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Part Time Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Tennessee

Veterinary Assistant

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

Description Veterinary Assistant Village Veterinary Medical Center - Farragut, TN Part-Time, 10 hour shifts About the Hospital Village Veterinary Medical Center is a general practice located in ...

Veterinary Assistant

Farragut, TN · On-site

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

General Information Ref # 51755 Department Vet Tech / Vet Assistant / VT Campus Job Site Concord Veterinary Hospital Date Published 06-17-2026 Pay Class Part-Time Base Min. $ 18 Base Max. $ 23 ...

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Part Time Veterinary Assistant information

See Tennessee salary details

$9

$15

$21

How much do part time veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for part time veterinary assistant in Tennessee is $15.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $17.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Part Time Veterinary Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Part Time Veterinary Assistant, you need a basic understanding of animal care, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, laboratory equipment, and safe animal handling techniques is typically required. Compassion, strong communication, and the ability to work well under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure the safety and well-being of animals, support efficient clinic operations, and foster positive client interactions.

Can I be a vet assistant with no experience?

Yes, many veterinary assistant positions are entry-level and do not require prior experience. Employers often provide on-the-job training and may look for basic skills such as compassion, reliability, and the ability to handle animals. Certification programs are available to improve job prospects but are not always mandatory for entry-level roles.

What are part time veterinary assistants?

Part time veterinary assistants are support staff who work fewer hours than full-time employees in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, or related facilities. Their primary duties include assisting veterinarians and veterinary technicians with animal care, preparing examination rooms, cleaning equipment, feeding and handling animals, and communicating with pet owners. Part time roles offer flexibility in scheduling, making them suitable for students or individuals seeking supplemental income. While formal education is not always required, on-the-job training is common, and some employers may prefer candidates with prior animal care experience.

What is the difference between Part Time Veterinary Assistant vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectPart Time Veterinary AssistantVeterinary Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in veterinary technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentAnimal clinics, shelters, pet stores; limited responsibilitiesAnimal hospitals, clinics; more technical tasks
Job ResponsibilitiesFeeding, bathing animals, cleaning, assisting with basic carePerforming lab tests, administering medications, assisting during surgeries

In summary, Part Time Veterinary Assistants typically handle basic animal care and support tasks with minimal formal training, while Veterinary Technicians have specialized education and perform more technical medical procedures. Both roles are essential in veterinary settings but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

How many hours do vet assistants work?

Veterinary assistants typically work part-time hours, often ranging from 20 to 30 hours per week. Their schedules can include evenings, weekends, and holidays, depending on the clinic's needs and their employment agreement.

How much do vet assistants make per month?

Veterinary assistants typically earn between $1,500 and $2,500 per month, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Entry-level positions may pay closer to the lower end, while experienced assistants or those working in specialized clinics can earn more. The role often requires basic animal care skills and familiarity with veterinary tools and procedures.

Can you make a living off of being a vet assistant?

Veterinary assistants typically earn a modest income that may not be sufficient as a sole source of living, especially in entry-level positions. Advancement opportunities, additional certifications, and experience can lead to higher pay and more stable employment, but many assistants supplement their income through part-time work or additional roles in veterinary practice. Overall, making a full living solely as a veterinary assistant can be challenging without career progression or supplementary income sources.

What are some common challenges faced by part-time veterinary assistants, and how can they effectively manage them?

Part-time veterinary assistants often face the challenge of adapting quickly to a fast-paced environment while balancing irregular work hours. Since they may not always be present for every procedure or routine, staying updated with patient information and team communications is crucial. Building strong organizational skills and proactively asking for briefings or updates from colleagues can help bridge any gaps. Additionally, learning to manage emotional stress from handling sick or injured animals is important, and many clinics offer training or peer support to assist with this aspect.

Can you be a veterinary 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 knowledge of veterinary procedures can improve your chances of being hired.
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Part Time Veterinary Assistant jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Part Time Veterinary Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Part Time Veterinary Assistant job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,547 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Veterinary Assistant (Part-time/Full-time) - Brentwood Veterinary Clinic

Brentwood Veterinary Clinic

Brentwood, TN • On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 12 hours ago


Job description

PetVet Care Centers' Brentwood Veterinary Clinic is currently seeking a Part-time/Full-time Veterinary Assistant to join their team!
At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people - providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage - for all the moments that matter.
Because life is better with pets.
We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience - every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.
With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:
  • Local autonomy with national support
  • Career mobility and development opportunities
  • A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.
Position Overview
Join our team as a Part-time Veterinary Assistant who supports the veterinarians and technicians in their daily tasks by cleaning and maintaining equipment, feeding, exercising and grooming patients, preparing and sanitizing surgery suites, restraining and handling patients, and clerical and administrative work. They deliver quality care for all patients and provide exceptional service.
Brentwood Veterinary Clinic in Brentwood, Tennessee, we celebrate each team member's unique strengths and support their professional growth through meaningful opportunities. Our close-knit team fosters a compassionate and collaborative environment, essential for delivering exceptional care to both our patients and clients.
Key Responsibilities
  • Provide compassionate care to all patients
  • Greet patients and their owners as they arrive and show them to an examining room, taking the patient's weight and other vital signs upon arrival
  • Triage patients, perform physical exams, treatments, and administer medication as directed by the licensed veterinary technicians (LVT's).
  • Calm and soothe anxious patients
  • Assist doctors and technicians with the administration of medications or with patient restraint
  • Perform laboratory tests and take radiographs
  • Operate and maintain hospital equipment, including EKG, fluid pump, syringe pump, scales, anesthetic monitors, and machines, etc.
  • Fill prescriptions, calculate and administer medications, maintain proper documentation, logging, and security of controlled drugs.
  • Feed patients as prescribed by the attending doctor or as the client has requested; record appetites; recognize and report any unusual conditions or abnormal behaviors
  • Communicate in a positive manner with clients and ensure that they feel comfortable leaving their pet(s)
  • Educate clients about insurance, wellness, and medicinal plans
  • Maintain the cleanliness of the hospital each day; clean equipment, kennels, and facilities using chemicals and supplies; ensure the safe use of chemicals; complete laundry
  • Bath and care for patients who stay overnight; ensure that every animal released is clean and properly groomed prior to their release
  • Adhere to the hospital's safety and wellness regulations
  • Understand and carry out oral and written directions
  • Maintain accurate medical records
  • Show up for work regularly; full-time presence at work is essential for every shift
  • Promote hospital products and services and support the organization
  • Respond respectfully with urgency to directions given by Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVT).
  • Perform any other duties as assigned by the Manager; may have other assigned duties if working in a specialty area (i.e., dentistry, surgery, emergency, radiology, cardiology, neurology, internal medicine, etc.)

Qualifications (Required)
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Relevant experience in a veterinary environment, successfully performing all of the duties of this position
  • May consider an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience
  • Ability to work with or around sick animals, potentially hazardous materials, cleaning chemicals, gas anesthetics, zoonotic diseases, and unpleasant odors
  • Depending on the functional area of assignment, tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation and/or extended periods of time standing and/or walking.
  • This is a strenuous job that requires a lot of lifting, cleaning, and constant motion. May involve some climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling
  • Some tasks involve the periodic performance of moderately physically demanding work, usually involving lifting or carrying moderately heavy animals (up to 50 pounds)
  • Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this position

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)
  • Relevant experience as a Veterinary Assistant

Schedule: Open to Part-time and Full-time, 10-hour shifts
What We Offer
We care deeply about supporting our team members - professionally and personally. Benefits include:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
  • 401(k) with discretionary contribution
  • Team Member Pet Discounts
  • Emotional wellbeing support - including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
  • CE stipends and career development resources
  • Grant Circle - a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
  • Local hospital culture backed by national resources

At PetVet Care Centers, we're committed to a Culture of Care - for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 420 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.
Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you're providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.
You care for pets. We care for you.
PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V
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