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Assistant Vet Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

San Diego Humane Society

Vet Assistant

Escondido, CA · On-site

$20 - $22.25/hr

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 ...

Cherokee Federal

VET Facilities Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

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

Petco

Vet Tech

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

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 ...

Banfield Pet Hospital

Veterinary Assistant

San Jose, CA · On-site

$19.99 - $25.54/hr

All Vet Assistants receive a generous benefits package including 401(k) participation, paid time off and Optimum Wellness Plans for your pets. In addition, medical, vision, dental, life and ...

Banfield Pet Hospital

Veterinary Assistant

Whittier, CA · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

All Vet Assistants receive a generous benefits package including 401(k) participation, paid time off, and Optimum Wellness Plans for your pets. In addition, medical, vision, dental, life, and ...

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All JobsVet JobsAssistant Vet JobsAssistant Vet Jobs in California

Assistant Vet information

See California salary details

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$17

$23

How much do assistant vet jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 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 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,390 per year, or $17 per hour.

Weekend Mobile Veterinary Assistant

Vet Care Vaccination Services Inc

Garden Grove, CA • On-site

$16.90 - $18/hr

Part-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Immediate Opening: Weekend Mobile Veterinary Assistant
Vet Care Vaccination Services is seeking a dependable, compassionate, and hardworking Veterinary Assistant to join our mobile clinic team as soon as possible. This is a part-time, weekend-only position requiring consistent availability on both Saturdays and Sundays.
About the Position
Our mobile clinic team meets at our Garden Grove hospital each morning to load pre-packed coolers, equipment, medications, and supplies into our Vet Care vans. The team then travels together in the company vans to mobile clinic locations throughout Los Angeles and Orange County.
Depending on the schedule, the team may operate one or two clinics in a day. Start and end times vary, and early mornings and longer shifts may be required. This is an in-person, fast-paced position that includes working outdoors at community clinic locations.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Safely and compassionately handle and restrain dogs and cats
  • Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians with examinations, vaccinations, preventative care, and other mobile clinic services within the employee’s training and permitted scope
  • Obtain and accurately record pet weights and other required information
  • Prepare, organize, and maintain treatment areas, supplies, coolers, and equipment
  • Follow all safety, sanitation, infection-control, medication-handling, and clinic protocols
  • Communicate professionally and kindly with clients and team members
  • Assist with loading the vans, setting up the clinic, maintaining an organized work area, breaking down the clinic, and unloading upon return
  • Work efficiently while maintaining accuracy and providing compassionate care
  • Perform other veterinary-assisting and clinic-support duties as assigned
Qualifications
  • Veterinary assisting, veterinary hospital, shelter, kennel, or professional animal-handling experience is strongly preferred
  • Comfortable safely handling dogs and cats of different sizes, breeds, and temperaments
  • Consistent availability on Saturdays and Sundays is required
  • Reliable transportation to our Garden Grove hospital is required
  • Willing and able to travel with the team to clinic locations throughout Los Angeles and Orange County
  • Dependable, punctual, organized, and able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills
  • Able to stand for extended periods, bend, lift and carry clinic supplies, and work outdoors in varying weather conditions
  • Must follow all veterinary protocols and directions from supervising veterinarians and clinic leadership
Schedule
  • Part-time
  • Saturdays and Sundays
  • Weekend availability is required
  • Early morning start times and variable end times
  • One to three mobile clinic locations may be scheduled per day
What We Offer
  • A welcoming, team-oriented environment
  • Hands-on experience in mobile veterinary medicine
  • The opportunity to provide accessible preventative veterinary care to local communities
  • Company transportation from Garden Grove to scheduled clinic locations
  • A consistent weekend-focused work schedule
If you are dependable, comfortable working with animals, and interested in joining our team immediately, we would love to hear from you. Please apply with your current resume and weekend availability.