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Temporary Veterinary Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Assistant

Meridian, ID · On-site

$15 - $18.39/hr

The Veterinary Assistant is a key member of the hospital team who supports and assists the ... Feel secure knowing that if you face a temporary or long-term disability, you'll have financial ...

$15.19 - $19.41/hr

The Veterinary Assistant is a key member of the hospital team who supports and assists the ... Feel secure knowing that if you face a temporary or long-term disability, you'll have financial ...

Veterinary Assistant

Concord, NH · On-site

$17.60 - $22.49/hr

The Veterinary Assistant is a key member of the hospital team who supports and assists the ... Feel secure knowing that if you face a temporary or long-term disability, you'll have financial ...

Veterinary Assistant

Alcoa, TN · On-site

$15 - $18.39/hr

The Veterinary Assistant is a key member of the hospital team who supports and assists the ... Feel secure knowing that if you face a temporary or long-term disability, you'll have financial ...

Veterinary Assistant

Meridian, ID · On-site

$15 - $18.39/hr

The Veterinary Assistant is a key member of the hospital team who supports and assists the ... Feel secure knowing that if you face a temporary or long-term disability, you'll have financial ...

Veterinary Assistant

Denton, TX · On-site

$15.99 - $20.44/hr

The Veterinary Assistant is a key member of the hospital team who supports and assists the ... Feel secure knowing that if you face a temporary or long-term disability, you'll have financial ...

Veterinary assistant

Tigard, OR · On-site

$16.79 - $21.46/hr

The Veterinary Assistant is a key member of the hospital team who supports and assists the ... Feel secure knowing that if you face a temporary or long-term disability, you'll have financial ...

Veterinary Assistant

Denton, TX · On-site

$15.99 - $20.44/hr

The Veterinary Assistant is a key member of the hospital team who supports and assists the ... Feel secure knowing that if you face a temporary or long-term disability, you'll have financial ...

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Temporary Veterinary Assistant information

See salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do temporary veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary 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 is a temporary veterinary assistant?

Temporary Veterinary Assistants are support staff hired to assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians on a short-term basis. Their duties often include handling animals, cleaning and preparing exam rooms, administering medication under supervision, and assisting with basic animal care tasks. These positions are typically filled to cover staff shortages, busy seasons, or special projects. Temporary Veterinary Assistants play a crucial role in maintaining smooth operations in veterinary clinics or hospitals, even though their employment period is limited.

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

To thrive as a Temporary Veterinary Assistant, you need basic animal care knowledge, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, animal restraint techniques, and sanitation protocols is frequently required. Strong communication, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills. These skills ensure safe, efficient animal care and effective support for veterinarians in a dynamic clinical environment.

What challenges do temporary veterinary assistants face, and how can they be overcome?

Temporary Veterinary Assistants often face challenges such as quickly adapting to new clinic environments, learning specific protocols, and building rapport with unfamiliar teams. To overcome these hurdles, it's helpful to communicate proactively, ask clarifying questions, and review clinic procedures early on. Flexibility and a willingness to assist wherever needed make a positive impression and ensure smooth workflow integration. Developing strong organizational skills and being attentive to animal care standards also help Temporary Veterinary Assistants succeed in varied settings.

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

AspectTemporary Veterinary AssistantVeterinary Technician
CredentialsNone required or minimal certificationLicensed or certified in most states
Work EnvironmentClerical, basic animal care, support tasksMedical procedures, diagnostics, patient care
Employer & Industry UsageVeterinary clinics, shelters, temporary staffingVeterinary hospitals, clinics, full-time roles
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched for temporary or entry-level rolesMore advanced, credentialed roles in veterinary medicine

Temporary Veterinary Assistants typically perform basic support tasks with minimal credentials, often in temporary or part-time roles. Veterinary Technicians have formal certifications and handle more complex medical procedures. The main difference lies in qualifications and responsibilities, with Veterinary Technicians playing a more advanced role in animal healthcare.

Can I be a temporary veterinary assistant with no experience?

Temporary veterinary assistants often do not need prior experience, as on-the-job training is common. Employers may look for basic skills such as communication, a willingness to learn, and the ability to handle animals safely. Certification or coursework in animal care can be helpful but is not always required for entry-level positions.

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

Securing a position as a temporary veterinary assistant can vary depending on location, experience, and the demand for veterinary support staff. Having relevant skills such as animal handling, basic medical knowledge, and certification can improve chances, but competition may exist in busy areas or clinics with high turnover. Flexibility and a willingness to learn are also beneficial in obtaining temporary roles.

What cities are hiring for Temporary Veterinary Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Temporary Veterinary Assistant job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Temporary Veterinary jobs?

The most popular types of Temporary Veterinary jobs are:

What states have the most Temporary Veterinary Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Temporary Veterinary Assistant jobs include:

Temporary Veterinary Technician II

Rice University

Houston, TX • On-site

$23.41 - $29.23/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Rice University rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

149th of 622 rated colleges and universities


Job description


Position Summary:
The Temporary Veterinary Technician II will assist members of the veterinary staff, research staff, and animal care staff in providing exceptional care for laboratory animals in Rice University's growing animal care and use program. The veterinary technician will aid in all aspects of the animal care program serving as a liaison between different stakeholder groups including researchers and animal care staff. The veterinary technician will also serve as a primary resource to provide training to various members of the animal care and use program.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.
Ideal Candidate Statement:
The ideal candidate is a self-starter who has strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to interact with staff, and communicate animal health issues, compliance issues, training, facility issues, etc. in a professional collegial manner with Rice staff members.
The position is temporary, with an expected duration from November 9, 2026, through February 9, 2027.
Workplace Requirements:
This position is on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in person at Rice University Campus located at BioScience Research Collaborative, 6500 Main Street, Houston. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.
Hiring Range: $23.41 - $29.23
*Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.
Minimum Requirements:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Two or more (2+) years of experience related to animal handling, methods of blood collection, substance administration, anesthesiology, and euthanasia

Skills:
  • Ability to work independently when needed
  • Experience conducting diagnostic tests
  • Ability to work with many various laboratory animal species
  • Basic computer skills within Microsoft Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, etc.)

Preferences:
  • Associate's degree in related field.
  • Licensed veterinary technician (LVT)
  • Experience working with various animals in a research setting.
  • AALAS certification at ALAT or above.
  • Prior experience providing training in numerous veterinary procedures.
  • Understanding of the scientific process including aspects of protocol and study design.
  • Understanding compliance pertaining to animal care and use in a research environment.

Essential Functions:
  • Works independently to provide veterinary care for laboratory animals under the direction of staff veterinarians.
  • Provides direct assistance to members of the animal program in the diagnosis and treatment of laboratory animals while facilitating laboratory research and supporting animal use protocols.
  • Develops and provides training to research and animal care staff in proper animal handling, restraint, and various veterinary manipulations and techniques through formal and informal training events.
  • Provides complex and technical support to veterinary and research staff.
  • Actively supports laboratory animal health monitoring programs and maintains animal records in compliance with regulatory agency guidelines and requirements.
  • Maintains a harmonious, safe, and efficient work environment.
  • Serve as a liaison between the veterinary, research, and animal care personnel.
  • Work with veterinary and animal care staff to provide consistent care for all animals on weekends, holidays, and during emergencies.
  • Ability to learn how to use new research equipment within ARF and become a primary trainer for this new equipment.
  • Performs all other duties as assigned.

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University
Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University's Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.
If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.

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