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Assistant Vet Jobs in Rochester Hills, MI (NOW HIRING)

Vetco Veterinarian Assistant

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we ... As a Vetco Veterinary Assistant, you will meet your veterinary team at our local dispatch office ...

Veterinary Assistant

Warren, MI · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/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

Warren, MI

$14.75 - $18.50/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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Assistant Vet information

See Rochester Hills, MI salary details

$9

$15

$21

How much do assistant vet jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant vet in Rochester Hills, MI is $15.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $17.50 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 cities near Rochester Hills, MI are hiring for Assistant Vet jobs?

Cities near Rochester Hills, MI with the most Assistant Vet job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Vet job openings in Rochester Hills, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,007 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Vetco Veterinarian Assistant

Petco

Auburn Hills, MI • On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Petco rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 637 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

459th 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.
As a Vetco Veterinary Assistant, you will meet your veterinary team at our local dispatch office, then travel to your assigned Petco clinic locations for the day. At the clinics, your team of veterinary assistants will greet the pet parents and recommend the veterinary services that will best protect their pets. The Veterinary Assistant will assist the Veterinarian so the services can be administered and thank the pet parent for protecting their pet!
Essential Job Functions:
The incumbent must be able to perform all of the following duties and responsibilities with or without a reasonable accommodation.
- Must love dogs and cats...and people too!
- Team player who thrives on supporting the team in every way.
- Make educated recommendations to our clients and providing exceptional customer service.
- Works hard and has fun doing it!
- Eager to learn.
- Ability to work in changing environments, traveling throughout our Market.
- Responsible and accountable individuals.
- A can-do attitude.
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.
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