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Animal Lab Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Assistant- Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek, CA

$23.10 - $27.30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Animal's Walnut Creek clinic! What you'll be working on: * Utilizing your skillset to the highest ... Completing lab work as needed * Performing radiology with an understanding of appropriate fields

Relief Veterinary Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$220 - $294.25/hr

Modern Animal is on a mission to better the lives of animals by building a place that's better for ... Perform lab work and radiology, ensuring quality results * Pharmacology Knowledge: Handle ...

Veterinary Assistant - Glendale

Glendale, CA · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Completing lab work as needed * Performing radiology with an understanding of appropriate fields ... Acting as a Modern Animal brand ambassador, including implementing local marketing efforts to grow ...

Veterinary Assistant- Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$23.10 - $27.30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Animal's Walnut Creek clinic! What you'll be working on: * Utilizing your skillset to the highest ... Completing lab work as needed * Performing radiology with an understanding of appropriate fields

Lab Technician

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30.12 - $35.92/hr

... Lab Technician to support innovative neuroscience research investigating the neural mechanisms ... The successful candidate will assist with neurogenomics research using animal models and postmortem ...

Laboratory Assistant

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$47K - $62K/yr

... animal specimens Participates in assigned Quality Assurance activities, such as equipment ... lab coat, and other protective equipment to perform work; fine manual dexterity to work with ...

Veterinary Assistant

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Castro Animal Hospital is hiring a Veterinary Assistant! Position Details * Role: Veterinary ... Free/discounted lab work for all employee pets * Pet discounts on services and products * Pet food ...

Veterinary Assistant

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Castro Animal Hospital is hiring a Veterinary Assistant! Position Details * Role: Veterinary ... Free/discounted lab work for all employee pets * Pet discounts on services and products * Pet food ...

Relief Veterinary Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$220 - $294.25/hr

Modern Animal is on a mission to better the lives of animals by building a place that's better for ... Perform lab work and radiology, ensuring quality results * Pharmacology Knowledge: Handle ...

Showing results 41-60

Animal Lab Assistant information

See California salary details

$10

$19

$29

How much do animal lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal lab assistant in California is $19.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal lab assistant?

Animal Lab Assistants are professionals who support scientific research by caring for laboratory animals and maintaining their living environments. They are responsible for feeding, cleaning, monitoring animal health, and assisting researchers with experiments. Their work ensures that animals are treated ethically and that experiments are conducted in a safe, controlled environment. Animal Lab Assistants may also help with maintaining records and administering medications as directed by veterinarians or researchers.

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

To thrive as an Animal Lab Assistant, you need a foundational understanding of animal care, handling procedures, and basic laboratory techniques, often supported by a relevant certification or associate degree in animal science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data recording systems, and compliance regulations such as IACUC protocols is typically expected. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the well-being of laboratory animals, the accuracy of research data, and adherence to ethical and safety standards.

What are some common challenges faced by animal lab assistants, and how can they be managed?

Animal Lab Assistants often face challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to protocols, handling animals with care under potentially stressful conditions, and managing time efficiently between various tasks like feeding, cleaning, and record-keeping. To manage these challenges, it's helpful to develop strong organizational skills, stay up to date on animal care guidelines, and communicate effectively with research staff and veterinarians. Regular training and working closely within the team can also help ensure both animal welfare and research integrity are maintained.

What is the difference between Animal Lab Assistant vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectAnimal Lab AssistantVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate's degree in veterinary technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentResearch laboratories, animal care facilitiesVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, research labs
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, pharmaceutical companiesVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, research facilities
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Animal Lab Assistants primarily support research labs and animal care in laboratory settings, often with minimal formal credentials. Veterinary Technicians work in veterinary clinics or hospitals, requiring specialized education and certification. While both roles involve animal care, Veterinary Technicians typically have more advanced training and perform clinical procedures, whereas Animal Lab Assistants focus on supporting research activities.

What cities in California are hiring for Animal Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Animal Lab Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Lab Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,562 per year, or $20 per hour.

Veterinary Assistant- Walnut Creek

Modern Animal

Walnut Creek, CA

$23.10 - $27.30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Our mission is to better the lives of animals by building a place that's better for all of us who love them. We care deeply about the profession, and we are hiring skilled Veterinary Assistants to work hand-in-hand with our Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians to deliver phenomenal care to our patients at Modern Animal's Walnut Creek clinic! 

What you'll be working on:

  • Utilizing your skillset to the highest level
  • Handling and restraining pets for exams
  • Recording accurate medical records utilizing appropriate veterinary terminology
  • Assisting medical team members with appointments, x-rays, lab work and other procedures
  • Completing lab work as needed
  • Performing radiology with an understanding of appropriate fields
  • Completing medical calculations as needed
  • Understanding of commonly used veterinary medications
  • Cleaning and upkeep as needed
  • Collaborating closely with DVMs and coworkers
  • Communicating discharge instructions with owners
  • Acting as a Modern Animal brand ambassador, including implementing local marketing efforts to grow your clinic membership base as needed.
  • Performing other duties as assigned by your team leader
  • Growing and thriving in an environment of continuous learning, improvement and excellence
  • Living and modeling the Modern Animal cultural vision by encouraging work/life balance, self-compassion, and a blame- and judgement-free work environment

Why you'd be a great fit:

  • 2+ years of experience working as a Veterinary Assistant
  • Strong work ethic
  • Forward thinker who enjoys living curiously
  • Team player, ability to collaborate
  • Excellent client communication

What you can expect from us:

  • Excellent medical, vision, and dental coverage (with various options to choose from)
  • 401k savings plan
  • Generous paid time off
  • Paid parental leave
  • Free membership and discounts on services for your furry family members
  • Continuing Education allowance
  • Uniform allowance
  • A collaborative team who has your back and will welcome you as part of our pack

The pay range for this position is $23.10 - $27.30 per hour; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A sign-on bonus and equity grant units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. This information is provided per the California Pay Transparency Act. Base pay information is based on geographic location.