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Assistant Vet Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

San Diego Humane Society

Vet Assistant

Escondido, CA

$20 - $22.25/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Vet Assistants at our Escondido and Oceanside campuses are paid a location premium for a minimum hourly rate of $21.00. The listed hiring range for this position depicts the target range of pay rates ...

San Diego Humane Society

Vet Assistant

Escondido, CA · On-site

$20 - $22.25/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Vet Assistants at our Escondido and Oceanside campuses are paid a location premium for a minimum hourly rate of $21.00. The listed hiring range for this position depicts the target range of pay rates ...

Banfield Pet Hospital

Vet Assistant

Brea, CA · On-site

$17.60 - $22.49/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Veterinary Assistant supports the veterinarians and veterinary technicians in ensuring quality veterinary care for all pets, advocates for pets, educates clients on all aspects of pet health, and ...

Banfield Pet Hospital

Vet Assistant

Brea, CA · On-site

$17.60 - $22.49/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Veterinary Assistant supports the veterinarians and veterinary technicians in ensuring quality veterinary care for all pets, advocates for pets, educates clients on all aspects of pet health, and ...

Banfield Pet Hospital

Vet Assistant

Brea, CA · On-site

$17.60 - $22.49/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Veterinary Assistant supports the veterinarians and veterinary technicians in ensuring quality veterinary care for all pets, advocates for pets, educates clients on all aspects of pet health, and ...

San Diego Humane Society

Vet Assistant

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20 - $22.25/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

San Diego Humane Society is hiring Full-Time Veterinary Assistants for our Medical team! How you'll impact our mission: At San Diego Humane Society, we're united by our mission to Inspire Compassion

San Diego Humane Society

Vet Assistant

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$20 - $22.25/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

San Diego Humane Society is hiring Full-Time Veterinary Assistants for our Medical team! How you'll impact our mission: At San Diego Humane Society, we're united by our mission to Inspire Compassion

Cherokee Federal

VET Facilities Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... Assist in overseeing facility utilities (gas, electric, water, etc.) monitoring to maximize ... VET Facilities Manager Responsibilities Include: * Apply healthcare Facility planning strategies ...

Petco Health and Wellness

Vet Tech

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we ... * Assist veterinarian with appointments (routine and emergency), surgery, dentistry, and ...

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All JobsVet JobsAssistant Vet JobsAssistant Vet Jobs in California

Assistant Vet information

See California salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do assistant vet jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant vet in California is $17.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant vet?

Assistant vets, also known as veterinary assistants, are professionals who support veterinarians and veterinary technicians in animal care settings such as clinics, hospitals, and shelters. Their duties often include feeding, bathing, and exercising animals, sterilizing equipment, cleaning examination and operating rooms, and assisting with basic animal care procedures. They play an essential role in ensuring the smooth operation of veterinary practices and the well-being of animals under veterinary care. Veterinary assistants typically do not perform medical diagnoses or surgeries, but they are integral to the daily functioning of animal healthcare teams.

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

To thrive as an Assistant Vet, you need a solid understanding of animal care, basic veterinary procedures, and usually a relevant certification or diploma in veterinary assistance. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, laboratory equipment, and safe animal handling techniques is often required. Strong communication, empathy, and attention to detail help you interact effectively with both animals and their owners. These skills and qualities ensure the safety, well-being, and efficient care of animal patients while supporting veterinary teams.

What are some common challenges faced by assistant vets, and how can they prepare for them?

Assistant Vets often encounter fast-paced environments where multitasking and attention to detail are essential. A common challenge is managing the emotional aspects of caring for sick or injured animals while supporting pet owners with compassion. Additionally, Assistant Vets regularly assist with restraining animals, cleaning facilities, and preparing for procedures, which can be physically demanding. Preparing by developing strong communication skills, learning proper animal handling techniques, and maintaining resilience can help candidates thrive in this role.

What is the difference between Assistant Vet vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectAssistant VetVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in veterinary technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentAssist veterinarians in clinics, animal hospitals, sheltersWork alongside veterinarians, perform technical tasks, assist in surgeries
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in veterinary clinics, animal sheltersStandard role in veterinary practices, animal hospitals, research facilities

Veterinary technicians typically have formal education and certification, performing more technical tasks than assistant vets, who usually receive on-the-job training. Both roles support veterinarians in animal care, but veterinary technicians have a broader scope of practice and technical responsibilities.

Can I be an assistant vet with no experience?

Becoming an assistant vet typically requires some knowledge of animal care and basic veterinary procedures, but many entry-level positions are available to those without prior experience. On-the-job training is common, and relevant skills such as communication and animal handling can improve your chances of securing a position. Certification or coursework in animal care can also be beneficial for advancement.

Is it hard to get a job as a veterinary assistant?

Getting a job as a veterinary assistant can be competitive, but entry-level positions are often available for those with basic animal care skills and a high school diploma. Relevant experience, certifications such as veterinary assistant training, and a willingness to learn can improve job prospects.

What can you do as a veterinary assistant?

A veterinary assistant supports veterinarians and veterinary technicians by handling tasks such as cleaning and sterilizing equipment, restraining animals during exams and procedures, administering basic treatments, and maintaining medical records. They often work in animal care environments and may need to follow safety protocols and basic training in animal handling. The role typically requires good communication skills and a compassionate attitude toward animals and clients.

What are the most commonly searched types of Vet jobs in California?

The most popular types of Vet jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Vet jobs in California?

For Assistant Vet jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Vet jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Vet jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Assistant Vet jobs?

Cities in California with the most Assistant Vet job openings:

Assistant Vet jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Vet job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,390 per year, or $17 per hour.

Vet Assistant/RVT

Vet Care Vaccination Services Inc

Garden Grove, CA • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Do you want to work at a growing hospital in the wonderful city of West Garden Grove? Do you want to lead a team of knowledgeable and experienced team members? Do you want to work in a positive and friendly environment? If you say yes to any of these questions, then apply now!  
Vet Care Pet Clinic is looking for a Vet Assistant/RVT to join our hospital team. We have wonderful clients, and we provide excellent patient care. We believe in supporting our team members and we are looking for a strong team member to join our hospital.  
Celebrating 29 years of service, Vet Care Pet Clinic is a fast paced, one-doctor, family-owned veterinary hospital in West Garden Grove, CA. We provide full-service general practice veterinary care. In addition to our full-service hospital, we operate one of the region’s most established mobile vaccination clinic programs.  
Our hospital services include surgery, dentistry, diagnostics, radiology, and laboratory testing with an emphasis on compassionate client education and quality medical treatment. We take pride in being a family-owned, community-focused veterinary hospital that continues to grow and adapt to the needs of our patients and clients.  
Our ideal candidate will have a positive attitude and an interest in Veterinary Medicine.  
Our full-time Vet Assistant/RVT is eligible for the following benefits:  
  • Competitive compensation  
  • Regular working hours  
  • Paid vacation and sick time  
  • Heath insurance  
  • Retirement plan  
  • Paid time off  
  • Employee/ Friends and Family discount  
  • Health insurance 
  • Continued Education
  • Uniform Budget
Vet Assistant/RVT is responsible for:  
  • Limited experience required, will train.  
  • Obtain medical history from the client  
  • Administering medications to animals in a safe manner  
  • Vaccine schedules  
  • Proper restraining of animals during exams and procedures  
  • Taking vital signs accurately and collecting lab samples  
  • Filling of prescriptions  
  • Collect laboratory specimens  
  • Maintaining laboratory equipment  
  • Providing pre & post-operative care to our patients  
  • Ensure all surgical instruments are properly wrapped and sterilized  
  • General housekeeping duties  
  • Educate Pet Parents  
  • Generate and review estimates with owners and perform treatments.  
  • The culture is hard working and non-toxic.  
  • Front desk responsibilities: answering phones, making appointments, filing, assisting clients checking in and out.  
  
Qualifications include, but are not limited to;  
  • Based on the requirements of this position, all applicants must be 18 years or older.  
  • Basic understanding of animal behavior and health care  
  • Must be able to work evenings and weekends.  
  • Able to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently  
  • Passion for working with animals and their owners  
  • Ability to prioritize and manage numerous different patient needs at one time  
  • Ability to communicate effectively to Veterinarians and Hospital staff  
  • Must have proficient oral and written communication, have fully competent math computational skills and be able to print clearly  
  • Must work well with others and be able to multi-task.  
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish/Mandarin) preferred.  
  
.  
Interested? Apply Now!  
Job Type: Full-time  
Pay: $18/hr-26/hr