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Relief Veterinary Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Michigan Humane

Clinic Veterinary Assistant

Detroit, MI · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Student Loan Relief Eligibility through Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program The Clinic Veterinary Assistant is responsible for providing veterinarians and LVTs with direct support. The ...

OVS

Surgery Veterinary Technician Assistant

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

Additionally, our veterinary assistants are cross-trained in reception and kennel duties for supplemental relief. Schedule: full-time position with 5-day work week (Monday-Friday 8-4 p.m.) Veterinary ...

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Relief Veterinary Assistant information

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How much do relief veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 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 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 $35,859 per year, or $17.2 per hour.
Clinic Veterinary Assistant

Clinic Veterinary Assistant

Michigan Humane

Detroit, MI • On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Clinic Veterinary Assistant

Location: Detroit, MI

Hours: Full-Time

Who We Are:

Michigan Humane is a non-profit animal welfare organization dedicated to improving and saving lives through compassionate care, community engagement, and advocacy for animals. For over 140 years, Michigan Humane has been providing compassionate care and advocacy for animals in need, including rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption services. With a team of dedicated professionals and volunteers, Michigan Humane works tirelessly to protect and advocate for the animals and families within our communities.

Why Work with Us:

We’re a mission based organization, with a commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of animals and families within our communities. If this sounds like something you want to be a part of, we’d love to talk to you.  In addition to being a part of an organization that truly makes a difference, there are plenty of additional reasons to consider joining us, including:

  • Competitive salary and benefits
  • Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance
  • 403(b) Retirement Savings Account
  • Opportunities for professional development, growth, and continuing education
  • A positive and collaborative work environment
  • Work-life balance and flexible working hours (compressed work schedule option!)
  • Paid Time Off & Holidays
  • Human & Pet Bereavement
  • Clinic discounts to up to 75% off services for your own pet(s)
  • Relaxed dress code
  • Wellness program with professional counseling services available to employees
  • Animal food discount
  • Free or discounted adoption fees to adopt a new friend.
  • Sabbatical Policy
  • Uniform Allowance
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Yearly performance reviews & employee engagement surveys
  • Student Loan Relief Eligibility through Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

The Clinic Veterinary Assistant is responsible for providing veterinarians and LVTs with direct support. The Clinic Veterinary Assistant uses various technical and nursing skills to treat outpatient and hospitalized animals while providing support to the clients and the community.

A key role in Detroit’s only urgent care clinic, our Clinic Veterinary Assistants deliver fast, compassionate, high-quality care. This position offers the opportunity to utilize your full technical skillset in a fast-paced environment—triaging cases, supporting critical patients, and working closely with our medical team to provide an exceptional urgent care experience for pets and their families.

Responsibilities:

  • Instruct clients and provide client education concerning such health care topics as proper nutrition, dental procedures, medicating pets, preventative health programs, and follow up care. Fill, label and document prescriptions, administer medications, bandaging and other treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian.
  • Greet clients and lead them to exam rooms, doing technician appointments, retrieve and document accurate medical history of patients.
  • Place intravenous catheters, administer and monitor fluid administration, and phlebotomy.
  • Place microchips, administer vaccines and select controlled substances while under veterinary supervision.
  • Assist in surgery, including monitoring of anesthetics, preparation of patient and necessary surgical equipment, and maintaining required logs in surgery, lab, x-rays and other areas as required.
  • Oversee recovery of patient and maintenance of surgery equipment, supplies, packs, etc.
  • Handles and positions animals for radiological examination making proper selection of x-ray technique. Develop and properly identify the radiograph.
  • Collect, prepare and perform various lab tests on feces, urine, blood, skin care, and body fluids; possess full knowledge of all lab maintenance and procedures.
  • Perform routine procedures such as nail trims, ear cleaning, bathing and maintaining a clean work environment.
  • Assist other medical staff who are performing humane euthanasia.

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced urgent care setting.
  • Licensed in the State of Michigan preferred.
  • May be trained externally or internally to perform the duties and functions listed above.
  • Previous experience in a veterinary clinic setting preferred.

Join our team at Michigan Humane and make a positive impact, grow your skills and career, and be part of a compassionate and dedicated organization. Apply today!

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