1

Equine Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Clinical Veterinary Assistant

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

Clinical Veterinary Assistant Apply now Back to search results Job no: 537291 Work type: Staff ... Equine Medical Ancillary Location: Leesburg, Virginia Categories: Veterinary Medicine Assists ...

CSR/Clinical Veterinary Assistant

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$14 - $19/hr

CSR/Clinical Veterinary Assistant Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536877 Work type: Staff ... Equine Medical Ancillary Location: Leesburg, Virginia Categories: Veterinary Medicine This position ...

College of Veterinary Medicine Department: Equine Medical Ancillary Location: Leesburg, Virginia ... research animals, assist with patient handling and grooming, maintain clean and safe barn ...

Patient Care Vet Assistant

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

Patient Care Vet Assistant Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536878 Work type: Hourly Wage ... Veterinary Medicine This position provides care for equine patients through administration of ...

Patient Care Vet Assistant

Blacksburg, VA

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

Patient Care Vet Assistant Apply now Back to search results Job no: 537472 Work type: Hourly Wage ... Veterinary Medicine This position provides care for equine patients through administration of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Equine Veterinary Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do equine veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for equine veterinary assistant in Virginia is $17.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $18.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an equine veterinary assistant?

Equine Veterinary Assistants are professionals who support veterinarians in the care and treatment of horses. Their responsibilities often include handling and restraining horses during examinations, assisting with medical procedures, preparing and cleaning equipment, administering medications under supervision, and maintaining patient records. They play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of horses and the smooth operation of equine veterinary practices. Good communication skills, knowledge of horse behavior, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are important for this job.

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

To thrive as an Equine Veterinary Assistant, you need a solid understanding of horse anatomy and behavior, basic animal care skills, and often a relevant certification or diploma. Familiarity with veterinary medical equipment, record-keeping systems, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are essential for ensuring the well-being of equine patients, supporting veterinarians effectively, and maintaining a safe, efficient clinical environment.

What are some common challenges equine veterinary assistants face when working in the field, and how can they prepare for them?

Equine Veterinary Assistants often work in dynamic environments where horses may be nervous or unpredictable, especially during medical procedures. Physical stamina and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential, as the job regularly involves handling large animals outdoors and in varying weather conditions. Building strong communication skills helps when coordinating with veterinarians, horse owners, and other team members. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteer work can also better prepare candidates for the unique demands of equine practice.

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

AspectEquine Veterinary AssistantEquine Veterinary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in veterinary technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentStables, clinics, outdoor settingsVeterinary clinics, hospitals, equine facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with basic care, handling horses, cleaningPerforming medical procedures, assisting veterinarians, lab work

Equine Veterinary Assistants typically have less formal education and focus on basic care and handling, working closely with veterinarians in outdoor and stable environments. Equine Veterinary Technicians have specialized training, perform more complex medical tasks, and work in clinical settings. Both roles are essential in equine healthcare but differ in education, responsibilities, and work environment.

Can I be an equine veterinary assistant with no experience?

Equine veterinary assistants typically do not need prior experience, as on-the-job training is common. Basic knowledge of horse care, good communication skills, and a willingness to learn are important, and some employers may prefer candidates with related certifications or animal handling experience.

How to become an equine veterinary assistant?

To become an equine veterinary assistant, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should gain experience working with horses, such as volunteering or assisting at farms or stables. Some employers prefer candidates with knowledge of equine care, basic animal handling skills, and familiarity with veterinary procedures; certification is not usually required but can enhance job prospects.

Where do equine veterinary assistants make the most money?

Equine veterinary assistants tend to earn higher wages in regions with a strong equine industry, such as areas with many horse farms, racing tracks, or large equine clinics. Salaries can also increase with experience, certifications, and working in specialized or high-demand environments. However, overall compensation varies widely based on location and employer.

What job categories do people searching Equine Veterinary Assistant jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Equine Veterinary Assistant jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Equine Veterinary Assistant jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Equine Veterinary Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Equine Veterinary Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,552 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

$16 - $20/hr

Full-time, Other

Posted 13 days ago


Virginia Tech rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

236th of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Clinical Veterinary Assistant
Job no: 537291
Work type: Staff
Senior management: College of Veterinary Medicine
Department: Equine Medical Ancillary
Location: Leesburg, Virginia
Categories: Veterinary Medicine
Job Description
Assists clinicians with the performance of their daily patient care needs including emergency, outpatient and inpatient cases. Provides quality care for all equine patients to include intensive care cases. The role of the Clinical Veterinary Assistant is to provide treatments and medication administration, assist with diagnostic procedures involving all imaging modalities, operating room support and case circulation, laboratory and pathology testing, necropsy support, dispensary support, and anesthesia recovery support. Provides skills training for veterinary technician students, veterinary students and interns. Provides shared rotational emergency after-hours and weekend on-call coverage for the operating room and after-hours (evening and night shift) coverage for the nursing department.
Required Qualifications
Current experience handling and working with a variety of sport, pleasure and competition horses. Skills and knowledge to assist with a variety of biomedical, performance, imaging, nursing, clinical laboratory and pathology/necropsy, and equine veterinary care procedures. Working knowledge of equine anatomy and veterinary terminology. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to follow established protocol and procedures. Ability to make decisions and react quickly in order to maintain the safety of patients and personnel. Experience with computers. Must be able to safely move and handle up to 50 pounds.
Preferred Qualifications
Licensed Veterinary Technician. Experience with a veterinary practice management information system.
Pay Band
3 Salary
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
48,000 - 58,000
Hours per week
40
Review Date
9/4; will remain open until filled
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Sonya Smith Kessler at skessler@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: August 21, 2026
Applications close:
Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App

What Virginia Tech employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Virginia Tech logo

About Virginia Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

Social media