1

Assistant Vet Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Assistant

Holly Springs, NC · On-site

$13.75 - $17/hr

Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we ... The Veterinary Assistant represents the mission and values to all clients. Our Veterinary ...

Veterinary Assistant

Durham, NC · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we ... The Veterinary Assistant represents the mission and values to all clients. Our Veterinary ...

Veterinary Assistant

Cary, NC · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we ... The Veterinary Assistant represents the mission and values to all clients. Our Veterinary ...

Veterinary Assistant

Durham, NC · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we ... The Veterinary Assistant represents the mission and values to all clients. Our Veterinary ...

Veterinary Assistant

Holly Springs, NC

$13.75 - $17/hr

Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we ... The Veterinary Assistant represents the mission and values to all clients. Our Veterinary ...

Veterinary Assistant

Durham, NC · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we ... The Veterinary Assistant represents the mission and values to all clients. Our Veterinary ...

Veterinary Assistant

Cary, NC · On-site

$15.19 - $19.41/hr

Looking for a full-time Vet assistant who has prior experience working and handling pets. The pay range for this role is $15.19 - $19.41 Hourly The pay range listed reflects a general hiring range ...

Veterinary Assistant

Cary, NC · On-site

$15.19 - $19.41/hr

Looking for a full-time Vet assistant who has prior experience working and handling pets. The pay range for this role is $15.19 - $19.41 Hourly The pay range listed reflects a general hiring range ...

Showing results 41-60

Assistant Vet information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$9

$16

$23

How much do assistant vet jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant vet in Raleigh, NC is $16.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $18.46 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 Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Vet jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Assistant Vet jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Assistant Vet job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Vet job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,858 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Veterinary Assistant

Petco

Holly Springs, NC • On-site

$13.75 - $17/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Petco rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 637 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

460th of 734 rated retailers


Job description

Want to help pets live their best lives?
We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.
Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and people.
  • Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.

  • Foster the Fun - Connect & Bond. Our Passion for pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through distinct experiences, products, and services.

  • Let's Go! Own & Commit. We are stronger as One Petco team. We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.

About Petco:
We're proud to be "where the pets go" to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years - from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood - the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we're here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than 1,500 Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events.
Position Purpose:
The purpose of this position inherently involves providing excellent medical care to our Vetco Total Care full-service hospital patients and phenomenal customer care to their owners. The Veterinary Assistant represents the mission and values to all clients. Our Veterinary Assistants set the tone for the technical and customer support in the hospital, and are responsible, like all team members, for fostering cohesion and motivation within the practice.
All hospital staff are responsible for performing their duties in a way that creates an environment in which:
  • The patient's needs always come first.
  • Every team member understands that they have the power to do what it takes to create an exceptional customer experience.
  • contentious issues are dealt with and resolved as they occur when possible, or as soon as is possible.
  • exceptional teamwork and commitment to shared goals benefits the entire organization.

Essential Job Functions
The incumbent must be able to perform all the following duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation:
  • Greet clients and patients arriving for appointments and escort them into an exam room, obtain weight and vital signs (temperature, pulse, respirations) and record the electronic medical record. Veterinary Assistants will collect thorough patient histories and document the patient visit in the EMRs.
  • Assist doctors with appointments (routine and emergency), surgery, dentistry, and euthanasia, under supervision from the veterinarian credentialed veterinary technician, , HOM and HLOD.
  • Perform patient restraint, obtain and process laboratory samples, handle and dispense medications at the direction of the veterinarian and help maintain the electronic medical record.
  • Schedule appointments, provide client education, relay test results to doctor and clients, and maintain and update client/patient records.
  • Help prepare patients for surgical and dental procedures and assist doctor and/or veterinary technician in anesthetizing patients. Under supervision of the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician, assistants will maintain patients safely under anesthesia while monitoring vital parameters, help monitor patients during recovery and prepare them for hospital discharge or transfer to an overnight care facility.
  • Under supervision of the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician, perform in-hospital treatments for sick patients including giving injectable and oral medications as well as intravenous fluid therapy; keep patients clean, watered, and fed (when indicated and directed by doctor), safely walk canine patients when necessary for elimination.
  • Under direction of the HOM/HLOD, assist in the training of new staff members and general dissemination of knowledge as required.
  • Keep hospital environment neat and clean; perform regular cleaning of environment based on necessity as well as based on a pre-determined maintenance schedule.

Other Duties and Responsibilities
  • Perform additional duties as assigned
  • Provide backup phone and front desk support as needed

Nature of Supervision
In all activities related to the care of individual patients, the incumbent will take direct supervision from the veterinarians as well as the Veterinary Technician. For purposes of overall supervision, the incumbent takes direction from the HOM/HLOD or from the supervising technician for the shift.
Planning and Problem Solving
Like all team members, the Veterinary Assistant plays a crucial role in ensuring that day-to-day operation of the hospital is efficient and provides an optimal experience for our patients and clients.
Impact
This position will impact the organization by contributing to the growth of productive practice while focusing on a high-quality standard of care. From an overall hospital organizational standpoint, this position in critical to ensuring that we have a cohesive, well-trained, and motivated technical team. The desired end-result is the creation of an optimal environment that ensures employee retention, patient well-being, and customer satisfaction.
Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no immediate supervisory duties.
Education/Experience
  • Preferred to have at least 1-year previous experience working in veterinary practice or sufficient relatable animal care experience to ensure excellent performance at the above-listed skills
  • Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Must be compassionate and sympathetic, and be able to maintain a professional attitude and demeanor during emotional and stressful situations
  • Must have telephone and computer skills
  • Must be a team player willing to learn new techniques and treatments, offer creative ideas, and accept change

Work Environment:
The majority of job duties are conducted in the Veterinary Hospital. Position requires bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 pounds, as necessary) and standing for long periods of time. A large amount of this partner's time will be spent in direct contact with clients and their pets.
Contacts
This position will regularly communicate with clients, veterinary specialists, and companies that provide products and/or services that the practice utilizes.
Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.
To translate this webpage to Spanish or other languages on your internet browser click the translate button to the right of your browser address bar. Additional instruction can be found here: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/173424?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop
Para traducir esta página web al español u otros idiomas en su navegador de Internet, haga clic en el botón de traducción a la derecha de la barra de direcciones de su navegador. Puede encontrar instrucciones adicionales aquí:
https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/173424?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop

What Petco employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom