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Large Animal Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

VCA Animal Hospitals

Veterinary Assistant

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital is hiring an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our team ... Access to the people and resources of a large veterinary community * Advancement and leadership ...

Vetcor

Veterinary Assistant

Laurel, MD

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

North Laurel Animal Hospital is Hiring a Veterinary Assistant! Position Details Role: Veterinary Assistant Status: Full-time Salary: Competitive and based on experience Schedule: Flexible Schedule to ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

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 ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

Veterinary Assistant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$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 ...

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Large Animal Veterinary Assistant information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$10

$17

$24

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

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for large animal veterinary assistant in Silver Spring, MD is $17.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $19.62 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 are popular job titles related to Large Animal Veterinary Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Large Animal Veterinary Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Large Animal Veterinary Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Large Animal Veterinary Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Large Animal Veterinary Assistant jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Large Animal Veterinary Assistant job openings:

Large Animal Veterinary Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Large Animal Veterinary Assistant job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,071 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Animal Medical Centers - Veterinary Assistant

Animal Medical Centers of Loudoun - Ashburn

Ashburn, VA • On-site

$16 - $20.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Founded in 2002, Animal Medical Centers of Loudoun boasts a relaxed, collaborative staff and a long-standing positive presence in the community. We have two practice locations 15 minutes apart in Ashburn and Brambleton with a strong, experienced team of veterinarians across both locations, including a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. We see a small animal and exotics caseload!
Veterinary Assistant - Position Summary
The Veterinary Assistant plays a key role in supporting our veterinarians and medical team during exams, diagnostics, and treatments. This position focuses on delivering compassionate patient care while creating a positive, trusting experience for clients.
Veterinary Assistants are essential to maintaining efficient workflow and high-quality medicine across both of our hospital locations. In this role, you'll work closely with doctors, technicians, and client service representatives to ensure every patient receives individualized, gold-standard care.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Provide compassionate, attentive care to patients and excellent service to clients
  • Support veterinarians during exams, diagnostics, treatments, and surgical procedures (as trained)
  • Safely handle and restrain animals of varying sizes and temperaments
  • Prepare and administer medications and vaccines as directed
  • Collect laboratory samples and perform basic in-house diagnostics, including:
    • Cytology (ears, skin, urine)
    • In-house lab equipment (IDEXX ProCyte and Catalyst)
  • Accurately enter medical records, treatment plans, and charges using Avimark
  • Educate clients on routine care, medications, and follow-up instructions
  • Assist with client communication, including answering phones, routing questions, and completing follow-up calls
  • Maintain clean, organized exam rooms and treatment areas
  • Collaborate with team members across both hospital locations to support daily operations
  • Handle sensitive or emotional situations with professionalism and empathy
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • Previous Veterinary experience >1 year
  • Comfortable learning and using veterinary software and basic computer programs
  • Strong communication skills and a team-oriented mindset
  • Ability to stay organized and adapt in a fast-paced environment
  • Willingness to learn and grow in a hands-on medical setting
Physical & Work Requirements
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs and assist with handling larger animals
  • Comfortable standing, walking, bending, and kneeling throughout the day
  • Ability to work safely around cleaning agents, medical equipment, and animal-related risks
  • Maintain a professional appearance consistent with hospital standards
Schedule & Location
This position requires flexibility to support both of our hospital locations in Ashburn and Brambleton, located approximately 10-15 minutes apart. Team members are scheduled across both locations as part of a collaborative, shared staffing model.
Hospital Hours:
  • Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
  • Saturday (Ashburn location only): 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Schedules may vary within these hours based on hospital needs.

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