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Animal Lab Assistant Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Assistant Quail Ridge Animal Hospital Carson City, NV Quail Ridge is devoted to ... Performs necessary lab work such as X-rays, CBC's, blood profiles, urinalysis, heartworm tests ...

Animal Lab Assistant information

See Reno, NV salary details

$10

$20

$29

How much do animal lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal lab assistant in Reno, NV is $20.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $23.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Animal Lab Assistants?

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 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 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 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 near Reno, NV are hiring for Animal Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Reno, NV with the most Animal Lab Assistant job openings:
Experienced Veterinary Assistant

Experienced Veterinary Assistant

The Animal Hospital

Carson City, NV • On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Veterinary Assistant
Quail Ridge Animal Hospital
Carson City, NV
Quail Ridge is devoted to providing the highest quality care in a compassionate way. We exceed our clients' expectations by offering a modern approach to high-quality veterinary care, staffed with a dedicated and caring team. We are looking for a full-time or part-time Veterinary Assistant. We use our assistants to their full potential, and we provide training to enhance their technical skills.
We believe in a Whole Person Approach for our veterinary teams. This includes a living wage for all hospital Team Members, best-in-class benefits, mental health support, and continuous education. Investing in our teams and sharing the growth they are instrumental in driving are top priorities, which is why every Team Member is also eligible to participate in our revenue-sharing program. All positions come with growth opportunities - whether you are seeking skill development to advance your career or to build additional capacity to better serve your community, we custom-tailor plans for each team member's career journey.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Checks patient medical records for past histories, and enters treatments and charges in the computer.*
  • Restrains animals for the veterinarian as required.*
  • Maintains client educational material in an efficient manner.*
  • Applies knowledge of drawing blood, accessing veins quickly, and minimizing patient discomfort to perform testing procedures.*
  • Performs specimen testing procedures accurately on blood, urine, or other samples according to medical orders using all related equipment and computers.*
  • Assists the veterinarian with inpatient care and daily treatments, including maintaining and calculating IV fluids to ensure they are still flowing, drawing blood samples as requested, and passing urethrocatheters.*
  • Perform anesthesia monitoring.*
  • Dispenses medication and feeds patients as directed.*
  • Communicates with the patient's owner by explaining the medication, potential complications, and warnings.*
  • Utilizes the computer system to enter and reference patient information as needed.*
  • Performs necessary lab work such as X-rays, CBC's, blood profiles, urinalysis, heartworm tests, FELV/FIV tests, fecal tests, cultures, and sensitivities, and fungus cultures.*
  • Documents test results and delivers to appropriate personnel promptly.*
  • Prepares specimens for mailing to hospitals in accordance with practice requirements.*
  • Assures all materials are in exam rooms for doctors, such as otoscopes and nail clippers.*
  • Schedules and/or performs routine maintenance of testing equipment.*
  • Maintains the exam room's cleanliness at all times.*
  • Sets laboratory standards, changes operations, and provides training to staff as required.*
  • Assists in animal care as needed.*
  • Handles all tasks associated with the X-ray process, including entry of patient information, proper positioning of animals, and preparing forms to be emailed or referred as needed.
  • Takes medical histories and vital signs of patients.
  • Performs departmental housekeeping duties.*
  • Admits and discharges patients.*
  • Takes, processes, and logs prescription refills in-house, call-out pharmacy, and online pharmacy.*
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds, stoop, bend, and stand on feet for long periods
  • Other duties as assigned.

*Denotes an Essential Function
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfy each essential duty. The Vet Assistant must be able to multitask. They must be able to think quickly on their feet. They must be able to develop positive working relationships with clients and co-workers.
Skills:
The Assistant must have the skills and knowledge to perform monitoring anesthesia, prepare for surgery, administer vaccinations, perform venipuncture, perform in-house lab work, and fill prescriptions. Our new Team Member must work well with others and independently, take initiative, and thrive in a busy work environment.
Education/Experience:
High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
All Full-Time Team Members are eligible for benefits, including:
  • Competitive base pay plus revenue share bonus program!
  • Best-in-class medical, vision, and dental insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability
  • Life insurance
  • 401k with match
  • Paid time off
  • Free continuing education
  • Mental health support
  • And more!