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Part Time Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

Animal Care Attendant

Norco, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

P/T (29 hours/wk.) Sunday to Saturday Must Have Weekend availability Some holidays Salary Starting ... Description Animal Care Services, located in Riverside County, California, offers veterinary care ...

Animal Care Attendant

Norco, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

P/T (29 hours/wk.) Sunday to Saturday Must Have Weekend availability Some holidays Salary Starting ... Description Animal Care Services, located in Riverside County, California, offers veterinary care ...

Animal Care Attendant

Norco, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

P/T (29 hours/wk.) Sunday to Saturday Must Have Weekend availability Some holidays Salary Starting ... Description Animal Care Services, located in Riverside County, California, offers veterinary care ...

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Part Time Veterinary Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$10

$17

$24

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

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for part time veterinary assistant in Riverside, CA is $17.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $19.81 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.

Where do vet assistants make the most money?

Veterinary assistants tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for veterinary services, such as urban areas or states with a strong pet care industry. Salaries can also increase with experience, certifications, and working in specialty clinics or emergency hospitals.

Can I be a veterinarian assistant with no experience?

Veterinary assistant positions often do not require prior experience, as on-the-job training is common. Basic skills such as animal handling, communication, and a willingness to learn are valuable, and some employers may prefer candidates with related coursework or certifications. Entry-level roles typically focus on supporting veterinarians and veterinary technicians in daily tasks.

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.

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

Veterinary assistants typically earn a modest income, with salaries often reflecting entry-level wages and part-time hours. While some may work full-time or gain experience to increase earnings, most veterinary assistants do not make a full living solely from this role without additional income sources or advancement to higher positions such as veterinary technician or veterinarian. Certifications and experience can improve earning potential but generally do not lead to high salaries in this field.

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.

How long does it take to be a CVT?

Becoming a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) typically requires completing an accredited veterinary technology program, which takes about 2 years, and passing the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). Some states may have additional licensing requirements, and gaining hands-on experience through internships or work can also be part of the process.
What job categories do people searching Part Time Veterinary Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Part Time Veterinary Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Part Time Veterinary Assistant jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Part Time Veterinary Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Part Time Veterinary Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,411 per year, or $18 per hour.
Registered Veterinary Technician - Part Time

Registered Veterinary Technician - Part Time

Petco

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Petco rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 626 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

454th of 714 rated retailers


Job description

Want to help pets live their best lives?
We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.
Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and people.
  • Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.

  • Foster the Fun - Connect & Bond. Our Passion for pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through district experiences, products, and services.

  • Let's Go! Own & Commit. We are stronger as One Petco team. We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.

About Petco:
We're proud to be "where the pets go" to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years - from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood - the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we're here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than 1,500 Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events.
Position Purpose:
The purpose of this Veterinarian Technician position inherently involves providing excellent veterinary care to our Vetco Total Care full-service hospital patients and phenomenal customer care to their owners. The Veterinary Technician represents the mission and values to all clients and partners. Our Veterinary Technicians set the tone for the technical and customer support team in the hospital, and are responsible, like all team members, for fostering cohesion and motivation within the hospital partners.
All hospital partners are responsible for performing duties in a way that creates an environment in which:
  • The patient's needs always come first.
  • Every team member understands that they have the power to do what it takes to create an exceptional customer and patient experience.
  • contentious issues are dealt with and resolved as they occur when possible, or as soon as is possible.
  • exceptional teamwork and commitment to shared goals benefits the entire organization.

Essential Job Functions:
The incumbent must be able to perform all the following duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation:
  • Greet clients and patients arriving for appointments or walk-ins and escort into an exam room, obtain weight and vital signs (temperature, pulse, respirations, pain score, body condition score), record all in the electronic medical record, and begin documentation of the patient visit in the electronic medical record by obtaining and recording a thorough patient history.
  • Assist veterinarian with appointments (routine and emergency), surgery, dentistry, and euthanasia's, taking direct supervision from the veterinarian(s) and the Hospital Office Manager or Hospital Leader on Duty.
  • Perform patient restraint, obtain and process laboratory samples, handle and dispense medications at the direction of the veterinarian, and maintain the electronic medical record.
  • Schedule appointments, communicate with and educate clients, relay test results to doctor and clients, maintain and update inventory as well as client/patient records, and manage accounts receivable.
  • Prepare patients for surgical and dental procedures, safely support induction and monitoring of anesthetized patients including checking and recording vital parameters (under direction of the veterinarian), monitor patients during recovery, and prepare them for discharge to owner or transfer to an overnight care facility as needed.
  • Provide in-hospital treatments for sick patients including giving injectable and oral medications as well as intravenous therapies; keep patients clean, watered, and fed (when indicated and directed by veterinarian), and safely walk canine patients when necessary for elimination.
  • Participate in the training of new staff members and general dissemination of knowledge as required.
  • Keep hospital environment neat and clean; perform regular cleaning of environment based on necessity as well as based on a pre-determined maintenance schedule.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.
  • Provide backup phone and front desk support as needed.

Nature of Supervision:
In all activities related to the care of patients, the Veterinary Technician will take direct supervision from the veterinarians as well as the Hospital Office Manager or Hospital Leader on Duty. For purposes of overall supervision, the Veterinary Technician takes direction from the Hospital Office Manager.
Planning and Problem Solving:
Like all team members, the Veterinary Technician plays a crucial role in ensuring that day-to-day operation of the hospital is efficient and provides an optimal experience for our patients and clients.
Impact:
This position will impact the organization by contributing to the growth of a productive practice while focusing on a high-quality standard of care. From an overall hospital organizational standpoint, this position in critical to ensuring that we have a cohesive, well-trained, and motivated technical team. The desired result is the creation of an optimal environment that ensures employee retention, patient well-being, and customer satisfaction.
Supervisory Responsibility:
This position has no immediate supervisory duties.
Education/Experience:
  • College or college-equivalent education (completed) as required in becoming a Credentialed Veterinary Technician in the state in which the hospital is located.
  • Must have at least 1-year previous experience as a Veterinary Technician or working in a veterinary practice.
  • Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Must be compassionate and sympathetic and be able to maintain a professional attitude and demeanor during emotional and stressful situations.
  • Must have telephone and computer skills.
  • Must be a team player willing to learn new techniques and treatments, offer creative ideas, and accept change.

Work Environment:
The majority of job duties are conducted in the Vetco Total Care full-service hospital. Position requires bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 pounds, as necessary) and standing for long periods of time. A large amount of this partner's time will be spent in direct contact with clients and their pets.
Contacts:
This position will regularly communicate with clients, veterinary specialists, and companies that provide products and/or services that the practice utilizes.
Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.
The pay ranges outlined below are presented in accordance with state-specific regulations. These ranges may differ in other areas and could be subject to variation based on regulatory minimum wage requirements. Actual pay rates will depend on factors such as position, location, level of experience, and applicable state or local minimum wage laws. If the regulatory minimum wage exceeds the minimum indicated in the pay range below, the regulatory minimum wage will be the minimum rate applied.
$18.75 - $30.25
Hourly or Salary Range will be reflected above. For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO -see https://careers.petco.com/us/en/key-benefits
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