ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Equine Surgical Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

National Veterinary Associates

Maher is board certified in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR) as well as Equine Surgery ... Position Overview We are a practice of 2 equine veterinarians, 2 veterinary assistants and 1 Office ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEquine Surgical JobsEquine Surgical Assistant Jobs

Equine Surgical Assistant information

See salary details

$13

$27

$62

How much do equine surgical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for equine surgical assistant in the United States is $27.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an equine surgical assistant?

Equine Surgical Assistants are specialized veterinary professionals who support veterinarians during the surgical care of horses. Their duties typically include preparing the surgical area, assisting with anesthesia, monitoring the horse’s vital signs, and ensuring that all equipment is sterile and ready for use. They also help with post-operative care and may assist in restraining horses to keep them calm and safe. Equine Surgical Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring surgeries are performed efficiently and safely, both for the animals and the veterinary team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an equine surgical assistant?

To thrive as an Equine Surgical Assistant, you need a solid background in animal science or veterinary technology, experience handling horses, and often certification as a veterinary technician. Familiarity with surgical instruments, anesthesia monitoring equipment, and medical record systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the safety of both horses and staff, as well as the efficiency and success of surgical procedures.

What are the most common challenges faced by equine surgical assistants during surgical procedures?

Equine Surgical Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing large and sometimes unpredictable animals, maintaining a sterile environment in less-than-ideal conditions, and responding quickly to changes during surgery. The physical demands of restraining or moving horses, as well as the need for excellent communication with veterinarians and other team members, require strong teamwork and adaptability. Overcoming these challenges is key to ensuring both patient safety and a successful surgical outcome.

What is the difference between Equine Surgical Assistant vs Equine Veterinary Technician?

AspectEquine Surgical AssistantEquine Veterinary Technician
CredentialsTypically requires specialized training or certification in equine surgery supportRequires veterinary technician certification (CVT, RVT) and relevant experience
Work EnvironmentAssists during equine surgeries in clinics or hospitalsWorks in clinics, hospitals, assisting with diagnostics, treatments, and surgeries
Employer & Industry UsageUsed mainly in equine surgical settings, clinics, and hospitalsCommonly employed in veterinary practices, including equine clinics

While both roles support equine health, the Equine Surgical Assistant primarily focuses on assisting during surgeries, often with specialized training, whereas the Equine Veterinary Technician has broader responsibilities in diagnostics and patient care, with formal veterinary technician credentials.

What cities are hiring for Equine Surgical Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Equine Surgical Assistant job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Equine Surgical Assistant jobs?

For Equine Surgical Assistant jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Equine Surgical Assistant job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,122 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Equine Surgeon's Assistant - Bluegrass Equine Surgery

Versailles, KY • On-site

Bluegrass Equine Surgery
See more jobs at Bluegrass Equine Surgeryexternal

$17 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist the Surgeon during surgeries and prepare surgical sites.

  • Support the surgical team with patient restraint, vital measurements, blood collection, wound care, and x-rays.

  • Maintain the Surgeon's work vehicle and facilitate efficiency during farm calls.

Job description

PetVet Care Centers' Bluegrass Equine Surgery is currently seeking an Equine Surgeon's Assistant to join their team!
At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people - providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage - for all the moments that matter.
Because life is better with pets.
We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience - every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.
With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:
  • Local autonomy with national support
  • Career mobility and development opportunities
  • A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.
Position Overview
Join our team as an Equine Surgeon's Assistant who is responsible for providing comprehensive support to the Surgeon. They deliver quality care for all patients and provide exceptional service.
Bluegrass Equine Surgery (BES) in Versailles, Kentucky, is an equine veterinary practice providing exceptional client service and primary medical care in the central Kentucky region. We are building a new, diverse, supportive, and driven team.
Hours: Monday-Friday, hours vary, 40 hours per week
Reports to: Surgeon, Surgery Operation Manager
Department: Surgery
Location: Hospital and Ambulatory
Compensation: Hourly, based on experience, includes benefits
DUTIES
General
  • Provide sophisticated calendar management for Surgeon.
  • Anticipate needs and help make executive decisions with Surgeon and Surgery Operations Manager
  • Act as a liaison and provide support to the Surgery Operations Manager and Administrative Department
  • Complete a broad variety of organizational tasks that facilitate the Surgeon's ability to effectively lead the organization
  • Work closely with the Surgeon to keep them well informed of upcoming commitments and responsibilities, following up appropriately.
  • Model professionalism and ethical practices

Surgery
  • Organize with surgery team - setups for surgery and positioning of patients for surgery
  • Assist during surgery as needed
  • Complete sterile prep of surgery sites
  • Clean wrap and sterilize packs
  • Restrain patients as needed
  • Take vital measurements on patients
  • Take blood for laboratory procedures
  • Scrub, clean, rinse, and bandage wounds
  • Take x-rays
  • Gather medical history and proper information for Coggins, fill out forms, take pictures, identify markings

Ambulatory
  • Maintain Surgeon's work vehicle
  • Drive work vehicle on daily farm call route
  • Facilitate efficiency during farm call setup and breakdown.
  • Gather proper information for billing
  • Take x-rays, assist with exams and lameness injections.

Other
  • Promote cooperative working environment among staff members; understand the value of teamwork; show enthusiasm and willingness to perform as necessary to help the practice function as a unit.
  • Understand and carry out oral and written directions
  • Maintain positive, cooperative relationships with other employees
  • Promotes continuous quality improvement
  • Performs other duties as assigned

EXPERIENCE
  • Work exposure to all aspects of an equine business enterprise
  • Ability to read horse body language and perform advanced handling of horses and foals
  • Self-motivated lifelong learner
  • Work well independently and as part of a team
  • Client/Customer service background

PERSONAL
  • Feel and express a genuine liking for animals and for working in an animal-care environment
  • Work under the broad general administrative supervision of the owners and doctors, and use sound personal judgment in selecting methods, establishing priorities, and arriving at conclusions
  • May be required to work uncommon hours, overtime, and be subject to recall in emergency situations
  • Be flexible in attitude and work habits

Schedule
  • Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week (Full-Time)
  • Ideally would be flexible, willing to step in on extra days if needed

What We Offer
We care deeply about supporting our team members - professionally and personally. Benefits include:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
  • 401(k) with discretionary contribution
  • Team Member Pet Discounts
  • Emotional wellbeing support - including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
  • CE stipends and career development resources
  • Grant Circle - a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
  • Local hospital culture backed by national resources

At PetVet Care Centers, we're committed to a Culture of Care - for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 400 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.
Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you're providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.
You care for pets. We care for you.
PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V
PetVet respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. Please see our privacy notice for additional information about our data practices.

Apply