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Student Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Portland, ME

Student Veterinary Assistant information

See Portland, ME salary details

$7

$16

$24

How much do student veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for student veterinary assistant in Portland, ME is $16.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $18.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a student veterinary assistant?

A Student Veterinary Assistant supports veterinarians and veterinary technicians in animal care facilities, such as clinics or hospitals. They assist with handling animals, cleaning equipment, maintaining patient records, and providing basic care under supervision. This role offers hands-on experience for students pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. It helps develop essential skills in animal handling, medical procedures, and client communication.

What does a student veterinary assistant do?

As a Student Veterinary Assistant, your daily responsibilities commonly include assisting veterinarians and technicians with animal exams, preparing exam rooms, handling and restraining animals, and performing basic cleaning and sterilization duties. You may also help with weighing pets, updating medical records, and providing support during minor procedures or treatments. The work environment is typically fast-paced and collaborative, requiring you to interact with other team members and pet owners. This hands-on experience not only builds essential veterinary skills but also provides valuable insight into clinic operations and teamwork in a veterinary setting.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a student veterinary assistant?

To thrive as a Student Veterinary Assistant, you need a foundational understanding of animal care, attention to detail, and the ability to follow veterinary protocols, typically gained through coursework or on-the-job training. Familiarity with basic lab equipment, animal restraint techniques, and veterinary software systems is valuable. Strong communication, empathy, and teamwork skills help you effectively support veterinarians and comfort pet owners. These competencies ensure safe, efficient clinic operations and a positive experience for both clients and animals.

Is it hard to get a job as a student veterinary assistant?

Securing a position as a student veterinary assistant can be competitive, as many employers seek candidates with basic animal care skills and a willingness to learn. Gaining relevant experience, such as volunteering or taking related courses, can improve chances of employment. Availability for flexible hours and a strong work ethic are also important factors.

What are popular job titles related to Student Veterinary Assistant jobs in Portland, ME?

For Student Veterinary Assistant jobs in Portland, ME, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Student Veterinary Assistant jobs in Portland, ME look for?

The top searched job categories for Student Veterinary Assistant jobs in Portland, ME are:

Infographic showing various Student Veterinary Assistant job openings in Portland, ME as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 38% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,261 per year, or $17 per hour.

Veterinary Technician Student Extern

Mission Pet Health

South Portland, ME • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist the medical team with patient care, observe procedures, and perform technical tasks under supervision.

  • Collaborate with veterinarians, technicians, and support staff to learn clinical protocols and develop professional skills.

  • Support daily hospital operations, including patient intake and discharge processes.


Mission Pet Health rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 56 rated veterinary


Job description

General Information
Ref #
16065
Department
Vet Tech / Vet Assistant / VT Campus
Job Site
Cape Veterinary Clinic
Date Published
10-24-2025
Pay Class
Temp
Working Arrangement
On-site
Base Min.
$ 0
Base Max.
$ 0
Description & Requirements
Company Overview
The Cape Veterinary Clinic community is dedicated to exceptional medicine and compassionate care, reflected in our status as an AAHA Accredited practice. We take pride in delivering a standard of excellence that has earned us the trust of the Portland area, demonstrated by our impressive 4.7-star Google rating. When you join our growing team, you become an essential part of a mission focused on collaborative success and unparalleled patient outcomes. This is your opportunity to achieve your professional potential alongside highly dedicated teammates.
We understand that great veterinary medicine requires robust support, which is why we invest heavily in our teammates' continued development. As part of a larger network of hospitals, you are given the resources and mentorship necessary to grow your career and do your best work. Our commitment to education ensures that all teammates, from veterinarians seeking specialty consultation access to technicians striving for credentialing or leadership roles, have clear paths to achieve their professional goals. We foster a workplace where you can succeed regardless of your current experience level.
At Cape Veterinary Clinic, you will practice high-quality, comprehensive small animal medicine, including vital Urgent Care services that address the critical needs of our community. Practicing at an AAHA level means adhering to rigorous standards in patient care and facility maintenance. To ensure you maintain this level of excellence, our veterinarians have streamlined access to internal specialty consultations, making complex case management collaborative and effective. We empower you with the tools, technology, and professional connections required to continuously advance your clinical skills and elevate the quality of care provided.
Cape Veterinary Clinic is situated in beautiful Portland, Maine, a vibrant coastal city offering an exceptional quality of life. This area is known for its unique blend of historic charm, thriving culinary scene, and immediate access to the rugged beauty of the New England coastline. Whether you are seeking outdoor recreation opportunities or enjoying a close-knit community atmosphere, Portland provides a perfect backdrop for balancing a demanding professional career with a rich personal life. You will find that joining our clinic means enjoying the best of both world-class veterinary medicine and desirable Maine living.
Job Description
Your Impact as a Veterinary Technician Extern
This externship is your opportunity to gain invaluable hands-on experience in a fast-paced, professional veterinary setting. You'll work side-by-side with experienced veterinarians and credentialed technicians, applying your classroom knowledge to real-world cases and building the foundation for a successful career.
  • Gain Practical Clinical Experience: You'll actively assist the medical team with patient care, observe a variety of procedures, and perform technical tasks under direct supervision.
  • Learn from Experienced Mentors: You'll collaborate with and learn from dedicated veterinarians, technicians, and support teammates, receiving guidance and feedback to enhance your skills.
  • Understand Hospital Operations: You'll support daily clinical functions, including patient intake and discharge processes, contributing to the smooth operation of the hospital.
  • Develop Your Professional Skills: You'll practice effective communication with team members, learn clinical protocols, and build confidence in a dynamic veterinary environment.

What Mission Pet Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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