ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Part Time Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

NVA

Veterinary Assistant

Herndon, VA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Schedule: Full-time & Part- time positions available; No nights or Weekends. Location: In person - Herndon, VA National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the ...

Petco

Vetco Veterinary Assistant Part Time

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

As a Vetco Veterinary Assistant, you will meet your veterinary team at our local dispatch office, then travel to your assigned Petco clinic locations for the day. At the clinics, your team of ...

NVA

Veterinary Assistant

Herndon, VA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Schedule : Full-time & Part- time positions available; No nights or Weekends. Location : In person - Herndon, VA National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the ...

NVA

Veterinary Receptionist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

What You'll Do As a Veterinary Assistant, you'll work alongside our doctors and licensed ... Benefits may vary based on full-time or part-time status. Schedule: Full-time & Part- time ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsVeterinary JobsPart Time Veterinary Assistant JobsPart Time Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Part Time Veterinary Assistant information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$10

$17

$24

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

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for part time veterinary assistant in Silver Spring, MD is $17.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $19.62 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 are popular job titles related to Part Time Veterinary Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD? For Part Time Veterinary Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Part Time Veterinary Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Part Time Veterinary Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Part Time Veterinary Assistant jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Part Time Veterinary Assistant job openings:
Part Time Veterinary Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Part Time Veterinary Assistant job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,071 per year, or $17.8 per hour.
Fairfax Animal Hospital - Veterinary Surgical Assistant

Fairfax Animal Hospital - Veterinary Surgical Assistant

Fairfax Animal Hospital

Falls Church, VA • On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Fairfax Animal Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia (a Washington D.C. suburb), was the first animal hospital in Fairfax County when beloved Dr. Jerry Goldfarb opened the doors in 1945, and proudly continue to be repeat winners of Angie's list service awards! Our team provides full-service animal care for companion animals, and recently added urgent care services to further assist the community. We are able to offer high-quality mentorship from experienced veterinarians with special areas of interest in exotics, soft tissue surgery, wellness care, and basic orthopedic surgery, and welcome both new and experienced veterinary professionals to join our team!
Position Summary
Fairfax Animal Hospital is seeking a Part-Time Veterinary Surgical Assistant to support our surgical and urgent care services. This role is ideal for an experienced veterinary assistant who thrives in a fast-paced clinical setting and is passionate about providing high-quality care to both patients and clients.
The Surgical Assistant will work closely with veterinarians and licensed technicians during procedures and urgent care cases, ensuring efficient surgical prep, monitoring, and recovery, while also supporting the overall flow of patient care.
Key Responsibilities
Surgical & Procedural Support
  • Assist with patient preparation for surgery, including pre-op exams, shaving, and aseptic scrub
  • Set up and maintain sterile surgical fields and equipment
  • Monitor patients during procedures and assist with anesthesia under supervision
  • Support post-operative recovery, monitoring vitals and ensuring patient comfort
  • Maintain surgical logs and proper documentation
Urgent Care Assistance
  • Support veterinarians during urgent or emergent cases
  • Safely restrain and triage patients in high-pressure situations
  • Communicate effectively with team members to prioritize patient care
  • Ensure exam rooms and treatment areas are prepped and restocked
Hospital Operations
  • Clean, sterilize, and maintain surgical instruments and equipment
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization in surgical and treatment areas
  • Assist with general patient care tasks as needed (e.g., blood draws, bandaging, IV catheter placement if trained)
Client Communication & Support
  • Communicate pre- and post-operative instructions to clients professionally
  • Provide updates to clients during urgent care visits as directed
  • Handle pets with compassion and professionalism, even in high-stress situations
Qualifications
  • Minimum 1-2 years of veterinary assistant experience, preferably in surgical or urgent care settings
  • Strong understanding of sterile technique and surgical support procedures
  • Comfortable handling urgent/emergency cases with calm and confidence
  • Ability to multitask, prioritize, and stay organized under pressure
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and work on feet for extended periods
  • Familiarity with ezyVet and SmartFlow is a plus
Why Join Fairfax?
At Fairfax Animal Hospital, you'll join a dedicated and compassionate team committed to excellent patient care. We value collaboration, continued learning, and a supportive work environment. This part-time role is a great opportunity for experienced veterinary professionals looking to focus on surgical and urgent care services in a flexible schedule.

Apply