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Large Animal Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA

Veterinary Assistant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

At VCA Animal Hospitals, we are committed to equity, inclusion, and diversity and strive to be a ... Access to the people and financial resources of a large veterinary community * Growth & leadership ...

At VCA Animal Hospitals, we are committed to equity, inclusion, and diversity and strive to be a ... Access to the people and financial resources of a large veterinary community * Growth & leadership ...

Veterinary Assistant

Annandale, VA · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Veterinary Assistant - Columbia Pike Animal Hospital & Emergency Center About: Located in Northern Virginia, our hospitals are under the same private and actively involved ownership since 1974. Our ...

The Veterinary Assistant will have a true passion for animal welfare and veterinary care as they work with our Doctors and LVTs to provide world class care for our patients. They will help ensure the ...

Veterinary Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

$17.75 - $22.25/hr

... Animal Hospital at The Parks Date Published 08-17-2026 Pay Class Full-Time Base Min. $ 18.5 Base ... Joining Livewell means becoming part of a larger network that is designed to help you succeed in ...

Veterinary Assistant

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Catoctin Veterinary Clinic, a long-standing small animal practice serving Leesburg and Loudoun County since 1978, is looking for an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our growing team. If you ...

Showing results 21-40

Large Animal Veterinary Assistant information

See Reston, VA salary details

$10

$17

$24

How much do large animal veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for large animal veterinary assistant in Reston, VA is $17.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $19.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a large animal veterinary assistant?

A Large Animal Veterinary Assistant helps veterinarians care for livestock and farm animals such as horses, cattle, pigs, and sheep. Their duties include restraining animals, assisting with medical procedures, cleaning equipment, administering medications, and handling routine care tasks. They often work on farms, ranches, or veterinary clinics, sometimes traveling to different locations. This role requires physical stamina, basic animal care knowledge, and strong communication skills to assist both vets and animal owners.

What does a large animal veterinary assistant do?

A typical day for a Large Animal Veterinary Assistant involves assisting veterinarians during farm visits or in-clinic procedures, restraining animals safely, preparing and cleaning equipment, and keeping detailed records. You may also help with administering medications, collecting samples, and providing basic animal care such as feeding or monitoring recovery. The role often requires working outdoors and traveling to farms or ranches, sometimes under challenging weather conditions. Teamwork is crucial, as you’ll routinely coordinate with veterinarians, technicians, and animal owners. This varied and hands-on work environment offers valuable experience and exposure to a wide range of large animal care practices.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a large animal veterinary assistant?

To thrive as a Large Animal Veterinary Assistant, you need practical animal handling skills, basic knowledge of animal health, and at least a high school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training or experience with large animals is highly valued. Familiarity with veterinary medical equipment, safety protocols, and animal restraint techniques is important, and some employers may require certification in animal care or first aid. Strong communication, teamwork, and physical stamina are essential soft skills for supporting veterinarians and interacting with clients. These skills ensure safe, efficient care for animals, effective team collaboration, and positive client experiences in demanding agricultural or clinical environments.

How much does a large animal veterinary assistant make?

The average salary for a large animal veterinary assistant is around $25,000 to $35,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages. Many assistants work in farm or clinic environments and may require knowledge of animal handling and basic medical procedures.

Where do large animal veterinary assistants make the most money?

Large animal veterinary assistants tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for agricultural or livestock services, such as rural areas with extensive farming operations. States or areas with a strong agricultural industry often offer better compensation due to the specialized nature of the work and the need for experienced assistants. Salary can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the size of the practice or farm.

What job categories do people searching Large Animal Veterinary Assistant jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Large Animal Veterinary Assistant jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Large Animal Veterinary Assistant jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Large Animal Veterinary Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Large Animal Veterinary Assistant job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,307 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Veterinary Assistant

VCA Animal Hospitals

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


VCA Animal Hospitals rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 658 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 52 rated veterinary


Job description

Seeking a Veterinary Assistant!
VCA University Veterinary Clinic is seeking a full time Veterinary Assistant to join our full service hospital in Fairfax, VA! We work hard to deliver the best medical care to each patient, and we are excited to welcome a likeminded professional to the team! We have a unique culture in our hospital that values each person's individual skill and personality, and we truly support your desire to grow medically. There's something special about you and we are excited to learn more!
Surgical experience is required for this position.
Why join the VCA University team?
We are passionate about supporting our veterinary assistants and technicians and are committed to your continuing education and personal career development. At VCA Animal Hospitals, we are committed to equity, inclusion, and diversity and strive to be a place where a talented mix of people want to come, stay, and do their best work. We support a work environment where you can focus on your career, happiness, and the patients you serve.
Some of the benefits we offer:
  • Access to the people and financial resources of a large veterinary community
  • Growth & leadership opportunities
  • Career development programs
  • Veterinary Technology degree tuition support and scholarships
  • Veterinary Technician license reimbursement
  • Medical, dental & vision insurance
  • Generous hospital discounts and product discounts
  • Employer-paid life, long- and short-term disability insurance
  • Paid vacation and sick time
  • Paid parental leave
  • 401(k)
  • Free mental health resources and wellness subscriptions (Headspace)
  • Referral bonuses
  • Competitive wage
  • Opportunities to give back through strong Shelter partnerships and VCA Charities
  • Full-time and Part-time positions available

Why We Want You
As a member of the VCA team, you will help create and maintain a positive, low-stress atmosphere for our clients and patients. Your mission will be to win the confidence of every pet parent-by delivering an outstanding client experience-so we can provide exceptional care to every patient.
Whether you are a seasoned Veterinary Assistant or a Technician in training, we want you to use the knowledge that you've invested your time and talent in. The skills that will be utilized include, but are not limited to:
  • Compassionate patient care
  • Client education and care
  • Pharmacy and medication administration
  • Lab sample collection and processing
  • Diagnostic imaging
  • Surgical preparation and assisting
  • Anesthesia monitoring
  • Dentistry
  • Medical recordkeeping

The pay range for this position is $18-$22/hr.
Ready to grow with a collaborative and supportive team? Apply now- We look forward to hearing from you!
If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.
Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!
The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.

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