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Entry Level Veterinary Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Technician

Everett, WA · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

About the Role This is an entry level Veterinary Technician position that requires the employee to ... May assist in surgical procedures and/ or advanced diagnostic/treatment procedures. * Perform ...

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Entry Level Veterinary Assistant information

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$10

$17

$23

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

As of Sep 1, 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Veterinary Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% 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, Small Animal; OPCVM

Lincoln Memorial University

Harrogate, TN • On-site

$12.75 - $16/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Lincoln Memorial University rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

532nd of 627 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Position Title
Veterinary Assistant, Small Animal; OPCVM
Department
CVM Clinical Sciences
Position Category
Staff Full Time
Job Description
The Veterinary Assistant for Small Animals supports the delivery of laboratory and clinical activities by assisting students, staff and faculty in assigned courses and educational tasks under licensed staff or faculty supervision. Responsibilities include organizing laboratories, generating schedules, managing training elements, collating supply requests, and coordinating with the site coordinator on facility needs. The Veterinary Assistant also ensures compliance with regulatory guidelines, manages records related to animals used in teaching, and provides hands-on assistance in teaching veterinary medical and surgical clinical skills. This position plays an essential role in preparing, setting up, cleaning, inventorying, and maintaining laboratory equipment and consumables to ensure a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment.
Required Qualifications
High school diploma
Preferred Qualifications
Associates degree or higher in a veterinary or animal-related field Knowledge of university program goals and objectives Experience in the veterinary medical field Training in animal care, handling, or husbandry Relevant experience in higher education
Physical Demands
Campus
Orange Park Florida
Job Duty
Job Duty
Assist designated staff and faculty in providing animal associated clinical and laboratory experiences for students in an efficient and professional manner
Job Duty
Support the education of students under faculty direction, helping them acquire veterinary medical and surgical clinical skills and entry-level competencies
Job Duty
Organize laboratories by preparing faculty, animals, student groups, equipment, and consumables
Job Duty
Assist with laboratory set-up, cleaning, inventorying, and replacement of equipment
Job Duty
Manage training elements and generate schedules for assigned activities
Job Duty
Maintain records and evaluations of students during clinical experiences
Job Duty
Assist with the handling, maintenance, monitoring, and care of small and large animals used in teaching
Job Duty
Ensure that all OSHA and USDA guidelines are implemented in student clinical activities
Job Duty
Assist with maintaining care of teaching animals in compliance with IACUC requirements including documentation in medical records
Job Duty
Ensure that all OSHA and USDA guidelines are implemented in student clinical activities
Job Duty
Oversee medical records of animals used in teaching and comply with IACUC requirements
Job Duty
Complete required institutional and program accreditation reports as well as other reports necessary for program advancement
Job Duty
Collate supply requests and ensure laboratory resources are available
Job Duty
Liaise with the site coordinator regarding facility requests and operational needs
Job Duty
Communicate directly with the Coordinator of Clinical Skills regarding human resource, animal, and operational matters
Job Duty
Foster effective working relationships among faculty, staff, and students
Job Duty
Promote the mission of Lincoln Memorial University to faculty, staff, students, and the community at large
Job Duty
Perform related duties in support of the College s and University s mission and evolving needs.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
S05324P
Job Open Date
06/01/2026
Job Close Date
09/30/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions Summary
About the Institution
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is located in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about employment opportunities, contact the Office of Human Resources at 423-869-7112 or humanresources@lmunet.edu.
AA/EEO Statement
Lincoln Memorial University is an Equal Opportunity education institution. Lincoln Memorial University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, veteran status, military status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in all University programs and activities.
Background Check Statement
The University will conduct criminal background checks on all employees. Background checks may include but are not limited to confirmation of the individual's identity, credit information, motor vehicle driving record, review of an individual's criminal conviction record (if any), verification of any license, and certificate or degree required for the position.
Quicklink for Posting
https://careers.lmunet.edu/postings/43871
Minimum Salary
Maximum Salary

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