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Entry Level Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Minnesota

Entry Level Veterinary Assistant information

See Minnesota salary details

$9

$16

$23

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

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level veterinary assistant in Minnesota is $16.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $18.61 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.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Veterinary Assistant jobs in Minnesota?

For Entry Level Veterinary Assistant jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Veterinary Assistant jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Veterinary Assistant jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Entry Level Veterinary Assistant jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Entry Level Veterinary Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Veterinary Assistant job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,121 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Animal Services Officer I

City of Saint Paul

Saint Paul, MN • On-site

$55K - $77K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


City Of Saint Paul rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

277th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

About the Position The City of Saint Paul Department of Safety & Inspections is hiring an Animal Services Officer I to perform entry level work with the Saint Paul Animal Services Center (SPAS) enforcing animal and pest control ordinances. Here's what you can expect to do: Provide dispatch services to field-based Animal Services Officers. Prepare routine documents, forms, and reports related to inspections, investigations, compliance, and research.

Provide daily care, enrichment, and training to impounded animals. Provide routine janitorial services at the animal shelter. Assist with vaccination and other veterinary procedures.

Assists other staff with recurring duties at the SPAS. For more information and essential functions, see our job description. Information Specific to this Position: The Saint Paul Animal Services Center (SPAS) is located in the heart of beautiful Como Park at 1285 Jessamine Ave.

W., Saint Paul, MN, but will be moving to a new animal shelter located at 1115 Beulah Ln in Summer of 2026. Our Benefits: We offer competitive wages, and a variety of excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement contributions and paid vacation and sick time. Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: The City of Saint Paul is dedicated to dismantling systemic racial, cultural, and economic barriers that prevent people from fully enjoying and participating in our community and ensuring fairness in opportunities and outcomes for all individuals

At the City of Saint Paul, we want our workforce to reflect the diverse city that we serve. Our leaders are guided by an unapologetic equity agenda, which promotes the belief that true equity is building a city that works for all of us. We encourage you to apply as we are most interested in finding the best candidate for this job.

Position Requirements One year of experience handling animals working in an animal shelter, zoo, veterinary clinic setting, or equivalent setting. Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Class D Driver's License or equivalent out of state driver's license. Must possess or obtain a basic Animal Control Officer certification within one year of hire.

Must obtain and maintain authorization from the SPAC veterinarian of record to euthanize animals within twelve months of appointment. How to Apply Submit a City of Saint Paul online application by the closing date. Upload or submit the following document via the online application system.

(Zip files and web links will not be accepted. Each uploaded attachment is limited to 10MB.) A resume First time applying online. Read our How to Apply Online Guide

Need technical support. For help with the online application, please call 1-855-524-5627. Learn more about our Hiring Process Assessment: Qualifications Rating The Qualifications Rating is an assessment of your completed application and answers to the Supplemental Questionnaire.

Be as specific and detailed as possible in completing your application and questionnaire. You must submit your completed application and supplemental questionnaire by the application deadline. GENERAL INFORMATION: Open Job Posting: This posting is open to anyone who meets the position requirements.

Eligible Lists Created from Open Job Posting: You must receive a score of 75% or higher to pass the assessment and be considered for the position. Non-promotion eligible lists typically are pass/fail and promotion eligible lists are typically ranked. If the open eligible list created contains a veteran, one open list will exist.

When there are no veterans remaining on the eligible list (i.e. hired, withdrawn) from an open list that also contains promotional candidates, two lists will be created: one open list and one promotion list. If two lists exist, the promotion list must be exhausted before the open list is considered

Final Selection Process: Those who pass will be placed on an eligible list for approximately six months and all will be notified of their status. A Hiring Manager will consider those applicants eligible for hire. You will be notified if you are invited to participate in the final selection process which may include an interview, job simulation, work sample submission, or other evaluation method.

Pre-Employment Screening: This position requires a medical examination, driver's license check, credit check, drug test, and a background check which may include criminal history, and employment history as a condition of employment. Human Resources Contact information: Danni Smith at 651-266-6566 Email: danni.smith@stpaul.gov The City of Saint Paul encourages individuals to apply for positions regardless of criminal history. Veteran's Preference: If you are a veteran and would like to receive Veteran's preference in accordance with MN Statute 197.455, you must submit a photocopy of your DD214 preferably at time of application

Click here for more information. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Saint Paul is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, persons of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.


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