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Large Animal Vet Tech Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Veterinary Technician

Spring, TX · On-site

$38K - $48K/yr

True Animal Vet is seeking a highly skilled and compassionate veterinary technician to join our ... A degree or certification in veterinary technology is not required. We are looking for someone who ...

Vet. Medicine Clinical Services Location: Blacksburg, Virginia Categories: Veterinary Medicine ... About Virginia Tech Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the ...

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Large Animal Vet Tech information

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How much do large animal vet tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for large animal vet tech in the United States is $21.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a large animal vet tech do?

A Large Animal Vet Tech, or Large Animal Veterinary Technician, assists veterinarians in the care and treatment of animals like horses, cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. Their duties often include performing diagnostic tests, administering medications, assisting with surgeries, handling and restraining large animals, and educating animal owners about proper care. These professionals work in environments such as farms, ranches, veterinary clinics, and animal hospitals, and must be comfortable working outdoors and with animals that may be significantly larger than household pets.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a large animal vet tech, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Large Animal Vet Tech, you need expertise in animal handling, medical procedures, and a degree or certification in veterinary technology. Familiarity with livestock management software, laboratory equipment, and diagnostic tools is typically required. Strong communication, physical stamina, and the ability to work well in a team are crucial soft skills. These abilities ensure effective animal care, accurate diagnostics, and smooth collaboration in demanding agricultural and clinical environments.

What is the difference between Large Animal Vet Tech vs Equine Vet Tech?

AspectLarge Animal Vet TechEquine Vet Tech
CredentialsVeterinary Technician Certification, specialized training in large animalsSame as Large Animal Vet Tech, with focus on equine care
Work EnvironmentFarms, ranches, large animal clinicsEquine hospitals, stables, riding facilities
Employer & IndustryVeterinary clinics, animal rescue, farmsEquine veterinary practices, racing stables

Both roles require veterinary technician certification and involve working with large animals. The main difference lies in the specific focus: Large Animal Vet Techs work broadly with various large animals, while Equine Vet Techs specialize in horses. The work environments and employers are similar but tailored to different types of large animals.

Can I be a large animal vet tech?

Large animal vet techs assist veterinarians in caring for farm and livestock animals, often working in rural or farm environments. They typically need a veterinary technician certification and hands-on experience with large animals, including skills in handling and medical procedures. Certification requirements vary by region but generally include completing an accredited veterinary technology program.

Where do large animal vet techs make the most money?

Large animal vet techs tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for veterinary services, such as rural areas with large farms or states with a strong agricultural industry. States with active livestock industries often offer higher wages due to increased specialization and experience requirements. Salary can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the type of employer, such as private practices or large farms.
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What cities are hiring for Large Animal Vet Tech jobs?

Cities with the most Large Animal Vet Tech job openings:

What states have the most Large Animal Vet Tech jobs?

States with the most job openings for Large Animal Vet Tech jobs include:

Infographic showing various Large Animal Vet Tech job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,144 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Vet Tech I Temporary - Large Animal Intensive Care Unit

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Iowa State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

389th of 627 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Title:Vet Tech I Temporary - Large Animal Intensive Care UnitJob Group:MeritRequired Minimum Qualifications: Associate or Bachelor's degree in a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), and Registered, licensed, or certified as a veterinary technician within one year of the start date.Job Description:

Job Description:

At Iowa State University's Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center (LVMC), you'll work alongside a collaborative team of experts dedicated to excellence in diagnosis, treatment, and education-while making a meaningful impact on the future of veterinary medicine.

Under the direction and supervision of a licensed veterinarian, this position provides advanced care for ill and injured equine and farm animal patients. The technician supports a wide range of medical and surgical procedures and plays an integral role in a dynamic teaching environment that includes veterinary students, interns, and residents.

This role offers the opportunity to work with a diverse population of large animal species in a fastpaced hospital setting, contributing to high-quality patient care, efficient hospital operations, and hands-on clinical training.

Under the direction and supervision of a licensed Veterinarian, provides intermediate care for ill and injured animal patients or animals used in a research or hospital setting. May perform veterinary care, animal husbandry, and basic technical skills with fourth-year veterinary students. Provides assistance to students, Veterinarians, and investigative staff in their treatment of animals, teaching, or research functions. Position operates within standard guidelines and alternatives that are known, and any deviation from such requires prior approval. Guidance and mentorship can be provided by Veterinary Technician II or III.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

Assists with basic nursing care on American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification level I and II patients, which are considered healthy or with mild systemic disease. Nursing care to include but not limited to: monitoring body functions (temperature, respiration, heartbeat, amount and frequency of food consumptions, defecation, urination etc.) and noting abnormalities; placing and maintaining intravenous catheters; administering fluids and medications orally, parenterally, and enterally; and performing other basic treatments.

Collects and processes samples for research, diagnostic, and clinical purposes.

Assists with basic preparatory procedures on various animal species and assists staff members in surgical, medical, or laboratory procedure preparation, including instrument and supply set up.

Administers anesthesia and monitors patient response through the recovery period for ASA I-II patients.

Maintains orderly and sanitary work areas for clinical, teaching, and research facilities.

Stocks and organizes patient exam rooms, treatment areas, holding areas and operating rooms.

May assist with entering hospital costs and medical records into the computer to create accurate records for billing accounts.

Assists with set up, inventory, maintenance, security, and repairs for equipment and instruments used in surgical procedures, emergencies and/or lab sessions.

Utilizes ultrasound machines and x-rays, assist with MRI, or other related imaging equipment for patient diagnostics.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of animal health and welfare - animal isolation, sample collection, medical treatment, nursing and monitoring, pre & post-surgical requirements including room and supply preparation.

Knowledge of pharmacology - dosage, calculations, and usage.

Knowledge of animal husbandry - animal feeding, watering, grooming, handling, safe transporting, and environmental requirements.

Knowledge of record maintenance - collecting and recording data.

Knowledge of trimming, clipping, or grooming animals.

Knowledge of teaching and/or demonstration of safe animal handling.

Knowledge of regulatory requirements (Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service, etc.).

Ability to handle, restrain, move, load, and unload animals.

Ability to administer medication - topical, injectable, oral, and rectal.

Ability to check and interpret vital signs.

Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 70 pounds.

Ability to instruct and demonstrate veterinary techniques in handling, grooming, and nursing animals.

Ability to interact in a professional capacity.

Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Ability to prioritize daily tasks.

Ability to work in high stress environments.

Knowledge of computers, computerized medical record systems, and word processing software, such as Microsoft Word and Excel.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with restraining animals.

  • Experience working in veterinary setting.

  • Prior experience with large animals

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Appointment Type:Temporary (Fixed Term)Proposed End Date or Length of Term:April 27, 2027Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:Part timePay Grade:7601aOriginal Posting Date:April 14, 2026Posting Close Date:Job Requisition Number:R18988

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.


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