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Vet Helper Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we ...

Vetco Vet Assistant Full Time

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we ...

Vetco Vet Assistant Full Time

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we ...

At Big Lick Vet, we believe in treating every patient as if they were our own pet, and giving them ... They care for all patients, assist with medical procedures, and help ensure each patient receives ...

At Big Lick Vet, we believe in treating every patient as if they were our own pet, and giving them ... They care for all patients, assist with medical procedures, and help ensure each patient receives ...

Showing results 21-40

Vet Helper information

What is a vet helper?

Vet Helpers, also known as veterinary assistants, are support staff who work alongside veterinarians and veterinary technicians in animal clinics, hospitals, and shelters. Their duties often include feeding, bathing, and exercising animals, cleaning cages, sterilizing equipment, and assisting with basic animal care. They play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of veterinary facilities and the well-being of animal patients. Vet Helpers do not diagnose or treat animals but provide essential support so veterinarians and technicians can focus on medical procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a vet helper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Vet Helper, you need a basic understanding of animal care, handling techniques, and often a high school diploma or relevant coursework. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, basic medical tools, and animal restraint equipment is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and compassion for animals are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are important to ensure the safety and well-being of animals, support veterinarians effectively, and provide excellent client service.

What are some common challenges vet helpers face when working in a busy veterinary clinic?

Vet Helpers often juggle multiple responsibilities, such as assisting veterinarians during exams, cleaning and preparing treatment areas, and handling animals who may be stressed or frightened. One of the main challenges is managing time effectively, especially during peak hours when the clinic is busy. Additionally, Vet Helpers need to be comfortable with physically demanding tasks and emotional situations, as they frequently assist with injured or ill animals. Building strong communication skills and teamwork with veterinary staff is essential for providing the best care and maintaining a positive work environment.

What is the difference between Vet Helper vs Veterinary Assistant?

AspectVet HelperVeterinary Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; some may pursue certification
Work EnvironmentAnimal clinics, shelters, farmsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals
Job DutiesAssist with animal care, cleaning, basic support tasksAssist veterinarians with exams, prepare animals and equipment

Vet Helpers and Veterinary Assistants share similar roles in animal care environments, often performing supportive tasks. While Vet Helpers typically require minimal formal training, Veterinary Assistants may pursue certification and have more direct involvement in medical procedures. Both roles are essential in veterinary settings, but Veterinary Assistants usually have a broader scope of responsibilities.

Where do vet helpers make the most money?

Vet helpers tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for veterinary services, such as urban areas or states with a strong veterinary industry. Salaries can also increase with experience, certifications, and working in specialized clinics or emergency hospitals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Vet jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Vet jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Vet Helper jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Vet Helper job openings:

Infographic showing various Vet Helper job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Vetco Vet Assistant Full Time

Petco

Alexandria, VA

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Petco rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 638 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

459th of 734 rated retailers


Job description

Want to help pets live their best lives?


We're proud to be where the pets go and where thepet peoplego. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing,Petco is the place for you.


Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and people.


  • Pet First - Protect & Empower.All pets shouldLive their Best Life.We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.

  • Foster the Fun - Connect & Bond.OurPassionfor pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through distinct experiences, products, and services.

  • Let's Go! Own & Commit.We are stronger asOne Petco team.We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.

About Petco:


We're proud to be"where the pets go"to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years - from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood - the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we're here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are29,000+strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than1,500Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico,250+Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we foundedPetco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately7 million animalsthrough in-store adoption events.


As a Vetco Veterinary Assistant, you will meet your veterinary team at our local dispatch office, then travel to your assigned Petco clinic locations for the day. At the clinics, your team of veterinary assistants will greet the pet parents and recommend the veterinary services that will best protect their pets. The Veterinary Assistant will assist the Veterinarian so the services can be administered and thank the pet parent for protecting their pet!
Essential Job Functions:
The incumbent must be able to perform all of the following duties and responsibilities with or without a reasonable accommodation.
- Must love dogs and cats...and people too!
- Team player who thrives on supporting the team in every way.
- Make educated recommendations to our clients and providing exceptional customer service.
- Works hard and has fun doing it!
- Eager to learn.
- Ability to work in changing environments, traveling throughout our Market.
- Responsible and accountable individuals.
- A can-do attitude.

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.

The pay ranges outlined below are presented in accordance with state-specific regulations. These ranges may differ in other areas and could be subject to variation based on regulatory minimum wage requirements. Actual pay rates will depend on factors such as position, location, level of experience, and applicable state or local minimum wage laws. If the regulatory minimum wage exceeds the minimum indicated in the pay range below, the regulatory minimum wage will be the minimum rate applied.

$15.50 - $21.25

Hourly or Salary Range will be reflected above. For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO -see https://careers.petco.com/us/en/key-benefits

To translate this webpage to Spanish or other languages on your internet browser click the translate button to the right of your browser address bar. Additional instruction can be found here: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/173424?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop

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