ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Veterinary Assistant Surgery Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VCA Animal Hospitals

Surgery Veterinary Assistant

Madison, WI · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

VCA Veterinary Emergency Service & Veterinary Specialty Center has an opportunity for a Veterinary Assistant to join our Surgery Service ! About Us: At VCA Veterinary Emergency Service & Veterinary ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsVeterinary Surgery JobsVeterinary Assistant Surgery Jobs

Veterinary Assistant Surgery information

See salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do veterinary assistant surgery jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 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 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.

Can I live off being a vet assistant?

Veterinary assistants typically earn a modest salary that may not be sufficient as the sole income for a household. Many assist in animal care and support veterinary staff, but their wages often require supplementary income or advancement to higher roles for financial stability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Veterinary Assistant Surgery, and why are they important?

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 are veterinary assistant surgery jobs?

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 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:
Veterinary Assistant Surgery jobs near you

Veterinary Assistant - Surgery (Full-time or Part-time)

Helping Hands Veterinary Surgery & Dentistry of Florida

Orlando, FL

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Veterinary Assistants are valuable members of our medical teams and play a crucial role in patient care and client service. At Helping Hands Veterinary Surgery and Dentistry, you will work closely with doctors and technicians to increase efficiency within our hospital as well as the level of care we provide as a team. Come thrive in an environment that encourages learning and continued grow within the profession.
 
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
  • Animal handling and restraint
  • Assist doctors and technicians with medical treatments, diagnostic tests, and procedures
  • Obtain health history from clients and ensure documentation is accurate and complete within the electronic medical record
  • Maintain cleanliness of treatment and patient areas,
  • Restock and organize medical supplies
  • Constantly advance your knowledgebase and skill set
 
Skills and Qualifications:
  • 1 year of professional experience in a veterinary clinical setting (previous veterinary or shelter medicine experience), preferred
  • Excellent communication skills with clients and team members
  • Proficient time management, ability to problem solve, learn, and handle multiple tasks
  • Enthusiastic team player with a patient, and positive professional attitude.
  • Must be able to lift and restrain pets of at least 50 pounds, and work on feet most of the day.
 
Benefits and Perks:
  • No weekends/holidays/on calls.
  • Short Term Disability paid for by employer  
  • Complimentary Life Insurance $25,000; with options to purchase additional voluntary benefits for self or family  
  • Company Sponsored Employee Assistance Program (Headspace) 
  • 401K with 100% company match up to 3% and 50% company match up to 5%, eligible after 6 months of employment 
  • UMR Insurance Plans with multiple options 
  • Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account options  
  • United Healthcare Dental Insurance; includes a 100% paid premium option for team members 
  • United Healthcare Vision Insurance options 
  • Long Term Disability option 
  • Progyny-Fertility and Family Building Support (up to $10,000) 
  • Team Member Discounts for Pet Care 
  • Paid time off - inclusive of sick, personal, and vacation 
  • LGBTQIA+ support with FOLX HEALTHCARE (if UMR enrolled)
  • Sword Digital Musculoskeletal & Physical Therapy Program (if UMR enrolled)
  • Referral Bonus Program
  • DailyPay on Demand
  • up to $14.00/hour, depending on experience
 
At Helping Hands Veterinary Surgery & Dentistry, our mission is to provide quality veterinary surgical and dental services at affordable prices to help prevent economic euthanasia. We only focus on surgery and dentistry, and work with referring veterinarians for pre- and post-care, which helps us keep our costs low without sacrificing quality or care. We offer over 40 procedures, ensuring that we can help many pets receive surgical and dental care they otherwise would not have access to.
 
We are a proud United Veterinary Care Partner hospital. United Veterinary Care supports the unique culture and individuality of each partner hospital while empowering the hospital teams in their care for patients. One of our goals is to support our community of hospitals in creating sustainable, fulfilling careers in a profession we love.

Apply