1

Animal Lab Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital is hiring an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our team ... Lab sample collection and processing * Diagnostic imaging * Medical recordkeeping Ready to be part ...

Veterinary Assistant

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital is hiring an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our team ... Lab sample collection and processing * Diagnostic imaging * Medical recordkeeping Ready to be part ...

Veterinary Assistant

Annandale, VA · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Veterinary Assistant - Columbia Pike Animal Hospital & Emergency Center About: Located in Northern ... lab work, monitoring patients during surgical procedures, collecting samples from the animals, and ...

At VCA Animal Hospitals, we are committed to equity, inclusion, and diversity and strive to be a ... Lab sample collection and processing * Diagnostic imaging * Surgical preparation and assisting

Knowledge of surveys, interviews, lab procedures, experiments, or fieldwork. Skill in written and ... Hands-on experience with animal models to study pathogenesis and host immune responses.

Showing results 21-40

Animal Lab Assistant information

See Washington salary details

$11

$22

$33

How much do animal lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal lab assistant in Washington is $22.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $26.15 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 Washington are hiring for Animal Lab Assistant jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Animal Lab Assistant job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,697 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Veterinary Assistant

VCA Animal Hospitals

Woodbridge, VA • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


VCA Animal Hospitals rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 660 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 56 rated veterinary


Job description

Seeking a Veterinary Exam Room Assistant!

Location: 2703 Caton Hill Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22192

Pay: The salary for this role starts at $18/hr and is based on experience.

VCA Woodbridge Animal Hospital is hiring an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our team!

We work hard to deliver the best medical care to each patient, and we are excited to welcome a likeminded professional to the team! We have a unique culture in our hospital that values each person's individual skill and personality, and we truly support your desire to grow medically. There's something special about you and we are excited to learn more!

About the Role

As Veterinary Assistant, you will help create and maintain a positive, low-stress atmosphere for our patients and clients. Duties will include:

  • Compassionate patient care
  • Client education and care
  • Lab sample collection and processing
  • Medication preparation and administration
  • Safe and effective patient handling and restraint
  • Medical recordkeeping

Why VCA

VCA Animal Hospitals is a community of over 800 hospitals across the US, including primary care, emergency, and specialty medicine. We offer world class medicine with hometown care. Together we are taking care of the future of veterinary medicine.

This means taking care of our people. We are passionate about supporting our technicians and assistants and are committed to your personal career development. At VCA, you will enjoy an inclusive work environment where you can focus on your career, your happiness, and the patients you serve. Benefits include:

Career Support

  • Access to the people and resources of a large veterinary community
  • Advancement and leadership opportunities
  • Internal CE and development opportunities
  • Free NAVTA membership, access to VetFolio, Plumbs App, and more
  • Tuition assistance including Veterinary Technology Associates, Bachelors completion and more

Health & Well Being

  • Medical, dental & vision insurance, a variety of additional coverage options
  • Free mental health care through Lyra Health (up to 12 sessions a year)
  • Access to free counseling through Cigna Life Assistance program
  • Access to Headspace app
  • Fully employer-paid life, long-term and short-term disability insurance
  • Paid vacation, paid sick time, holiday pay
  • Paid parental leave
  • Fertility coverage, gender affirmation services
  • Growing network of onsite social workers

Other Perks

  • Generous hospital discounts for your pets, a variety of other discounts including cellular service, apparel, computer equipment, etc.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Referral bonus opportunities
  • Practice management software with digital innovations for streamlined practice flow and client communication
  • Opportunities to give back through VCA Charities and community partnerships

Interested?Apply! We look forward to hearing from you.

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.

What VCA Animal Hospitals employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom