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Lead Veterinary Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Assistant (VA)

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Take thorough history from clients, obtain vital signs on patients, record all in medical record, work with lead veterinary assistant, veterinarian, and other team members in obtaining diagnostic ...

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The assistant will report to both the Lead Veterinary Technician and the Office Manager, ensuring smooth daily operations and excellent client service, including some Saturday shifts from 10 AM to 5 ...

Lead Veterinary Technician Mt. Nittany Veterinary Hospital - 200 Elmwood St State College, PA Pay ... Training and onboarding new technicians and veterinary assistants * Coaching team members through ...

Lead Veterinary Technician Mt. Nittany Veterinary Hospital - 200 Elmwood St State College, PA Pay ... Training and onboarding new technicians and veterinary assistants * Coaching team members through ...

NY · On-site

LEAD VETERINARY TECHNICIAN Our Cocnut Creek practice in sunny Florida is looking for a Lead ... Partner with veterinarian management on team accountability, resolution, and assist with follow ...

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Lead Veterinary Assistant information

See salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do lead veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead veterinary assistant in the United States is $17.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead veterinary assistant?

Lead Veterinary Assistants are experienced veterinary support professionals who oversee the daily operations of veterinary assistants within an animal care facility. They assist veterinarians during examinations and procedures, manage patient records, and often help train and mentor new staff members. In addition to providing direct animal care, Lead Veterinary Assistants coordinate workflow, ensure adherence to clinic protocols, and serve as a bridge between the veterinary team and support staff. Their role is essential in maintaining a high standard of patient care and efficient clinic operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead veterinary assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Veterinary Assistant, you need a solid background in animal care, medical procedures, and veterinary terminology, often supported by a certificate in veterinary assisting and relevant experience. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, laboratory equipment, and animal restraint techniques is essential. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills help you coordinate teams and support veterinarians effectively. These skills ensure high standards of animal care, efficient clinic operations, and a positive environment for both staff and clients.

What are some common challenges faced by a lead veterinary assistant, and how can they be managed?

As a Lead Veterinary Assistant, one common challenge is balancing administrative responsibilities with hands-on patient care. You'll often oversee scheduling, inventory, and mentoring junior assistants while also assisting veterinarians during procedures. Managing time effectively and maintaining clear communication with both the veterinary team and clients is essential. Developing strong organizational skills and fostering a collaborative environment can help ensure smooth clinic operations and high-quality patient care.

What is the difference between Lead Veterinary Assistant vs Veterinary Assistant?

AspectLead Veterinary AssistantVeterinary Assistant
CertificationsOften requires certification or specialized trainingTypically no formal certification required
Work EnvironmentSupervises staff, manages daily operationsSupports veterinarians and technicians in clinical tasks
ResponsibilitiesOversees other assistants, handles inventory, assists with complex proceduresPrepares exam rooms, restrains animals, assists with basic procedures

The Lead Veterinary Assistant generally has more responsibilities, including supervising staff and managing daily operations, while the Veterinary Assistant focuses on supporting veterinarians with routine clinical tasks. Both roles are essential in veterinary clinics, but the lead position involves additional leadership and organizational duties.

What cities are hiring for Lead Veterinary Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Lead Veterinary Assistant job openings:

What states have the most Lead Veterinary Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Lead Veterinary Assistant jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Lead Veterinary Assistant jobs?

For Lead Veterinary Assistant jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Lead Veterinary Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,859 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Veterinary Assistant (VA)

Charlotte, NC • On-site

CityVet
Veterinary Services • 501 - 1,000 employees

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


CityVet rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

We are looking for the right person to join our team!
CityVet Uptown Charlotte, a progressive growing veterinary hospital, is looking for a Veterinary Assistant -- with a minimum of 2 years of veterinary medical experience -- to join our team.
Responsibilities
The Veterinary Assistant (VA) is responsible for maintaining excellent patient care and operational productivity by helping the Veterinary Assistant manage their time and efforts to meet the needs of our clients and patients. The Veterinary Assistant works to relieve the Veterinary from technical work and administrative detail to achieve greater levels of efficiency in daily practice. Veterinary Assistants help facilitate and streamline the communication from the operating room to the front office staff and most importantly, the client.
Essential qualifications:
  • At least 2 years of veterinary in clinic experience
  • Displays critical thinking ability and active listening skills
  • Maturity, good judgement and professional demeanor
  • Ability to work weekends and some holidays; our schedules are always made 6-8 weeks in advance, allowing plenty of time for requests for specific days off
  • Understanding and ability to properly and safely restrain animals, position for radiographs, draw blood, run diagnostics, fill medications as directed
  • Knowledgeable of veterinary medical software - EzyVet is helpful but not required
  • Lift 50 lbs to waist height
  • Frequent standing, bending, walking, lifting, carrying, and reaching
  • Strong time management skills
  • Excellent communication & listening skills
  • Positive attitude, self-motivated & team-oriented
  • Ability to remain calm and empathetic in stressful/emergency situations
  • Bilingual Spanish / English very helpful but not required
  • Surgery/Anesthesia prep and monitoring skills and experience required, dental experience preferred but not required.
  • High School Diploma or GED completed

A day in the life:
  • Take thorough history from clients, obtain vital signs on patients, record all in medical record, work with lead veterinary assistant, veterinarian, and other team members in obtaining diagnostic samples, following the plan laid out by the veterinarian, putting in charges and answering client questions
  • Walk each client to the door with a genuine smile that comes from a heart to serve
  • Attend weekly staff meetings
  • Assists the Veterinarian in preparing patients for medical, surgical, and dental procedures and post procedure patient care, discharge preparation.
  • Effectively partner with the Veterinarian and other Veterinary Assistants (VA) in proper patient triage protocol following SOPs in effective and compassionate manner.

Taking care of our team in a Purr-worthy way
The well-being of our staff members is essential because caring for people and their pets is physically, emotionally and mentally demanding. CityVet prioritizes meeting the full range of physical and mental well-being needs of our people.
  • Health, vision and dental insurance offered to full time employees
  • 401-k program
  • PTO
  • Life and disability insurance programs
  • Generous Pet-care Discounts
  • Uniform Allowance
  • Flexible Schedules - full time is 36-40 hrs/wk
Skills & Requirements Qualifications
Haven't found your role?
Visit our careers page HERE to complete a comprehensive search for a role that fits your personality and skill set.
Know the perfect pet lover?
Submit your contact information HERE for an opportunity to receive up to $10,000 if your contact is hired and meets our Community Referral Program qualifications. Read more about the program HERE!
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