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Relief Veterinary Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VCA Animal Hospital

Relief Veterinary Assistant

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$16 - $20.25/hr

Relief Veterinary Assistant General Practice Veterinary Hospital Location: Anchorage, Alaska Employment Type: Relief About Us: VCA Bering Sea Animal Hospital is a well-established 4 -doctor general ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

Relief Veterinary Assistant

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$16 - $20.25/hr

Relief Veterinary Assistant General Practice Veterinary Hospital Location: Anchorage, Alaska Employment Type: Relief About Us: VCA Bering Sea Animal Hospital is a well-established 4 -doctor general ...

VCA Animal Hospital

Relief Veterinary Assistant

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

VCA Mueller Pet Medical Center is looking to expand its team with a Veterinary Assistant! Location : 7625 Freeport Blvd Sacramento CA 95832 Schedule : Relief Compensation: $ 20 - $ 24 / hr depending ...

Petfolk

Relief Veterinary Technician

Orlando, FL · On-site

$28/hr

Now, we're looking for experienced Relief Veterinary Technicians and Relief Veterinary Assistants to join our community. Whether you're looking to pick up a few extra shifts or explore different ...

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Relief Veterinary Assistant information

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$10

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$23

How much do relief veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for relief veterinary assistant in the United States is $17.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Relief Veterinary Assistant, you need a solid understanding of animal care, handling, and basic veterinary procedures, often supported by on-the-job training or a veterinary assistant certificate. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, laboratory equipment, and proper sanitation protocols is typically required. Strong communication, adaptability, and compassion are vital soft skills for effectively supporting both veterinarians and pet owners in dynamic environments. These skills ensure the efficient delivery of quality animal care and smooth integration into various veterinary teams on short notice.

What is a Relief Veterinary Assistant?

A Relief Veterinary Assistant is a trained professional who temporarily fills in at veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, or shelters when regular staff are unavailable due to vacations, illness, or staffing shortages. They perform a variety of tasks, such as assisting veterinarians during exams and procedures, caring for animals, maintaining clean facilities, and communicating with pet owners. Relief Veterinary Assistants provide flexibility for clinics and help ensure consistent care for animal patients. Their role is essential for maintaining smooth clinic operations in the absence of regular staff.

What is the difference between Relief Veterinary Assistant vs Veterinary Assistant?

AspectRelief Veterinary AssistantVeterinary Assistant
CertificationsOften requires veterinary assistant certification or related trainingTypically requires veterinary assistant certification or on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentTemporary, varied clinics or hospitals, flexible schedulingFull-time or part-time at a specific clinic or hospital
Employer UsageUsed by clinics needing temporary staffing or coverageEmployed directly by a veterinary practice
Search & Comparison IntentCommonly searched for temporary or substitute rolesStandard, ongoing veterinary support roles

In summary, Relief Veterinary Assistants provide temporary support across various clinics, often requiring similar certifications as Veterinary Assistants. They offer flexible, short-term coverage, whereas Veterinary Assistants typically work full-time at a single practice. Both roles require relevant certifications and support veterinary teams in daily tasks.

How does the role of a Relief Veterinary Assistant differ from that of a full-time veterinary assistant, especially regarding work schedules and team dynamics?

As a Relief Veterinary Assistant, you typically fill in on an as-needed basis to cover staff shortages, vacations, or busy periods, which means your schedule may be less predictable compared to permanent staff. This role often requires quickly adapting to new clinic environments, workflows, and team members, so strong communication and flexibility are crucial. You'll collaborate closely with veterinarians and technicians to support animal care and maintain clinic operations, often stepping into routines with minimal orientation. The variety and pace can be rewarding, but being proactive and adaptable will help you succeed in different settings.
More about Relief Veterinary Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Relief Veterinary Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Relief Veterinary Assistant job openings:
What states have the most Relief Veterinary Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Relief Veterinary Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Relief Veterinary Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Relief Veterinary Assistant jobs are:
Relief Veterinary Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Relief Veterinary Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,859 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Relief Veterinary Assistant

VCA Animal Hospital

Anchorage, AK • On-site

$16 - $20.25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Relief Veterinary Assistant
General Practice Veterinary Hospital

Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Employment Type: Relief

About Us:
VCA Bering Sea Animal Hospital is a well-established 4-doctor general practice veterinary hospital open six days a week. We are committed to providing comprehensive, high-quality care to pets, including wellness, advanced diagnostics, and specialized services such as orthopedic surgeries, acupuncture, and laser therapy. We are proud to be AAHA-accredited, demonstrating our dedication to the highest standards of veterinary care. Our team utilizes hands-free radiograph techniques and incorporates Fear Free handling methods to ensure the comfort and safety of our patients. In addition to medical care, we offer on-site boarding for both dogs and cats, providing compassionate care while their families are away.

Position Summary:
The Veterinary Assistant supports veterinarians and veterinary technicians in providing high-quality medical care to patients while ensuring a positive experience for clients. This role involves assisting with patient care, maintaining a clean and organized hospital environment, and supporting the overall efficiency of the medical team.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist veterinarians and technicians with patient restraint, examinations, and treatments.

  • Prepare exam rooms, treatment areas, and surgical suites for patient care.

  • Support diagnostic procedures such as radiographs, laboratory testing, and sample collection under supervision.

  • Monitor patients and report changes in behavior or condition to veterinary staff.

  • Clean, disinfect, and maintain hospital equipment and work areas according to hospital protocols.

  • Assist with patient intake, obtaining basic histories, and recording information in the medical record.

  • Provide compassionate care and comfort to hospitalized and recovering patients.

  • Support client communication by reinforcing discharge instructions and patient care information when appropriate.

  • Stock and organize medical supplies to ensure smooth hospital operations.

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent required.

  • Previous experience in a veterinary clinic, animal hospital, shelter, or animal care environment preferred.

  • Ability to safely handle and restrain dogs and cats of various sizes and temperaments.

  • Ability to work in a physically demanding environment, including lifting up to 40 lbs and standing for extended periods.

  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow medical protocols and instructions.

  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively within a team.

  • Commitment to compassionate animal care and a positive client experience.

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Competitive hourly wage based on experience.

  • Employee discounts on veterinary services and products.

  • Opportunities for professional development and advancement within the hospital.

  • Supportive and collaborative team environment.

Schedule:
This position requires a flexible schedule, including some evenings, weekends, and holidays, to meet the needs of our patients and clients.

If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.

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