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Entry Level Veterinary Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NEXUS WELLNESS HEALTH HUB

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Veterinary Technician

Union, MO · On-site

Union Veterinary Associates is seeking a motivated, compassionate, and dependable entry-level Veterinary Assistant / Technician to join our team. This position is ideal for someone passionate about ...

Mueller Veterinary Services

Veterinary Assistant

Columbia, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Role: Experienced Veterinary Assistant * Status: Full-time * Salary: Negotiable and based on ... This is not an entry-level role. We're seeking someone confident in their skills, dependable, and ...

Mueller Veterinary Services

Veterinary Assistant

Columbia, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Role: Experienced Veterinary Assistant * Status: Full-time * Salary: Negotiable and based on ... This is not an entry-level role. We're seeking someone confident in their skills, dependable, and ...

iVET360

Veterinary Assistant

Coram, NY · On-site

$17.50 - $27/hr

Coram, NY Experience Level: Entry Level to Experienced Veterinary Assistant Start Your Career in Veterinary Medicine Our privately owned small animal veterinary hospital in Coram, NY is hiring a ...

Park La Brea Veterinary Care

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Veterinary Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18 - $27/hr

We are a small, established Veterinary clinic looking for a Veterinary Assistant to join our ... Job Type: Full Time Pay: $18.00 at entry level, negotiable wage for more experienced candidates.

Park La Brea Veterinary Care

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Veterinary Assistant

West Hollywood, CA · On-site

$18 - $27/hr

We are a small, established Veterinary clinic looking for a Veterinary Assistant to join our ... Job Type: Full Time Pay: $18.00 at entry level, negotiable wage for more experienced candidates.

Vetcor

Veterinary Assistant

Columbia, IL

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Role: Experienced Veterinary Assistant * Status: Full-time * Salary: Negotiable and based on ... This is not an entry-level role. We're seeking someone confident in their skills, dependable, and ...

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Entry Level Veterinary Assistant information

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How much do entry level veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Veterinary Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Veterinary Assistant, you need a basic understanding of animal care, handling procedures, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with veterinary management software, medical equipment, and proper sanitation practices is often required. Compassion, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you work effectively with both animals and their owners. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining animal well-being, ensuring smooth clinic operations, and providing supportive care to clients and veterinary teams.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level veterinary assistants and how can they prepare for them?

Entry level veterinary assistants often face challenges such as handling stressed or frightened animals, managing fast-paced workloads, and communicating effectively with both veterinary staff and pet owners. It's important to develop strong observation and multitasking skills, as well as resilience when dealing with emotional situations like euthanasia or critical care cases. Seeking mentorship from experienced team members and staying organized can help new assistants adapt more quickly and contribute positively to the clinic environment.

What Does an Entry-Level Veterinary Assistant Do?

Entry-level temporary positions include positions like data entry clerk and administrative assistant. You usually find these jobs through a temporary contract based on current company staffing needs. These jobs frequently offer some training and do not require any previous industry experience to get the assignment. As a temp, you may help provide different types of support, such as working phones, making orders, or adding information to databases. The duration of each contract can vary, but they can run anywhere from several weeks to several months. Any positions that require more than a year of work are usually full jobs instead of temporary contracts.

What is the difference between Entry Level Veterinary Assistant vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectEntry Level Veterinary AssistantVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in veterinary technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentAnimal clinics, shelters, pet hospitals; assisting with basic careMore advanced clinical tasks; assisting veterinarians with diagnostics and procedures
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in veterinary clinics and animal care facilitiesTypically found in veterinary hospitals and clinics with more complex services
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for entry-level roles in veterinary supportCompared for more advanced veterinary support roles

Entry Level Veterinary Assistants perform basic animal care and support tasks with minimal formal education, while Veterinary Technicians have specialized training and certification, enabling them to handle more complex clinical duties. Both roles are essential in veterinary settings, but Veterinary Technicians typically require more education and perform more advanced procedures.

What are entry level veterinary assistants?

Entry level veterinary assistants are individuals who support veterinarians and veterinary technicians in animal clinics or hospitals, typically with little to no prior experience in the field. Their duties often include feeding and bathing animals, cleaning kennels, assisting with restraint during exams, sanitizing equipment, and performing basic administrative tasks. This role is a great starting point for those interested in animal care and provides valuable hands-on experience. Entry level veterinary assistants usually work under direct supervision and may receive on-the-job training. The position can also serve as a stepping stone for further education and advancement in veterinary medicine.
More about Entry Level Veterinary Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Veterinary Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Veterinary Assistant job openings:
What states have the most Entry Level Veterinary Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Veterinary Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Veterinary Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Veterinary Assistant jobs are:
Entry Level Veterinary Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Veterinary Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% 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.
Veterinary Assistant - Ultrasound/Imaging

Veterinary Assistant - Ultrasound/Imaging

VCA Animal Hospitals

Fountain Valley, CA • On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

VCA Animal Hospitals rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 643 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 47 rated veterinary

Job description

VCA West Coast Specialty and Emergency Animal Hospital is seeking a talented Veterinary Assistant for our Ultrasound Department. This is an entry-level position.
Location: 18300 Euclid St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Schedule: Full-Time, Wednesday - Saturday
Salary: $20 - $30 / hour (based on experience)
Why We Want You
As a member of the VCA team, you will help create and maintain a positive, low-stress atmosphere for our clients and patients. Your mission will be to win the confidence of every pet parent-by delivering an outstanding client experience, so that we can provide exceptional care to every patient.
Who We're Looking For
This is an entry-level veterinary assistant position, ideal for those who have completed a vet assistant program or are eager to learn in a hands-on, high-volume setting. Experience with basic patient handling and monitoring is required. The skills that will be utilized include, but are not limited to:
  • Patient Restraint and handling primarily for ultrasound procedures
  • Assisting in Patient Treatments and monitoring sedated patients
  • Support a positive client experience and exceptional patient
  • Collaborate with the team to ensure smooth patient flow
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Ability to obtain a Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit (CA - VACSP)

VCA Animal Hospitals offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including Medical/Dental/Vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, pet care discounts, paid vacation, holidays, and sick days, health and well-being programs that provide resources and training. Compensation is negotiable based on education, experience, and other relevant credentials.
Ready to grow with a collaborative and supportive team?
Apply now!
If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.
Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!
The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.

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