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Entry Level Veterinary Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Alliance Animal Health

Veterinary Assistant

Ventura, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

Company Description Horizon Veterinary Specialists, founded in August 2018 by five board-certified ... This is an entry-level position where on the job training will be provided. The ideal candidate ...

Alliance Animal Health

Veterinary Assistant

Ventura, CA

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

Company Description Horizon Veterinary Specialists, founded in August 2018 by five board-certified ... This is an entry-level position where on the job training will be provided. The ideal candidate ...

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 ...

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Entry Level Veterinary information

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How much do entry level veterinary jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level veterinary in California is $21.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $24.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level veterinary professionals, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level veterinary professionals often encounter challenges such as adapting to a fast-paced clinic environment, managing emotionally charged situations with pet owners, and balancing a variety of tasks simultaneously. To overcome these obstacles, it is helpful to seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, communicate openly with the veterinary team, and prioritize time management. Building strong client relationships and developing resilience will also make the transition into practice smoother and more rewarding.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Veterinary Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Veterinary Technician, you need a solid understanding of animal care, basic medical procedures, and often a veterinary technology degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, laboratory equipment, and animal restraint techniques is typically required. Compassion, attention to detail, and strong communication skills are essential soft skills for assisting veterinarians and supporting pet owners. These abilities ensure effective animal care, enhance team efficiency, and foster positive client relationships in a clinical environment.

What are entry level veterinary jobs?

Entry level veterinary jobs are positions within animal healthcare that typically require minimal prior experience and are suitable for recent graduates or those new to the veterinary field. These roles often include veterinary assistants, veterinary technicians, and animal care attendants, where duties may involve assisting veterinarians during examinations, performing basic animal care, and maintaining clinical records. Entry level positions provide valuable hands-on experience, training, and exposure to a variety of animal care tasks, serving as a foundation for career growth in veterinary medicine.

What is the difference between Entry Level Veterinary vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectEntry Level VeterinaryVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in veterinary technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, sheltersSame as Entry Level Veterinary, often with more technical responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level role for those starting in veterinary fieldLicensed or certified role with more advanced duties
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Entry Level Veterinary positions are typically for individuals starting in the veterinary field with minimal formal training, focusing on basic animal care and support tasks. Veterinary Technicians, however, require specialized education and certification, performing more technical procedures. Both roles work in similar environments, but Veterinary Technicians have a higher level of responsibility and technical skill.

What are the most commonly searched types of Veterinary jobs in California? The most popular types of Veterinary jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Veterinary jobs in California? For Entry Level Veterinary jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Veterinary jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Veterinary jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Veterinary jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Veterinary job openings:
Entry Level Veterinary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Veterinary job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,553 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Assistant & Kennel Assistant

Ocean Avenue Veterinary Practice

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$18.75 - $23.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Assistant & Kennel Assistant (Full-Time & Part-Time)
We are a 24/7 veterinary hospital seeking compassionate, reliable, and motivated individuals to join our team as Veterinary Technicians, Veterinary Assistants, and Kennel Assistants. We are currently hiring for multiple shifts, including day, swing, and overnight.
Available Shifts:
  • 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM 
  • 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM 
  • 2:00 PM – 10:30 PM 
  • 4:00 PM – 2:30 AM 

Flexible availability required.
Weekend availability is a must (Saturday, Sunday, or both)

Position Overview:
This role may be entry-level or experienced depending on the position. We are willing to train the right candidate, while also seeking experienced technicians for more advanced responsibilities.
Responsibilities include supporting medical staff, maintaining a clean and organized hospital environment, and providing compassionate care to our patients.
Key Responsibilities:
  •  Clean and maintain runs, cages, exam rooms, and treatment areas. 
  •  Laundry, restocking supplies, and proper waste disposal. 
  •  Assist technicians and doctors as needed. 
  •  Properly restrain animals for exams and procedures. 
  •  Walk and monitor hospitalized pets. 
  •  Assist with X-rays and medical procedures (as applicable). 
  •  Take medical histories and assist with client communication.
  •  Perform basic administrative duties such as phone handling and cash transactions. 
Technical Skills (For Experienced Candidates):
  •  Avimark and IDEXX proficiency. 
  •  Vaccine administration and heartworm testing. 
  •  Blood draws and catheter placement. 
  •  Monitoring anesthesia and patient vitals. 
  •  Sterilization and surgical prep. 
  •  Radiology (X-rays). 
  •  Pharmacological drug calculations. 
Requirements:
  •  Experience not required for entry-level roles; training provided. 
  •  Experience required for Veterinary Technician roles. 
  •  Ability to multitask in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. 
  •  Strong attention to detail and ability to work under pressure. 
  •  Excellent communication and customer service skills. 
  •  Comfortable working with cats and dogs. 
  •  Ability to lift 50+ lbs. 
  •  Reliable and interested in long-term employment. 
  •  Flexible schedule is a must.
Benefits:
  •  Competitive pay 
  •  PPO Medical (Aetna) & Kaiser options 
  •  PPO Dental & Vision 
  •  401(k) with employer match (eligibility after 1 year) 
  •  Short-term & long-term disability 
  •  Life insurance 
  •  Paid time off (after 1 year) 
  •  Employee pet discounts (after probationary period) 

How to Apply:
Please apply here OR submit your resume to oavhmanagement@gmail.com.
 or call 415-586-5327 (Attn: Kelly) to schedule an interview.
We are also welcoming applicants commuting from the East Bay area.