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Entry Level Veterinary Assistant Jobs in California

Park La Brea Veterinary Care

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Veterinary Assistant

Beverly Hills, 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.

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.

NVA

Senior Veterinary Assistant

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

This is not an entry-level position. * Key Functions: * Surgical support for spay and neuter ... Assisting veterinarians during surgeries and medical procedures * Maintaining surgical and ...

Veritas Veterinary Partners

Kennel Assistant

Tustin, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... SUMMARY Veritas Veterinary Partners seeks a compassionate and dependable Kennel Attendant to ... This is an entry-level position on the patient care team and an excellent starting point for ...

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All JobsVeterinary JobsEntry Level Veterinary Assistant JobsEntry Level Veterinary Assistant Jobs in California

Entry Level Veterinary Assistant information

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$9

$17

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

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level veterinary assistant in California is $17.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level veterinary assistant?

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.

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 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 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.

Can I be an entry level veterinary assistant with no experience?

Entry level veterinary assistants typically do not need prior experience, as on-the-job training is common. Basic skills such as animal handling, communication, and a willingness to learn are often sufficient to start in this role, though some employers may prefer candidates with related coursework or certifications like veterinary assistant programs.

How to get started as an entry level veterinary assistant?

To start as an entry-level veterinary assistant, obtain a high school diploma or equivalent and consider completing a veterinary assistant training program or certification. Gaining experience through volunteering or internships at veterinary clinics can also improve job prospects; strong communication and basic animal care skills are essential. Many positions require familiarity with medical terminology, animal handling, and basic cleaning procedures.

Is it hard to get a job as an entry level veterinary assistant?

Entry level veterinary assistant positions are generally accessible to individuals with a high school diploma or equivalent and a willingness to learn. While competition can vary by location, gaining relevant skills such as animal handling and basic medical knowledge can improve chances of employment; some employers also value certification or on-the-job training.
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Entry Level Veterinary Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Veterinary Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,390 per year, or $17 per hour.

Veterinary Assistant

Park La Brea Veterinary Care

Beverly Hills, CA • On-site

$18 - $27/hr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

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Job description

We are a small, established Veterinary clinic looking for a Veterinary Assistant to join our awesome team!

Duties include assisting the doctor and vet techs with the pets, organizing, helping in the back with patients, cleaning, cleaning up after pets as needed, cleaning kennels, cleaning instruments, making packs.

We are looking for someone who is friendly, warm, welcoming and is not afraid of hard work. Must love animals and have at least 1 year of experience.

Job Type: Full Time 

Pay: $18.00 at entry level, negotiable wage for more experienced candidates. 

Expected hours: 32-40 hours per week.

Benefits:

  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
  • Paid time off

Schedule:

  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Every weekend
  • Monday to Friday
  • Overtime
  • Weekends as needed

Ability to commute/relocate:

  • Los Angeles, CA 90036: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

  • Veterinary: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Company Description

Small privately owned Veterinary Clinic in Los Angeles. We bring 35 years of compassionate care and expertise to every furry friend that walks through our door.