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Entry Level Veterinary Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

Vet Tech I

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$28.53/hr

For this entry-level position, the individual must be able to work in a team setting to gain necessary skills to become a productive member of the ULAR veterinary team. This individual will rely on ...

Entry Level Veterinary information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$12

$21

$32

How much do entry level veterinary jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level veterinary in Philadelphia, PA is $21.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.93 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level veterinary technician?

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 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 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.

Can you work at an entry level veterinary with no experience?

Entry-level veterinary assistant positions often do not require prior experience, as on-the-job training is typically provided. However, having basic knowledge of animal care, good communication skills, and a high school diploma can improve chances of hiring. Certifications such as veterinary assistant courses can also be beneficial but are not always mandatory for entry-level roles.

How to start a career in veterinary?

To start a career as a veterinary professional, obtain a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology or animal science, then complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program accredited by the AVMA. Licensing requirements include passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), and gaining hands-on experience through internships or externships is highly recommended.

What are the most commonly searched types of Veterinary jobs in Philadelphia, PA?

The most popular types of Veterinary jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Veterinary jobs in Philadelphia, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Veterinary jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Veterinary job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,554 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Scientist, Clinical Services (Onsite, Weekend Shift)

Merck & Co., Inc.

West Point, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Merck rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Job Description
Our company, a global healthcare leader, is currently seeking an entry-level Veterinary Associate to join our collaborative, dynamic, and inclusive Laboratory Animal Science Team at the West Point location.
The successful candidate will execute study support and veterinary care for large and small animals supporting various research programs. This position requires weekend coverage with a Saturday through Wednesday schedule or a Wednesday through Sunday schedule. On-site and hands-on study-related lab work will be a crucial part of the role. The role also requires the ability to apply sound technical skills and animal health knowledge to assigned tasks, often with minimal supervision.
Our company values collaboration, coordination, and communication. We aim to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and provide a vibrant learning environment where new skills can be honed, and innovative solutions can be explored. If you are interested in contributing to groundbreaking research within a team that prioritizes respect and collaboration, we would love to hear from you.
Responsibilities:
  • Carry out study support procedures and medical treatment regimens for research animals under the guidance of the veterinarian and research staff.
  • Triage weekend emergencies and treat as needed per guidance from the veterinarian
  • Assist in or conduct aseptic surgical procedures, suturing, peri and postoperative care.
  • Perform diagnostic radiography and specific imaging techniques and conduct routine clinical pathology procedures.
  • Administer injectable and inhalation anesthetic agents under the guidance of a veterinarian.
  • Maintain accurate, timely, and well-organized records of animal treatments, procedures, inventories, study data, research protocols, and reports.
  • Collaborate effectively as a team player with principal investigators, scientific staff, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, IACUC members, facility managers, and animal care technicians. Work cross-functionally on ongoing in vivo discovery research and development projects.
  • Excel in interdisciplinary environments and maintaining strong communication with colleagues from different fields.
  • Under supervision, independently recognize study/project hurdles (operational, technical, and scientific) and propose solutions.
  • Manage study timelines and objectives, ensure accuracy of study data within corporate databases and project tracking tools.
  • Communicate study results and data interpretation to cross-functional project teams.
  • Comply with US and our company specific rules and regulations, e.g., Animal Welfare Act, The Guide, 3R principles, FDA and other regulatory bodies.
  • Promote and uphold a culture of different, fairness, and inclusion within the laboratory, actively contributing to an environment where all team members feel respected, included, and can perform at their best.
  • Work independently and be proactive in seeking opportunities, while also contributing positively to team dynamics.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
  • Animal handling and dosing experience
  • Veterinary Technician certification preferred but not required
  • Demonstrable passion for animal care and welfare.
  • Technical and scientific skills and a willingness to understand the R&D process.
  • Experience with ocular research techniques and imaging equipment
  • Ability to independently recognize challenges (technical, scientific, or study-related) and provide relevant input for solution/problem solving.
  • Proactive, innovative, and solution-oriented mindset.
  • Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
  • Demonstrable commitment to fostering a different, and inclusive working environment.
  • Independence and initiative in seeking new opportunities as well as being a productive team member.
  • Commitment to maintaining high safety and regulatory standards.
  • Certifications (not required) - e.g., CVT, ASR, ALAT, LAT, LATg, CMAR

# DPTM
# eligibleforERP
Required Skills:
Animal Welfare, Biotechnology Research, Blood Specimen Collection, Clinical Development, Clinical Research, Clinical Trial Development, Equipment Validations, Ethical Standards, Laboratory Documentation, Laboratory Research, Laboratory Techniques, Registered Laboratory Animal Technologist (RLATG), Research Programs, Safety Standards, Use of Laboratory Equipment
Preferred Skills:
Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:
Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.
As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:
EEOC Know Your Rights
EEOC GINA Supplement
We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.
Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts
The salary range for this role is
$87,300.00 - $137,400.00
This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.
The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.
You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.
San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Employee Status:
Regular
Relocation:
No relocation
VISA Sponsorship:
No
Travel Requirements:
10%
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable
Shift:
Not Indicated
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
Hazardous Chemical, Radio active materials
Job Posting End Date:
09/7/2026
*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

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