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Seasonal Veterinary Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Seasonal Veterinary Assistant information

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$10

$17

$23

How much do seasonal veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for seasonal 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 some typical responsibilities and challenges faced by a Seasonal Veterinary Assistant during busy periods?

Seasonal Veterinary Assistants often support veterinary teams during high-demand times, such as spring and summer when pet visits increase. Responsibilities may include assisting with animal restraint, preparing exam rooms, maintaining cleanliness, stocking supplies, and helping with basic animal care. A common challenge is managing a fast-paced environment while ensuring patient comfort and safety, as well as effective communication with both veterinarians and pet owners. Adaptability and teamwork are crucial, as you may need to handle multiple tasks or emergencies at once. This role offers valuable hands-on experience and insight into veterinary medicine, which can be beneficial for those considering long-term careers in the field.

What are Seasonal Veterinary Assistants?

Seasonal Veterinary Assistants are support staff who work alongside veterinarians and veterinary technicians during busy periods, such as summer months or holiday seasons. Their duties typically include restraining animals, cleaning kennels, assisting with exams, and providing general care to animals under supervision. These positions are often temporary and may be ideal for students or individuals seeking experience in the veterinary field. Seasonal roles help clinics manage increased patient loads and ensure animal care standards are maintained during peak times.

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

To thrive as a Seasonal Veterinary Assistant, you need a basic understanding of animal care, handling techniques, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with veterinary software, laboratory equipment, and safety protocols is typically expected. Compassion, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in assisting veterinarians and reassuring pet owners. These skills are vital for ensuring animal well-being, supporting efficient clinic operations, and fostering positive client experiences.

What is the difference between Seasonal Veterinary Assistant vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectSeasonal Veterinary AssistantVeterinary Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in veterinary technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentAnimal clinics, shelters, farms, seasonal settingsAnimal hospitals, clinics, research labs
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in veterinary clinics, animal shelters, seasonal farmsCommon in veterinary hospitals, clinics, research facilities
Work ResponsibilitiesAssisting with animal care, cleaning, feeding, basic proceduresPerforming diagnostic tests, assisting in surgeries, administering medications

In summary, Seasonal Veterinary Assistants typically have minimal formal credentials and focus on basic animal care tasks in seasonal or temporary settings. Veterinary Technicians require specialized education and certification, performing more advanced medical procedures in permanent veterinary facilities. The roles differ mainly in qualifications and scope of responsibilities, but both work closely with animals and veterinary professionals.

More about Seasonal Veterinary Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Seasonal Veterinary Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Seasonal Veterinary Assistant job openings:
What states have the most Seasonal Veterinary Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Seasonal Veterinary Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Seasonal 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.
Seasonal Veterinary Assistant, PacWest

Seasonal Veterinary Assistant, PacWest

Ethos Veterinary Health

Vancouver, WA โ€ข On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Veterinary Assistant (Seasonal) - ER & Specialty
$20.00-$24.00/hr + Shift & Weekend Differentials
Seasonal opportunity in Vancouver, WA
Schedule: Shifts are determined by hospital needs and may vary or change to support patient care and operational demands. All employees are scheduled and expected to work rotating holiday shifts in the emergency and critical care department, and required to participate in the on-call rotation as needed.
We are currently seeking a Veterinary Assistant to join our team. This temporary position is designed to support our Emergency and Specialty departments during periods of increased patient care demand, team member leave coverage, and staffing needs. This role is ideal for an assistant who enjoys a fast-paced environment, diverse caseload, and the opportunity to make an immediate impact on patient care.
Why Join Pacific Northwest Pet ER & Specialty Center
At Pacific Northwest Pet ER & Specialty Center, part of Ethos Veterinary Health, you'll work with advanced veterinary technology, including MRI, CT, and more, in a modern space complete with an employee garden. This role requires a high level of adaptability and the ability to quickly integrate into different teams, workflows, and case types, with department assignments varying from shift to shift, in a supportive work environment focused on wellness and mental health.
In your day-to-day, you will:
  • Manage and provide for the patient's needs in the emergency department, including patient order set-up
  • Assist technicians with radiographic procedures
  • Run lab work as directed by technician and prepare samples for outside lab testing
  • Obtain accurate patient history, ensure proper client communication and record keeping
  • Restrain patients for IV catheters, physical examinations, and minor procedures (e.g., central line placement and ultrasounds)
  • Complete treatments of patients as assigned in a timely manner, and initiate fluid therapy
  • Perform patient discharges and fill pre-printed prescriptions
  • Provide exceptional nursing care and treatment of all patients with respect
  • Work closely with veterinarians, technicians, and support teams
  • Contribute to a positive, team-focused hospital culture

What You Bring
  • Minimum of two years' experience in veterinary medicine; ER preferred
  • Must be able to obtain a Veterinary Medication Clerks License upon hire and keep active throughout employment
  • Valid high school diploma or GED
  • Knowledge of general veterinary procedures and protocols, and advanced patient handling and restraint
  • Excellent communication skills, strong work ethic, and a positive attitude
  • A collaborative mindset and commitment to exceptional patient care, with flexibility and adaptability to new situations

Perks & Benefits
Benefits for this role may include health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement benefits, paid time off (including sick leave and vacation), short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance
  • Competitive compensation, including a $2/hr shift differential for hours worked between 6pm-6am and a $2/hr weekend differential (12 a.m. Saturday to 11:59 p.m. Sunday)
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • CE allowance and professional development support, including incentives for professional development
  • Retirement savings options (401k)
  • Staff pet discounts

Location Highlight
Vancouver, WA sits just across the river from Portland, OR, offering easy access to the amenities of a major metro area alongside a strong sense of local community. With the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood nearby, it's a great home base for outdoor recreation.
About Ethos Veterinary Health
Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world-class medicine, and help shape what veterinary care becomes next.
Across our network of 140 specialty and emergency hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You'll work alongside respected veterinary leaders in academic-caliber hospitals designed for learning, teaching, and discovery.
Here, mentorship is a two-way street. You'll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to grow, clinically, professionally, and personally.
At Ethos, you inspire hope, deliver exceptional care, and pursue veterinary medicine at its highest level, together.
Join Us
At Ethos, this isn't just a job, it's an opportunity to practice medicine at the highest level and help shape the future of veterinary care.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. All employment is decided based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.