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Animal Lab Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Emergency Veterinarian

Ontario, CA · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Work alongside 17 doctors, 28 RVTs and 21 Veterinary Assistants * 14,000 square foot facility with ... lab * Largest 24 hours Emergency and Specialty hospital in the Inland Empire. Schedule ...

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Animal Lab Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$10

$21

$31

How much do animal lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal lab assistant in Riverside, CA is $21.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.09 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 Riverside, CA are hiring for Animal Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Animal Lab Assistant job openings:

Emergency Veterinarian

VCA Animal Hospital

Ontario, CA • On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Join us as an Emergency Veterinarian at VCA California Veterinary Specialists Ontario 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

  • Multi-specialty hospital offering services in Surgery, Internal Medicine, Radiology, Critical Care and Neurology
  • Work alongside 17 doctors, 28 RVTs and 21 Veterinary Assistants
  • 14,000 square foot facility with 8 exam rooms, 3 surgical suites and state of the art equipment including 1.5 Tesla MRI, fluoroscopy, laparoscopic and thoracoscopic instrumentation, endoscopy, multiple ultrasounds, and computed tomography with automatic injector and in-house lab
  • Largest 24 hours Emergency and Specialty hospital in the Inland Empire.

Schedule

  • Full-Time
  • Looking for a doctor to work swing shifts or a floating schedule
  • Hours of Operation: 24/7
  • No on call and greater quality of life without compromising compensation

Cases

  • Dogs and cats

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

Total Rewards

As a member of the VCA family, eligible full-time employees will be rewarded with a comprehensive package, including:

Compensation

  • Salary range for this position is $150,000-$175,000
  • Salary is negotiable based on experience, skills, knowledge, abilities and other relevant credentials.

Health & Well-being

  • Innovative Associate health and well-being department (Headspace app subscriptions, Vault financial wellness tool, and access to additional mental health resources)
  • 401k retirement savings plan with companymatch
  • Health/dental/vision insurance, infertility benefits, gender affirmation services
  • 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

Qualifications

  • A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, from an accredited university or equivalent
  • Licensure in good standing to practice in California, or the ability to obtain
  • A commitment to practicing the highest standard of medicine and upholding the veterinary code of ethics

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.