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Veterinary Assistant Surgery information

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$10

$17

$23

How much do veterinary assistant surgery jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary assistant surgery 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 surgery?

Veterinary assistant surgery jobs involve supporting veterinarians and veterinary technicians during surgical procedures on animals. Duties typically include preparing surgical instruments, monitoring animals before and after surgery, maintaining sterile environments, and providing post-operative care. Veterinary assistants in surgery also help with patient restraint, record-keeping, and ensuring all equipment is properly cleaned and maintained. This role requires attention to detail, compassion for animals, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced medical environment.

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

To thrive as a Veterinary Assistant Surgery, you need a solid understanding of animal anatomy, surgical procedures, and basic veterinary care, typically supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or a veterinary assistant certification. Familiarity with surgical instruments, sterilization techniques, and veterinary practice management software is essential. Attention to detail, compassion for animals, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills. These abilities are crucial for supporting veterinarians, ensuring animal safety, and maintaining a smooth surgical workflow.

What are some common challenges veterinary assistant surgery professionals face when supporting surgical procedures?

Veterinary Assistant Surgery professionals often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict aseptic technique in a fast-paced environment, anticipating the needs of surgeons during procedures, and managing the stress of caring for animals in critical condition. They must also be prepared to assist with a variety of surgical instruments and equipment, often adapting quickly to changing situations. Effective communication with veterinarians, technicians, and other team members is essential to ensure patient safety and successful surgical outcomes.

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

AspectVeterinary Assistant SurgeryVeterinary Technician
CredentialsOn-the-job training, sometimes certificationRequires formal education (associate degree) and licensing
Work EnvironmentAssists in surgical prep and post-op care under supervisionPerforms advanced surgical procedures, diagnostics, and anesthesia
Job ResponsibilitiesPrepares surgical areas, assists during surgeries, monitors recoveryPerforms surgeries, administers anesthesia, diagnoses, and treatment

Veterinary Assistant Surgery typically involves supporting surgical procedures under supervision, focusing on prep and post-op care. Veterinary Technicians have more advanced training, perform surgeries, and handle diagnostics. Both roles are essential in veterinary surgical teams, but Technicians have greater responsibilities and credentials.

What cities are hiring for Veterinary Assistant Surgery jobs?

Cities with the most Veterinary Assistant Surgery job openings:

What states have the most Veterinary Assistant Surgery jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Veterinary Assistant Surgery jobs?

For Veterinary Assistant Surgery jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Veterinary Assistant Surgery jobs near you

Veterinary Assistant, Surgery

Charleston, SC • On-site

Ethos Veterinary Health
Veterinary Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Ethos Veterinary Healthexternal

$17 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Veterinary Assistant, Surgery | $17-$22/hr Starting, Based On Experience
Charleston Veterinary Referral Center | Charleston, SC
Full-Time | Variable Monday-Friday Schedule
Charleston Veterinary Referral Center (CVRC) is seeking a full-time Surgery Veterinary Assistant to join our Specialty Surgery team in Charleston, SC. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced Veterinary Assistant who is passionate about surgery, anesthesia, and advanced patient care. You'll work alongside board-certified surgeons and experienced Veterinary Technicians while supporting patients throughout every stage of their surgical experience.Compensation
  • $17-$22/hour based on experience
Full-Time Benefits
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Generous paid time off
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Employee pet insurance
  • Continuing Education (CE) opportunities
  • Uniform allowance
  • Leadership development and career growth opportunities
  • Commitment to work-life balance
Schedule
  • Full-Time
  • Variable Monday-Friday schedule
  • Some on-call responsibilities required based on department needs
Responsibilities
  • Assist surgeons, Veterinary Technicians, and specialists during appointments, consultations, and patient evaluations.
  • Prepare surgical patients for anesthesia, including patient setup and pre-operative preparation.
  • Assist with patient restraint, positioning, and monitoring before and after procedures.
  • Scrub in and assist veterinarians during surgical procedures while maintaining sterile technique.
  • Prepare, clean, and organize operating rooms before and after surgery.
  • Clean, sterilize, organize, and maintain surgical instruments and equipment.
  • Become proficient with specialty surgical instruments, implants, equipment, and supplies.
  • Assist with anesthesia preparation and patient recovery under the direction of the veterinary team.
  • Obtain patient vital signs and assist with diagnostic procedures as directed.
  • Perform laboratory testing and fill prescriptions as assigned.
  • Maintain accurate medical records and support efficient workflow throughout the Surgery department.
  • Follow OSHA regulations and hospital safety standards.
  • Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and compassionate patient care in every interaction.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned to support the Surgery service.
Qualifications
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience as a Veterinary Assistant preferred
  • Specialty or emergency veterinary experience preferred
  • Previous surgical or anesthesia experience preferred
  • Experience with advanced patient handling and restraint
  • Strong interest in surgery and advanced veterinary medicine
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and teamwork skills
  • Ability to multitask and adapt in a fast-paced specialty hospital
  • Experience with EzyVet and SmartFlow preferred
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office preferred
  • Ability to safely lift and restrain animals weighing over 50 pounds with assistance when appropriate
  • Bilingual or multilingual communication skills are a plus
  • Fluent English speaking and reading skills required
About the Hospital
Charleston Veterinary Referral Center (CVRC) is a leading 24-hour emergency and specialty hospital serving the Lowcountry with advanced veterinary care. Our collaborative team includes specialists in Surgery, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Oncology, Cardiology, Emergency & Critical Care, and additional specialty services, allowing us to provide comprehensive care for complex medical and surgical cases.
Our state-of-the-art hospital offers advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities, providing our teams with the opportunity to practice progressive medicine while continuing to learn and grow alongside experienced specialists and Veterinary Technicians.Surrounding Areas
Located in Charleston, SC, CVRC is conveniently accessible from Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Summerville, Goose Creek, James Island, Johns Island, West Ashley, Moncks Corner, and surrounding Lowcountry communities. Charleston offers an outstanding combination of coastal living, historic charm, world-class dining, beautiful beaches, and abundant outdoor recreation, making it an exceptional place to build your veterinary career.Join Us
Ready to grow your career in specialty veterinary medicine? Apply today to join the Surgery team at Charleston Veterinary Referral Center and help provide exceptional surgical care while working alongside an experienced, collaborative team dedicated to advancing patient care.
Charleston, SC
Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world-class medicine, and help shape what veterinary care becomes next. Across our network of 140 specialty and emergency hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You'll work alongside respected veterinary leaders in academic-caliber hospitals designed for learning, teaching, and discovery. 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 pursue veterinary medicine at its highest level, together.
Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.

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