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Overnight Veterinary Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overnight Veterinary Technician or Veterinary Assistant Status: Full-time Salary: $23-28 (depending on experience) Schedule: Four 10-hour overnight shifts from 9:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m. The position ...

Overnight Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Technician, or Registered Veterinary Technician Status: Full-time Salary: Negotiable and based on experience Schedule: Three overnight shifts per week, 7:00 ...

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Overnight Veterinary Assistant information

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How much do overnight veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for overnight 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.

How long does it take to be a CVT?

Becoming a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) typically requires completing a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), which takes about two years for an associate degree. After graduation, candidates must pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) to become licensed or certified, a process that can take several months depending on individual study schedules.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Overnight Veterinary Assistant position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Overnight Veterinary Assistant, you need a basic understanding of animal care, strong observational skills, and experience in a veterinary or animal-related field. Familiarity with veterinary record-keeping systems, laboratory equipment, and animal restraint techniques is often required, and certification as a Veterinary Assistant (such as AVA) can be advantageous. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and a calm demeanor under pressure help you excel in overnight shifts when fewer staff may be present. These skills ensure the safety, comfort, and proper care of animal patients during non-traditional hours, supporting veterinarians and ensuring continuous care.

What is the top pay for a veterinary assistant?

The top pay for a veterinary assistant typically ranges from $15 to $20 per hour, with some experienced or specialized assistants earning higher wages. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and the type of veterinary practice, with some earning over $40,000 annually. Advancement opportunities and additional certifications can also influence earning potential.

Can I be a vet assistant with no experience?

Yes, entry-level veterinary assistant positions often do not require prior experience, as on-the-job training is typically provided. Basic skills such as animal handling, communication, and a willingness to learn are valuable, and some employers may prefer candidates with related certifications or coursework in animal care. However, having some familiarity with veterinary procedures can improve your chances of being hired.

What are some common challenges faced by Overnight Veterinary Assistants, and how can I prepare for them?

Overnight Veterinary Assistants often encounter challenges such as responding to emergency cases, managing anxious or critically ill animals, and working with limited on-site staffing. You may also need to balance multiple tasks independently, from monitoring post-surgical patients to cleaning and restocking facilities. Preparing by gaining hands-on experience with animal handling, familiarizing yourself with emergency protocols, and developing strong time management skills can help you confidently navigate overnight shifts. This role is well suited for individuals who work well under pressure and are comfortable making decisions with minimal supervision. Collaboration with the on-call veterinary team and clear communication are essential for ensuring excellent patient care throughout the night.

Do vets have overnight staff?

Overnight veterinary assistants are often employed in veterinary clinics and hospitals to provide care outside regular hours. They handle tasks such as monitoring hospitalized animals, administering medication, and assisting with emergencies, often working night shifts or overnight shifts as part of the veterinary team. Having relevant skills and certifications can be important for these roles.

What is an Overnight Veterinary Assistant job?

An Overnight Veterinary Assistant provides care and support for animals in a veterinary clinic or hospital during nighttime hours. Responsibilities include monitoring patients, assisting with treatments, maintaining clean kennels, and supporting veterinarians and technicians. This role requires attention to detail, compassion for animals, and the ability to work independently. Overnight shifts are crucial in ensuring continuous care for hospitalized pets.

More about Overnight Veterinary Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Overnight Veterinary Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Overnight Veterinary Assistant job openings:
What states have the most Overnight Veterinary Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Overnight Veterinary Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Overnight Veterinary Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,859 per year, or $17.2 per hour.
Overnight Veterinary Assistant

Overnight Veterinary Assistant

Animal Rescue League Of Iowa

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Animal Rescue League of Iowa rating

3.3

Company rating: 3.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

754th of 759 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Overnight Veterinary Assistant

Help keep compassionate care going around the clock.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is seeking a compassionate and dependable Overnight Veterinary Assistant to join our Medical team. This position provides overnight monitoring, care, and support for animals receiving medical treatment at ARL Main and Clowder House.

This is a great opportunity for someone with a veterinary medical background who is comfortable working independently and wants to make a meaningful difference for animals during the hours when they may need extra attention most. This role provides overnight support for the animals current in care and is the first call an animal may need to be taken in after hours.

Schedule:

  • Sunday through Wednesday
  • 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
About the Animal Rescue League of Iowa

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is Iowa’s largest nonprofit animal welfare organization, helping animals and the people who love them through sheltering, adoption, veterinary care, animal services, community programs, and pet support resources. Across multiple locations and programs in the Des Moines metro, the ARL works every day to provide compassionate care, practical support, and trusted resources for animals and families in our community.

What You'll Do
  • Provide overnight monitoring and medical care for animals at ARL Main and Clowder House.
  • Complete wellness rounds to ensure animals remain safe, comfortable, and receive timely attention.
  • Administer medications and treatments as directed by veterinary staff.
  • Monitor hospitalized patients and communicate changes to the on-call veterinarian.
  • Assist with after-hours animal intakes as needed.
  • Provide care for neonatal kittens, including feeding, cleaning, and monitoring.
  • Maintain accurate records and help prepare medical areas for the next day.
  • Follow safety, sanitation, medical, and low-stress animal handling procedures.
What We're Looking For
  • High school diploma or GED, required.
  • At least one year of Veterinary Assistant or related veterinary medical experience.
  • Veterinary Technician certification or equivalent veterinary medical experience preferred but not required.
  • Ability to work independently overnight and use sound judgment.
  • Strong attention to detail, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Comfort working with animals of varying sizes, temperaments, and medical needs.
  • Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office.
Benefits for Full-Time Employees

The ARL is proud to offer competitive, market-driven compensation and a mission-focused culture. In addition, a variety of benefits are available to employees including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Employer-paid long-term disability and basic life insurance
  • Supplemental insurances, including short-term disability, supplemental life insurance, accident, and critical illness insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with an employer contribution
  • Veterinary benefits
  • Work-life balance through our expansive holiday and paid time off policies
Physical and Work Environment Requirements

This position works in an active animal shelter and medical environment and may require prolonged standing, walking, bending, cleaning, handling animals, and lifting up to 50 pounds. The role may involve exposure to moderate noise, animal waste, cleaning chemicals, zoonotic diseases, and the possibility of bites or scratches while following established safety procedures.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Why Join the ARL?

As an Overnight Veterinary Assistant, your work helps ensure animals continue receiving attentive medical care, comfort, and support after hours. If you are dependable, compassionate, and comfortable working independently overnight, we would love to have you join our team.

Employment in this position is at-will, meaning either the employee or the ARL may end the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, as permitted by law.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state law. Applicants and employees are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations as needed.


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