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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 ...

Country Critters Vet Clinic, LLC.

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Veterinary Assistant

Monrovia, IN · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

The Veterinary Assistant will support veterinarians and hospital staff in a busy small animal ... Collaborate with the veterinary team for smooth operations Required Qualifications * Entry-level ...

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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 Jul 21, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% 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 (Entry-Level)

Veterinary Assistant (Entry-Level)

National Veterinary Associates

Scottsdale, AZ • On-site

$16 - $16.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Location: Hillside Animal Hospital
Position Type: Full-Time
Compensation: $16.00-$16.50/hour
Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 7:45am-6pm

We are looking for a reliable, hard-working entry-level Veterinary Assistant to keep our hospital running smoothly. This is a physically demanding role where your primary superpower will be maintaining a spotless, stocked environment and assisting the medical team.

A Typical Day

  • Scrub and Sanitize: Clean kennels, exam rooms, surgery suites, and floors to medical-grade standards.
  • Sterile Pack Prep: Clean, wrap and sterilize surgical instruments and gowns for surgery.
  • Stock Supplies: Keep syringes, gauze, pet food, and cleaning agents fully loaded across the clinic.
  • Laundry Duty: Wash, dry, and fold endless mountains of towels and pet blankets.
  • Team Support: Jump in to help Vet Techs and DVMs restrain pets safely during exams, radiographs or quick procedures.

Who You Are

  •          A Go-Getter: You take pride in ownership and actively look for ways to help before being asked.
  • Resilient: Loud barking, strong odors, and heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs.) doesn't faze you.
  • Eager to Learn: You genuinely want a foot in the door of the veterinary field.
  • Big-Picture Thinker: You recognize that your cleanup work forms the literal foundation of safe medical care. 

Benefits & Perks

  • Employee pet care discounts
  • Eligible for participation in our health, dental, and vision plans and 401(k) plan
  • Paid vacation benefits, paid sick leave and uniform allowance

Sound like a match? If you are ready to hustle, clean, and learn, apply now with your resume. We look forward to hearing from you!


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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

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