ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Atlanta, GA

Forsyth County, GA

Animal Services Officer I

Cumming, GA · On-site

$45K/yr

This classification is considered the entry level for the Animal Services Officer series. 10-hour ... May assist with investigating cruelty and abandonment of domestic animals and livestock. Works ...

GovernmentJobs.com

Animal Services Officer I

Cumming, GA · On-site

This classification is considered the entry level for the Animal Services Officer series. 10-hour ... May assist with investigating cruelty and abandonment of domestic animals and livestock. Works ...

New

Forsyth County

Animal Services Officer I

Cumming, GA · On-site

$45K/yr

This classification is considered the entry level for the Animal Services Officer series. 10-hour ... May assist with investigating cruelty and abandonment of domestic animals and livestock. Works ...

Forsyth County, GA

Animal Services Officer I

Cumming, GA · On-site

$45K/yr

This classification is considered the entry level for the Animal Services Officer series. 10-hour ... May assist with investigating cruelty and abandonment of domestic animals and livestock. Works ...

New

All JobsVeterinary JobsEntry Level Veterinary Assistant JobsEntry Level Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Atlanta, GA

Entry Level Veterinary Assistant information

See Atlanta, GA salary details

$9

$16

$22

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

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level veterinary assistant in Atlanta, GA is $16.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $18.03 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.
More about Entry Level Veterinary Assistant jobs

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Veterinary Assistant jobs in Atlanta, GA?

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

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Veterinary Assistant jobs in Atlanta, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Veterinary Assistant jobs in Atlanta, GA are:

What cities near Atlanta, GA are hiring for Entry Level Veterinary Assistant jobs?

Cities near Atlanta, GA with the most Entry Level Veterinary Assistant job openings:

Entry Level Veterinary Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Veterinary Assistant job openings in Atlanta, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,038 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Overnight Emergency Veterinary Technician

Dogwood Veterinary Specialty and Emergency - Dunwoody

Dunwoody, GA

$18 - $38/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Description
Build the Future of Emergency Medicine. One Patient at a Time.

Dogwood Veterinary Specialty and Emergency | Dunwoody, Georgia
 4500 N. Shallowford Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30338
Opening October 2026
Dogwood Veterinary Specialty and Emergency is expanding. Following the success of our established Marietta Specialty and Emergency hospital, we're opening a brand-new, state-of-the-art hospital in Dunwoody this October 2026.

We're seeking experienced Veterinary Technicians, Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs), and highly skilled Veterinary Assistants who want to help build a new Emergency team while working alongside experienced Emergency clinicians and Board-Certified Specialists.
This is more than a new job. It's an opportunity to help shape a hospital from the ground up.
7:00 PM – 7:00 AM | 12-Hour Overnight Shifts
+$2.00/hour | Monday–Friday, 6:00 PM–6:00 AM
+$3.00/hour | Saturday–Sunday, 6:00 PM–6:00 AM
Founding-team members will begin paid onboarding and specialty training at our Marietta hospital in September 2026 before transitioning to the new Dunwoody location.

Built for Veterinary Professionals Who Love Emergency Medicine
This is not an entry-level opportunity.

We're looking for experienced veterinary professionals who thrive when medicine moves quickly, enjoy solving complex clinical problems, and want to use their skills to make a meaningful difference in Emergency and Critical Care.

If you enjoy:
  • Emergency triage and critical patient assessment
  • ICU and hospitalized patient care
  • Trauma stabilization
  • Advanced nursing and patient monitoring
  • Critical thinking and rapid decision-making
  • Practicing at the top of your skill set
You'll feel right at home at Dogwood.

You'll work alongside Emergency doctors, Criticalists, and Board-Certified Specialists while caring for complex Emergency and Specialty cases.
What You'll Do
  •  Perform emergency patient triage and assist with stabilization of critical patients 
  •  Support CPR and RECOVER protocols
  •  Assist with emergency procedures and critical interventions 
  •  Prepare patients for surgery, diagnostics, and specialty consultation 
  •  Monitor hospitalized and ICU patients 
  •  Administer medications, CRIs, blood products, and fluid therapy
  •  Perform ongoing nursing assessments and pain management 
  •  Maintain accurate treatment and medical records 
You'll have the opportunity to utilize skills including:
  • IV catheter placement and venipuncture
  •  Laboratory diagnostics and medical calculations 
  •  Patient monitoring and oxygen therapy 
  •  ECG monitoring 
  •  Radiology 
  •  Fluid therapy 
  •  Hospitalized patient care 
  •  Anesthesia monitoring 
  •  Emergency surgical assistance and patient recovery

Who We're Looking For
We're looking for experienced veterinary professionals with 2+ years of veterinary clinical experience. Candidates with backgrounds in the following areas are especially encouraged to apply:
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Critical Care or ICU
  • Specialty Veterinary Medicine
  • Urgent Care
  • High-Volume General Practice
Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs) are preferred. Highly experienced Veterinary Assistants with strong Emergency or advanced clinical skills are also encouraged to apply.

RECOVER CPR Certification is a plus.

Physical Requirements

Team members should be comfortable:
  •  Standing and walking throughout a 10–12-hour shift
  •  Frequently bending, lifting, kneeling, reaching, and performing patient restraint 
  •  Safely lifting up to 50 pounds independently and more with assistance 
  •  Working effectively in a fast-paced Emergency environment
  •  Working around animal dander, medical gases, cleaning products, disinfectants, blood, bodily fluids, and other veterinary-related substances

Grow Your Career with Dogwood Veterinary Specialty and Emergency
At Dogwood Veterinary Specialty and Emergency, exceptional medicine starts with exceptional veterinary professionals.
As a founding team member, you'll have the opportunity to help shape the culture and clinical standards of a new hospital while gaining exposure to complex Emergency and Specialty cases.

Professional Growth and Continuing Education
  • Generous annual Continuing Education allowance
  • 2 paid Continuing Education days
  • Advanced specialty mentorship
  • Exposure to complex Emergency and referral cases
  • Support pursuing Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials
  • Professional development opportunities across the Innovetive Petcare network
  • Professional membership support
HeadStart Student Loan Support

Eligible LVTs who graduated from an AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technology Program and obtained licensure within the previous three years may qualify for:
  • Student loan repayment assistance
  • VTNE reimbursement
  • Licensure reimbursement
  • License renewal assistance
  • Continuing Education support
  • Career development resources
Full-Time Benefits
  • Competitive compensation based on experience
  • +$2/hour weekday overnight differential
  • +$3/hour weekend overnight differential
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Life Insurance
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Mental Health and Wellness Resources
  • Employee Pet Care Discounts
  • Career advancement opportunities across the Innovetive Petcare network
Why Dogwood?

New hospital. Experienced clinicians. Advanced medicine. Founding-team opportunity.

We're building more than another veterinary hospital in Atlanta. We're building a team where veterinary professionals can practice exceptional medicine, develop their skills, and grow their careers alongside experienced Emergency and Specialty clinicians.

You'll have the opportunity to help establish the culture of our new Dunwoody hospital while supporting patients who need advanced care when they need it most.
Join the founding Overnight Emergency team at Dogwood Veterinary Specialty and Emergency in Dunwoody.

Apply today and help us build something exceptional.