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Overnight Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Assistant

Hampton, VA ยท On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

The Veterinary Assistant represents the mission and values to all clients. Our Veterinary ... overnight care facility. * Under supervision of the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician ...

Veterinary Assistant

Hampton, VA ยท On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

The Veterinary Assistant represents the mission and values to all clients. Our Veterinary ... overnight care facility. * Under supervision of the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician ...

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Overnight Veterinary Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do overnight veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for overnight veterinary assistant in Virginia is $17.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $18.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an overnight veterinary assistant?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an overnight veterinary assistant?

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 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.

Can I work as an overnight veterinary assistant with no experience?

Overnight veterinary assistant positions often require some prior animal care experience or related skills, but entry-level roles may be available for those willing to learn and demonstrate reliability. Training is typically provided on the job, and basic knowledge of animal handling and safety procedures can be beneficial. Certifications such as pet first aid can also improve chances of employment.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Overnight Veterinary Assistant jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Overnight Veterinary Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Overnight Veterinary Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,552 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Veterinary Assistant, Emergency

Ethos Veterinary Health

Henrico, VA โ€ข On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Veterinary Assistant, Emergency, Overnight
Location: The Virginia Veterinary Centers, Short Pump, VA
Full-Time | 3x12's | 7pm - 7am | two weekend shifts per month required
$20/hr + shift differential
Our Veterinary Assistants at The Virginia Veterinary Centers are an integral part of our team in providing support to our Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians, as directed within the Internal Medicine Department. They provide professional and efficient client service to our internal medicine patients and clients.

Pay & Benefits for our Veterinary Assistants:
  • $20/hr + overnight shift differential
  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • 401(k)
  • Paid Time Off
  • CE Allowance + Free VetBloom (RACE-approved CE) access
  • Veterinary Technician scholarship opportunities
  • VTNE and/or license reimbursement
  • Uniform allowance
  • Employee pet discount
  • Disability & Life Insurance
Schedule
  • 3x12's per week
  • Overnight shift: 7pm - 7am
  • 2 weekend shifts per month required
  • Holidays as needed
Veterinary Assistant Responsibilities
  • Provide high-quality nursing care and monitoring for hospitalized patients, ensuring comfort, safety, and medical stability throughout their stay.
  • Support the Inpatient LVT with recovery and post-operative care for patients following surgical, imaging, and procedural interventions.
  • Administer prescribed treatments, including non-controlled medications, IV fluids, nutritional support, wound care, and physical therapy exercises as directed.
  • Accurately record patient vitals, observations, and status updates in the medical record, and promptly communicate changes to the attending veterinarian.
  • Collaborate with specialty services (Neurology, Surgery, Anesthesia, Radiology, Internal Medicine, Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology) to carry out care plans and facilitate ongoing diagnostics.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked inpatient ward and treatment area.
  • Assist with patient preparation and positioning for imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound) or procedures as needed.
  • Provide low-stress handling, comfort care, and emotional support to both patients and their owners.
  • Prepare patients for discharge, including review of at-home care instructions and medication plans.
  • Assist with patient transfers to and from ER or other specialty services in a timely, organized, and medically appropriate manner.
  • Participate in medical rounds and hand-offs with ER and specialty teams to ensure continuity of care.
  • Adhere to guidance and delegation directed by Licensed Staff (DVMs and LVTs) to perform all other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
  • High School diploma or equivalent.
  • Veterinary clinical experience preferred.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills.
  • Ability to multitask in a fast-paced medical environment.
  • Demonstrated reliability, professionalism, and attention to detail
  • Patient-centered care focus.
  • Strong clinical assistance skills.
  • Clear and compassionate client communication.
  • Ability to remain calm under pressure.
  • Efficient time management and task prioritization.
About VVC Short Pump
Since its conception in 1981, the Virginia Veterinary Centers teams have worked to invest in new technologies and training to stay on the cutting edge of Veterinary Medicine to provide the best quality care for their patients and families. Our teams understand that when knowledge and care are shared across distance and discipline, your furry family member gets the best care available. We recognize that to do this, we need adequately educated staff to maintain our highest standard of care. Because of this, providing a culture that cultivates collaborative learning in a safe and inclusive hospital is of the utmost importance to our management team.
About Ethos Veterinary Health
Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world-class
medicine and help shape what veterinary care becomes next.
Across our network of 140 specialty and emergency hospitals, science moves forward, standards
are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You'll work alongside respected
veterinary leaders in academic-caliber hospitals designed for learning, teaching, and discovery.
Here, mentorship is a two-way street. You'll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to
grow, clinically, professionally, and personally.
At Ethos, you inspire hope, deliver exceptional care, and pursue veterinary medicine at its highest
level, together.
Join Us
At Ethos, this isn't just a job, it's an opportunity to practice medicine at the highest level and help shape the future of veterinary care.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion,
color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin,
veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on
qualifications, competence, merit, and business needs.