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Part Time Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

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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 Jul 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.

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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,411 per year, or $18 per hour.

Animal Caretaker

City of Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Rancho Cucamonga, CA • On-site

$19.83 - $26.74/hr

Part-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Salary: $19.83 - $26.74 Hourly
Location : Animal Care and Adoption Center - Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Job Type: Part Time
Job Number: 2526-34M
Department: Animal Care/Adoption Center
Division: Animal Center Care
Opening Date: 06/16/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
WHY JOIN #TEAMRC
The Animal Services Department is seeking an Animal Caretaker to join our team! Our mission is to create PAWsitive impact by enriching the lives of animals and people. We accomplish this by caring for thousands of animals (domestic and wildlife) annually and working to reunite them with their owners, rehome them, or transfer them to rescue and rehabilitation organizations. We also play an important role in assisting the public with their animal-related concerns. When you join TeamRC, you can expect to be working in a fast-paced environment with a dedicated and committed team of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to protect and serve the animals and people in our community.
You will make a difference!
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING HERE AT TEAM RC
Animal Caretakers play a key role in daily shelter operations by cleaning and disinfecting animal housing areas, performing housekeeping tasks such as laundry and dishes, assisting with meet-and-greets and adoptions, and supporting enrichment and behavior programs. Animal Caretakers also assist the public with animal related questions and support other divisions at the Animal Center as needed.
This position might be perfect for you if:
  • This position might be perfect for you if:
    • You excel in a team environment.
    • You are a matchmaker and like finding people their perfect pet.
    • You have excellent customer service and communication skills.
    • You strive for excellence and have a can-do attitude.
    • You function best in a fast-paced environment where multitasking is the norm.
    • You are compassionate and empathetic for people and their pets.
    • You are comfortable safely handling all animals, from the biggest dog to the smallest mouse, including wildlife.

Must have the ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays, and on-call basis.
You'll be responsible for:
  • Cleaning and disinfecting cages and interacting with a variety of animals including domestic, exotic, and wildlife.
  • General housekeeping; washing dishes and laundry; maintaining a clean and orderly work environment; keeping the facilities and equipment in good working order.
  • Assisting members of the public with general inquiries and finding lost and found pets (cue those customer service skills).
  • Answering phone calls and assisting the administrative staff with updating records, cashier services and processing licenses, stray animals and adoptions.
  • The meet and greet process and helping customers select and adopt pets (one of the most exciting parts!).
  • Communicating medical and behavior needs of specific animals to potential adopters.
  • Safely handling a variety of breeds and species of animals with various temperaments and needs.
  • Participating in animal enrichment and socialization programs.
  • Interacting with our rockstar volunteers.
  • Maintaining animal inventory and supply inventory.
  • Assisting with euthanasia.

For more information, please visit the job description here.
ARE YOU QUALIFIED
Education and/or Experience:
Equivalent to graduation from high school. Six months of recent experience working with domestic animals in a veterinary hospital, clinical setting, or animal services facility, is desirable.
License or Certificate:Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C or Class 3 California driver's license, and have a satisfactory driving record.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Various breeds of dogs, cats, and other domestic animals; basic characteristics of animal behavior; care techniques; customer service techniques; procedures related to kennel cleaning and maintenance of facilities; record keeping procedures; occupational hazards and safe work practices related to animal care; safe driving principles and practices;
Operate cleaning equipment and other tools used in the maintenance of kennels; operate a vehicle observing legal driving practices; operate a cash register; administer injections and medications to all types of animals; operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs; handle animals in a safe and efficient manner; learn, understand, and interpret rules and regulations governing the impounding and release of animals; recognize normal and abnormal animal behavior; prepare and maintain accurate and complete records; meet and deal tactfully and effectively with the public; respond to requests and inquiries for information regarding animal services; work independently in the absence of supervision; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish, maintain and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
WHERE DO YOU GO FROM HERE
APPLICATION PROCESS
All applicants are required to apply online at . This recruitment will run until all available vacancies have been filled
Applications must be complete and demonstrate that the minimum qualifications are met. All statements made on the application are subject to investigation and verification. Resumes may be attached to completed application form as supplemental information and will not be accepted in lieu of an official application form. Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates who best match the needs of the City will be invited to compete further in the examination process. All candidates will be notified of their application status by email throughout the recruitment process. Candidates invited to compete in the examination process, who successfully pass the examination process, will be place on an eligibility list. The candidate on the eligibility list who most closely meets the requirements of the City may be selected to receive a final offer. The City may conclude that none of the candidates, even those who meet the minimum qualifications, are appropriate for the position.
Successful candidates shall be required to:
  • Pass a reference and background verification. References will not be contacted until a mutual interest has been established, and
  • Provide proof of a valid California driver's license and be insurable; and
  • Pass a pre-employment medical exam
If hired, candidate will be required to complete a verification form designated by Immigration and Naturalization Service to certify that they are eligible for employment in the United States of America and furnish proof certifying legal authorization to work in the United States.
The City of Rancho Cucamonga Participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. In accordance, the City will provide the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration, with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For additional information regarding E-Verify, the Federal Government's online employment eligibility verification system, please visit www.uscis.gov.
DisclaimersThe City of Rancho Cucamonga is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. In addition, the City of Rancho Cucamonga abides by a nepotism policy which may preclude you from being hired if the City employs a relative. The City of Rancho Cucamonga makes reasonable accommodations for disabled persons, considering each situation on an individual basis. Please make direct requests for accommodation to Human Resources. For information on Employee Rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act, please click . There is a no smoking policy in effect in all City Offices and vehicles. Finally, please note that the provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract expressed or implied and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. Questions regarding this recruitment may be directed to Human Resources at Careers@CityofRC.us. Applicants may wish to visit the City's official website at for more information.
No benefits
01
How many years of professional animal handling experience do you have?
02
Are you available to work weekends?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Please tell us about any experience you have performing pet adoption counseling.
Required Question