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Senior Veterinary Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Veterinary Group

Veterinary Assistant

Lake City, FL · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

The Senior Veterinary Assistant is responsible for assisting Veterinarians in the care of animals. The Senior Veterinary Assistant helps during initial examinations by restraining animals when ...

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Senior Veterinary Assistant information

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$38K

$85.7K

$152.5K

How much do senior veterinary assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior veterinary assistant in the United States is $85,653.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $105,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectSenior Veterinary AssistantVeterinary Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in veterinary technology, certification
Work EnvironmentAnimal clinics, shelters, labsAnimal clinics, hospitals, research facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting veterinarians, patient care, lab workPerforming diagnostic tests, anesthesia, surgical prep

While both roles support veterinary teams, Veterinary Technicians typically have formal education and certification, enabling them to perform more complex medical tasks. Senior Veterinary Assistants often have extensive experience and take on supervisory or specialized roles but usually do not hold formal technician credentials.

How long does it take to be a CVT?

Becoming a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) typically requires completing a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), which takes about 2 years. After graduation, candidates must pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) to earn certification, which can be achieved shortly after program completion.

Can I live off being a vet assistant?

A senior veterinary assistant typically earns a moderate salary that may not be sufficient as the sole income for a household, depending on location and living expenses. Many vet assistants supplement their income with additional work or pursue further education to advance into higher-paying roles such as veterinary technician or veterinarian. It is generally considered a support role rather than a primary income source.

What is a senior veterinary assistant?

A senior veterinary assistant is an experienced support professional who assists veterinarians with animal care, medical procedures, and client communication. They often have additional responsibilities such as supervising junior staff, managing equipment, and ensuring clinic operations run smoothly, typically requiring relevant certifications and hands-on experience.

What are Senior Veterinary Assistants?

Senior Veterinary Assistants are experienced professionals who support veterinarians and veterinary technicians in animal care facilities. They perform a variety of tasks, including assisting with animal examinations, administering medications, preparing animals for surgery, and maintaining medical records. Additionally, they often help train junior staff, ensure the clinic operates smoothly, and provide compassionate care to animals and their owners. Their advanced skills and knowledge make them key members of the veterinary team.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Veterinary Assistants, and how can they be managed effectively?

Senior Veterinary Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing a high volume of patients, supporting veterinarians with complex procedures, and handling emotionally charged situations with pet owners. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and maintaining a calm demeanor can help manage these challenges. Additionally, fostering teamwork and staying current with best practices in animal care contribute to a supportive work environment and successful patient outcomes.

What is the highest salary for a vet assistant?

The highest salary for a senior veterinary assistant typically ranges up to $40,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Advanced skills, certifications, and working in specialized clinics can contribute to higher earnings within this role.

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

To thrive as a Senior Veterinary Assistant, you need experience in animal care, knowledge of veterinary procedures, and often a certification such as Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) or equivalent. Familiarity with veterinary management software, lab equipment, and basic medical instruments is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you support veterinarians and reassure pet owners. These skills ensure the effective delivery of animal healthcare and smooth clinic operations.
More about Senior Veterinary Assistant jobs
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Senior Veterinary Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Veterinary Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,653 per year, or $41.2 per hour.
Senior Veterinary Assistant

Senior Veterinary Assistant

American Veterinary Group

Jacksonville, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 hours ago

American Veterinary Group rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 48 rated veterinary

Job description

Senior Veterinary Assistant
Department: General Practice Hospitals
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Southside Animal Clinic
Description
Our hospital is seeking a Full-Time Senior Veterinary Assistant to help provide outstanding patient care and client service in a fast-paced, multi-doctor animal hospital.
The Senior Veterinary Assistant is responsible for assisting Veterinarians in the care of animals. The Senior Veterinary Assistant helps during initial examinations by restraining animals when necessary, stocking examination and surgery rooms with supplies, sterilizing tools and ensuring that equipment is in working order. Technical skills may include, but are not limited to, and are subject to state limitations: venipuncture, catheter placement, anesthesia administration, anesthesia monitoring, dental prophy, radiography, administering medications, performing laboratory analysis, and client education. Senior Veterinary Assistant's also communicate with clients (pet owners) and update patient files.
Ideal Candidate
  • Demonstrates professionalism, dependability, healthy and positive communication skills, and the ability to multi-task in a hands-on environment
  • Energetic people-and-pet person with excellent work ethic and social and organizational skills
  • Be compassionate/caring
  • Willing to work flexible hours including weekends
  • Prior experience working with animals in a hospital setting
  • This position requires regular on-site presence as an essential function of the role. Due to the nature of veterinary hospital operations, in-person attendance is necessary to support patient care, respond to time-sensitive needs, collaborate with clinical teams, and maintain the safety and well-being of patients, clients, and staff. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and will consider requests for reasonable accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable laws.

Skills, Knowledge, & Expertise
  • Prior Customer Service Experience
  • Must be able to lift 40 lbs.

Benefits
  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision Options)
  • 401k Match
  • Generous paid time off (PTO)
  • Paid Parental Leave + Paid Maternity Leave
  • One (1) Work/Life Balance day off
  • Short-term and long-term disability options
  • Supplemental insurance options
  • Discounted Veterinary Care
  • Scrub allowance
  • Hands-on and E-training
  • Professional growth opportunities
  • Tuition assistance for prospective Veterinary Technician Students

What American Veterinary Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About American Veterinary Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 2015, American Veterinary Group (AVG) owns and operates a network of 120+ veterinary practices throughout the South that treat and protect over 75,000 pets annually. Our goal is to provide ongoing, in-person support to ease the burden of the day-to-day operations of veterinary practices, including in-office staff training, educational and marketing tools, and back office support. We deliver high touch practice management solutions to help veterinarians focus on the needs of their patients, instead of the needs of their business. We are animal lovers above all else, and operate with the motto, "pet first, client first".

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Tampa, FL, US

Year founded

2015

Social media

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