include veterinary surgeons and specialized veterinary practitioners, who often earn higher salaries due to advanced education, licensing, and expertise. These roles require a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and often involve working in private practices, specialty clinics, or research settings, with salaries varying based on experience and location.
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Animal Hospital jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Animal Hospital job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Hospital job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 74% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,719 per year, or $20.5 per hour.
Neurologist

$310K - $387K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


VCA Animal Hospitals rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 645 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 48 rated veterinary


Job description

Introduction
Join us as a board-certified or residency-trained Neurologist at VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital & Referral Center and you'll quickly discover that you're well supported by world-class medicine, technology, facilities and a talented team. You'll be empowered to do your best work with a team you can count on. At VCA, the future of veterinary medicine is in our hands.
Why join the team
  • 24 hour, Multi-specialty and Primary Care hospital with Critical Care, two Surgeons, two Internal Medicine specialists, in house Radiologist, Cardiology, three Medical Oncologists and two Ophthalmologists, supported by a robust team of technicians dedicated to each service.
  • Brand new, state of the art, 28,000 sq ft building that opened in 2024. Hospital includes 21 exam rooms, a Critical Care Unit, six operating suites, dental suite, endoscopy and procedure room, dedicated space for I-131, USP 800 compliant chemotherapy suite.
  • Member of the VCA Pet Cancer Care Alliance
  • Hands-free digital radiology, CT, MRI and Halcyon Linear Accelerator
  • AHAA Accredited Hospital
  • Network of specialists within VCA

Schedule
  • Full and part-time availability

Who we look for
  • People obsessed with pets and their care
  • Dedicated experts who want to provide world-class medicine
  • Collaborators who enjoy teaching others and working as a team
  • Curious lifelong learners who want to grow and thrive for a dynamic and fulfilling career
  • Empathetic partners who develop strong client and Associate relationships built on trust

Learn more about the hospital here!
Total Rewards
As a VCA Associate, eligible full-time employees will be rewarded with a comprehensive package, including:
Compensation
  • Salary is negotiable based on experience, skills, knowledge, abilities and other relevant credentials. The salary range listed is based on a 40-hour work week.
  • This position may also be eligible for other variable pay programs.

Health & Well-being
  • Innovative Associate health and well-being resources (Headspace app, Vault financial wellness tool, and access to additional mental health resources including Lyra Health)
  • 401k retirement savings plan with company match
  • Health/dental/vision insurance, infertility and gender affirmation benefits
  • Paid parental, vacation and sick leave

Professional Development
  • Continuing Education Allowance and paid Continuing Education Days
  • WOOF University - offering abundant CE for Doctors and the care team
  • Opportunities to participate in a robust Clinical Studies program

Discover Additional Benefits Benefits | VCA (vcacareers.com)
For more information about this position please contact Kristen Hreczan, Talent Acquisition Partner, Specialty at kristen.hreczan@vca.com or 704-351-0221
Qualifications
  • A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, from an accredited university or equivalent
  • Licensure in good standing to practice in (state), or the ability to obtain
  • A commitment to practicing the highest standard of medicine and upholding the veterinary code of ethics

About VCA
VCA is a leader in veterinary care and is committed to taking care of the future of veterinary medicine. With a network of 1,000 animal hospitals, we impact pets, people and our communities by delivering world-class medicine with hometown care to over 4.5 million pets annually.
Trusted and empowered, our 35,000 Associates collaborate and unleash their unique power to achieve the best outcomes. With access to endless resources, we continuously learn and share knowledge to build fulfilling careers, push our profession forward and make a lasting impact on our shared future.
VCA is part of the Mars Veterinary Health family of brands, working towards A Better World for Pets™. Learn more at www.vca.com or find us on social media.
If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.
Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!
The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.

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