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Veterinary Assistant Oncology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Veterinary Assistant Oncology information

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$17

$23

How much do veterinary assistant oncology jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary assistant oncology 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 veterinary assistant oncology?

A Veterinary Assistant in Oncology is a professional who supports veterinarians and veterinary technicians in the care and treatment of animal patients diagnosed with cancer. Their responsibilities include preparing animals and equipment for procedures, assisting with diagnostic tests, administering medications as directed, and providing comfort and support to both pets and their owners. They also help maintain medical records, ensure a clean and safe environment, and may assist during chemotherapy sessions. This role is vital in ensuring the smooth operation of a veterinary oncology department and in delivering compassionate care to animals undergoing cancer treatment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a veterinary assistant oncology?

To thrive as a Veterinary Assistant in Oncology, you need foundational knowledge of animal care, basic veterinary procedures, and an understanding of cancer treatments, typically supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or certification. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, laboratory equipment, and safety protocols for chemotherapy handling is often required. Compassion, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for supporting both the veterinary team and pet owners. These capabilities ensure safe, accurate care for oncology patients and provide emotional support during challenging treatments.

What are some common challenges faced by veterinary assistant oncology professionals, and how can they be managed?

Veterinary Assistant Oncology professionals often encounter emotionally charged situations, as they support both pets undergoing cancer treatment and their concerned owners. Balancing compassionate client communication with the technical aspects of assisting in chemotherapy and other oncology procedures can be challenging. Effective stress management, continuous learning, and teamwork with veterinarians and veterinary technicians are key to succeeding in this role. Many clinics offer mentorship and emotional support resources to help staff manage these demands while maintaining high standards of patient care.

What is the difference between Veterinary Assistant Oncology vs Veterinary Assistant General Practice?

AspectVeterinary Assistant OncologyVeterinary Assistant General Practice
CertificationsBasic veterinary assistant certification, specialized training in oncologyBasic veterinary assistant certification
Work EnvironmentSpecialized clinics focusing on cancer treatment, labs, and treatment areasGeneral animal clinics, pet hospitals, and general practice settings
Job DutiesAssisting with chemotherapy, patient care for oncology cases, handling specialized equipmentAssisting with routine exams, vaccinations, and general patient care
Industry UsageUsed in veterinary oncology clinics and specialty hospitalsCommon in general veterinary practices and animal clinics

Veterinary Assistant Oncology professionals focus on supporting cancer treatments and specialized patient care in oncology clinics, requiring additional training. In contrast, Veterinary Assistant General Practice roles involve routine animal care in broader veterinary settings. Both roles share foundational skills but differ in specialization and work environment.

More about Veterinary Assistant Oncology jobs

What cities are hiring for Veterinary Assistant Oncology jobs?

Cities with the most Veterinary Assistant Oncology job openings:

What states have the most Veterinary Assistant Oncology jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Veterinary Assistant Oncology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,859 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Veterinary Assistant, Oncology

Ethos Veterinary Health

Santa Barbara, CA โ€ข On-site

$26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Veterinary Assistant - Oncology
Up to $26.00/hour (DOE)
Full-time opportunity in Santa Barbara, California
Schedule: Four 10-hour shifts | Weekend & holiday flexibility required
Build your career in veterinary oncology with Advanced Veterinary Specialists (AVS). As an Oncology Veterinary Assistant, you'll work alongside veterinary specialists, Registered Veterinary Technicians, and an experienced clinical team providing compassionate care for pets undergoing cancer diagnostics and treatment.
This is an excellent opportunity for a Veterinary Assistant who wants to expand their clinical skills, gain experience in specialty veterinary medicine, and support patients and families throughout their oncology care journey.
Why Join Advanced Veterinary Specialists
Advanced Veterinary Specialists is a specialty and emergency veterinary hospital in Santa Barbara providing advanced care across Oncology, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Cardiology, and Emergency & Critical Care.
Our Oncology team combines advanced veterinary medicine with compassionate patient and client care. You'll gain hands-on experience while working in a collaborative environment focused on mentorship, continuing education, and professional development.
In Your Day-to-Day, You Will
  • Assist veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians with oncology examinations, treatments, diagnostic procedures, and patient care.
  • Safely handle, restrain, and position dogs and cats for examinations and procedures.
  • Assist with laboratory testing, sample collection, medications, and treatments under appropriate supervision.
  • Monitor and provide compassionate nursing support for patients throughout their visits.
  • Prepare, clean, stock, and organize examination rooms, treatment areas, equipment, and supplies.
  • Communicate compassionately with clients and support education regarding treatment plans and home care.
  • Collaborate with Oncology and other specialty teams to maintain efficient workflow and exceptional patient care.

What You Bring
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • General knowledge and experience with small animal handling and restraint, particularly dogs and cats.
  • Basic understanding of veterinary medical terminology and patient care.
  • Strong communication, organization, time-management, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to multitask and follow hospital protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Calm, compassionate, and professional demeanor.
  • Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative veterinary team.
  • Veterinary hospital experience or enrollment in a Veterinary Technology program preferred.

Perks & Benefits
Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA); 401(k); Employee Assistance Program (EAP); three weeks of accrued paid time off; monthly RACE-approved continuing education; VetBloom learning and development resources; eligible CE and coursework support; career milestone bonuses for earning your RVT or VTS; and professional growth and advancement opportunities.
Location Highlight
Build your veterinary oncology career in beautiful Santa Barbara, with access to beaches, mountains, hiking, dining, and year-round outdoor recreation. AVS is accessible to veterinary professionals throughout Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria, Montecito, Summerland, Ventura, Oxnard, and surrounding Central Coast communities.
About Ethos Veterinary Health
Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world-class veterinary medicine and help shape what veterinary care becomes next.
Across our network of specialty and emergency veterinary hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You'll work alongside veterinary professionals committed to learning, collaboration, compassionate care, and clinical excellence.
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 help advance veterinary medicine-together.
Join Us
If you're a Veterinary Assistant, Oncology Veterinary Assistant, Specialty Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Technician Assistant, or veterinary professional interested in animal oncology, cancer care, specialty medicine, and advanced patient care, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and join the Oncology team at Advanced Veterinary Specialists in Santa Barbara.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Ethos Veterinary Health 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, age, protected veteran or disabled status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.