ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Certified Veterinary Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NVA

Certified Veterinary Assistant

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$16/hr

Are you a certified Veterinary Assistant looking for a team that will value you for your unique skills and experiences? If so, Manzano Animal Clinic has the opportunity for you! About Us We are a ...

NVA

Certified Veterinary Assistant

Geneva, IL · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) Valley Animal Hospital - Geneva, IL 810 E State St Geneva, IL ... Several of our CSRs and veterinary assistants have been with us for 20 plus years, which speaks to ...

NVA

Certified Veterinary Assistant

Fresno, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

VETERINARY ASSISTANT - Full time - Starting times vary. Shifts are: * 9am - 6pm, * 11am - 8pm, * 12pm - 9pm Saturdays and Sundays are non negotiable (Assistants work rotating Saturdays and 4 -5 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimal JobsVeterinary JobsVeterinary Practitioner JobsCertified Veterinary Assistant Jobs

Certified Veterinary Assistant information

See salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do certified veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified veterinary assistant in the United States is $17.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a certified veterinary assistant?

Certified Veterinary Assistants are trained professionals who support veterinarians and veterinary technicians in animal care settings such as clinics and hospitals. They perform a range of duties including assisting with examinations, handling animals, administering medications, cleaning and maintaining equipment, and providing client education. Certification typically involves completing a training program and passing a credentialing exam, demonstrating knowledge and skills in animal care. Their role is essential in ensuring the smooth operation of veterinary practices and the well-being of animal patients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a certified veterinary assistant?

To thrive as a Certified Veterinary Assistant, you need a foundational knowledge of animal care, basic clinical procedures, and a certification from an accredited veterinary assistant program. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, animal restraint techniques, and sterilization equipment is typically required. Strong communication, compassion for animals, and the ability to work well under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring animal safety, supporting veterinarians efficiently, and maintaining a positive environment for clients and their pets.

What are some common challenges certified veterinary assistants face when working in busy clinics?

Certified Veterinary Assistants in busy clinics often manage multiple tasks simultaneously, from assisting veterinarians during procedures to handling administrative duties and supporting pet owners. A key challenge is prioritizing patient care while maintaining efficient workflow, especially during emergencies or high-volume periods. Strong communication and teamwork are essential, as the role requires close collaboration with veterinarians, technicians, and front-desk staff to ensure the best outcomes for animals and their owners.

What is the difference between Certified Veterinary Assistant vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectCertified Veterinary AssistantVeterinary Technician
CredentialsCertification or completion of a veterinary assistant programAssociate degree in veterinary technology, certification required
Work EnvironmentAnimal clinics, shelters, pet hospitalsAnimal clinics, hospitals, research facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesBasic animal care, assisting vets, clerical tasksPerforming lab work, anesthesia, radiology, assisting in surgeries

While both roles support veterinary teams, Certified Veterinary Assistants focus on basic animal care and clerical duties, whereas Veterinary Technicians have more advanced training and perform technical procedures. The two roles often work together but differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

Can I be a certified veterinary assistant with no experience?

Certified veterinary assistants typically need some on-the-job training or formal education, but prior experience is not always required to start in entry-level positions. Completing a veterinary assistant program and obtaining certification can improve job prospects, though employers may provide training for those new to the field.

Do certified veterinary assistants get paid more?

Certified veterinary assistants typically earn higher wages than non-certified counterparts because certification demonstrates additional skills and knowledge. Certification can lead to increased job opportunities and pay raises, especially in specialized or competitive environments. However, actual salaries vary based on location, experience, and employer.

What jobs could I get with just a certified veterinary assistant certification?

With a certified veterinary assistant certification, you can work as a veterinary assistant in animal clinics, hospitals, or shelters, performing tasks such as animal care, basic medical procedures, and client communication. This certification prepares you for entry-level roles that support veterinarians and veterinary technicians, often requiring knowledge of animal handling, sanitation, and medical record keeping.
More about Certified Veterinary Assistant jobs

What cities are hiring for Certified Veterinary Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Certified Veterinary Assistant job openings:

What states have the most Certified Veterinary Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Certified Veterinary Assistant jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Certified Veterinary Assistant jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Certified Veterinary Assistant jobs are:

Certified Veterinary Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Certified Veterinary Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,859 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Certified Veterinary Assistant

National Veterinary Associates

Albuquerque, NM

$16/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Are you a certified Veterinary Assistant looking for a team that will value you for your unique skills and experiences? If so, Manzano Animal Clinic has the opportunity for you!

About Us

We are a close-knit team that is dedicated to providing excellent patient care and support to one another. When you walk into our hospital, you will find an upbeat, warm, encouraging environment that practices the highest level of medicine for our patients and clients.

Our mission is to provide quality, state of the art veterinary care with an emphasis on collaboration between our clients and team. It is our goal to give the same level of compassionate care to our clients and patients that we expect for our own families.

Our technicians play a crucial role in helping us reach our practice goal.

What to Expect

  • We strive to treat one another with respect and kindness
  • We are committed to open communication and getting team input on how we approach our work
  • We love to celebrate our wins-big or small
  • We enjoy teaching and are here to help support individual growth and learning

About You

  • You are a certified Veterinary Assistant dedicated to outstanding client service and excellent patient care.
  • It is incredibly important to our team to find the RIGHT fit. We want to find someone that shares our same goals and values, someone that is friendly, compassionate, dependable, and genuinely wants to make a difference.
  • You understand the importance of maintaining a positive hospital culture and love working with people that share that same value.
  • You have a minimum of 1 year working in the veterinary field as a veterinary assistant.

Anticipated Schedule:

  • Four 10-hour days - set day off during the week
  • CLOSED ON WEEKENDS!

Compensation:

  • Starting at $16 an hour - we believe that each team member should be compensated considering their knowledge, skills, and experiences.

Benefits:

  • CE Opportunities
  • Uniform Reimbursement
  • Quarterly Bonus Opportunities
  • Tuition Reimbursement/Assistance
  • VTNE Reimbursement
  • Paid License Renewal Fees
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Fantastic Employee Pet Discount
  • 401k
  • Medical/Dental/Vision
  • Short/Long Term Disability
  • Life Insurance
  • HSA/FSA

For more information about us, please visit www.manzanoanimalclinic.com.

NVA logo

About NVA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Nashville Veterinary Specialists + Animal Emergency (NVS) is a veterinary specialty and emergency hospital group with two locations in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee. Our Mission and primary focus is to honor the human-animal bond in all we do, focusing on patient care, client experience, and the health of our team. We believe we can never stop improving and strive to improve in all we do. Not only do we focus on patient care, but core to our hospital culture is also a focus on the health of our team, our community, and the environment. We are committed to sustainable environmental practices. NVS works in partnership with National Veterinary Associates-Compassion-First (NVA C-F). NVA-CF is the largest private owner of freestanding veterinary hospitals in North America with over 1400 locations worldwide.

Headquarters location

Agoura Hills, CA, US

View All NVA Jobs

Apply