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Part Time Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Part Time Veterinary Assistant information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$11

$18

$26

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

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for part time veterinary assistant in Santa Rosa, CA is $18.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $20.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a part time veterinary assistant?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a part time veterinary assistant?

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.

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.

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 I work as a part time veterinary assistant with no experience?

Part-time veterinary assistant positions often do not require prior experience, as on-the-job training is common. Employers typically look for basic skills such as communication, a compassionate attitude, and the ability to handle animals safely. Certification or coursework in animal care can be helpful but is not always mandatory for entry-level roles.

Where do part time veterinary assistants make the most money?

Part time veterinary assistants tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and in areas with a higher demand for veterinary services. States or cities with a strong veterinary industry or larger urban centers often offer better pay, especially for those with specialized skills or certifications. However, pay rates can vary widely based on local economic factors and employer policies.

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Part Time Veterinary Assistant jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Part Time Veterinary Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Part Time Veterinary Assistant job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,206 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

PT Veterinary Assistant - South Novato Animal Hospital

PetVet Care Centers

Novato, CA • On-site

$18.50 - $23.25/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 20 hours ago


Key responsibilities

  • Support veterinarians and technicians with daily tasks such as cleaning equipment, feeding, exercising, grooming patients, and preparing surgery suites.

  • Assist with patient care activities including greeting patients, taking vital signs, calming anxious animals, restraining patients, and performing physical exams and treatments.

  • Operate and maintain hospital equipment, perform laboratory tests and radiographs, and maintain accurate medical records.


PetVet Care Centers rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 102 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 56 rated veterinary


Job description

PetVet Care Centers' South Novato Animal Hospital is currently seeking PT 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.

At South Novato Animal Hospital in Novato, California, we're a hard-working, dedicated team that values collaboration and compassionate care. Our hospital offers a collaborative environment where every team member plays a vital role in delivering excellent patient care and client service. 

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
  • Willing to train.
  • Has Veterinary Assistance experience with basic understanding of pet care
  • May consider an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience
  • Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this position

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

  • Experience in veterinary industry a plus!
  • Care and Compassion – displays a desire to build rapport, provide personal assistance, and emotional support
  • Animal Restraint and Safety – uses sound judgment when handling patients and always takes appropriate precautionary steps when needed
  • Communication – uses effective and appropriate methods of interacting with others
  • Team Orientation – works cooperatively with the team to address tasks and accomplish goals
  • Dependability – demonstrates responsibility in completing all job tasks
  • Cleanliness Standards – consistently follows sanitization and sterilization policies and procedures
  • Energy and Productivity – completes tasks quickly and thoroughly without prompting
  • Time Management – manages time and prioritizes work tasks effectively
  • Technical Skills and Learning – keeps up-to-date with new technical skills and knowledge in the field
  • Care and Use of Equipment – takes appropriate steps to perform operation checks and maintenance of equipment

Schedule

  • Monday-Saturday from 8AM-6PM
  • Monday-Friday from 8AM-6PM
  • Saturdays from 9AM-5PM
Pay Range
$20—$23 USD

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 400 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

PetVet respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information.  Please see our privacy notice for additional information about our data practices. 


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About PetVet Care Centers

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

PetVet Care Centers, based in Westport, CT, US, is a leading player in the veterinary services industry. The company operates a network of over 350 general, specialty, and emergency hospitals across the United States, making it a central fixture in the field of animal health care. Established with a mission to provide the best possible care to the patients while supporting the people who provide that care, PetVet Care Centers continues to uphold this mission by providing comprehensive, quality medical services to pets. The company has achieved significant growth since its inception, standing as an industry pioneer by virtue of its commitment to advanced veterinary services and superior patient care.

Industry

Veterinary services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Westport, CT, US

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