ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsVeterinary JobsVeterinary Assistant JobsVeterinary Assistant Jobs in Rhode Island

Veterinary Assistant information

See Rhode Island salary details

$9

$16

$23

How much do veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary assistant in Rhode Island is $16.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.81 and $18.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is being a veterinary assistant worth it?

Veterinary assistants perform tasks such as animal care, cleaning, and supporting veterinarians, often working in clinics or animal hospitals. The role can be rewarding for those passionate about animals but typically offers entry-level pay and requires physical stamina and good communication skills. Career advancement may involve gaining experience or pursuing additional certifications in veterinary technology.

Can I be a veterinary assistant with no experience?

Veterinary assistant positions often do not require prior experience, as on-the-job training is common. Basic skills such as animal handling, communication, and a willingness to learn are valuable, and some employers may prefer candidates with related coursework or certifications. Entry-level roles provide opportunities to gain practical experience in a veterinary setting.

What qualifications do you need to be a veterinary assistant?

Veterinary assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. While formal education is not always required, completing a veterinary assistant training program or certification can improve job prospects. Basic knowledge of animal care, good communication skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are also important.

What are some typical challenges veterinary assistants face when working in fast-paced animal clinics?

Veterinary assistants in busy clinics often juggle multiple tasks, such as restraining animals, cleaning exam rooms, assisting with procedures, and communicating with pet owners. Managing high patient volume while maintaining accuracy and compassion can be challenging, especially during emergencies or peak hours. Teamwork, adaptability, and strong organizational skills are essential to handle shifting priorities and ensure quality care for both animals and clients.

What do veterinary assistants do?

Veterinary Assistants, or vet assistants, help Veterinarians and Veterinarian Technicians in animal care hospitals, animal clinics, or other veterinary facilities. As a Veterinary Assistant, you feed, bathe, and exercise animals in your care. Veterinarian Assistants also restrain animals when the vet examines or treats them. Other job duties may include greeting pet owners when they enter the office, organizing files, and cleaning and sterilizing equipment. Some Veterinary Assistant positions require you to perform lab work, such as collecting urine samples from animals, drawing blood, and administering medication under the supervision of the primary veterinarian or technician.

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

Veterinary Assistants need a basic understanding of animal care, handling, and medical terminology, often supported by a high school diploma or veterinary assistant certification. Familiarity with animal restraint techniques, cleaning protocols, and veterinary software systems is common in this role. Compassion, attention to detail, and strong teamwork skills distinguish exceptional Veterinary Assistants. These abilities are crucial for ensuring animal well-being, supporting veterinarians, and maintaining an efficient, safe clinical environment.

What do I need to be a veterinary assistant?

To become a veterinary assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills include animal handling, communication, and basic knowledge of veterinary procedures; some employers may prefer certification or on-the-job training. Physical stamina and the ability to work in a veterinary clinic environment are also important.

What is the difference between Veterinary Assistant vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectVeterinary AssistantVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in veterinary technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentAssist veterinarians and technicians in clinics, animal shelters, and labsPerform more advanced medical procedures under supervision in clinics and hospitals
Job ResponsibilitiesAnimal restraint, cleaning, basic patient care, clerical tasksPerform lab work, administer medications, assist in surgeries, diagnostic testing
Industry UsageCommon entry-level role in veterinary practicesMore specialized role requiring formal education and certification

The main difference between a Veterinary Assistant and a Veterinary Technician lies in their education, responsibilities, and level of medical involvement. Veterinary Technicians have formal training and perform more complex medical tasks, while Veterinary Assistants focus on basic support and animal care. Both roles are essential in veterinary settings, but technicians typically have greater responsibilities and qualifications.

Is becoming a veterinary assistant worth it?

Veterinary assistants perform basic animal care, assist veterinarians, and often work in clinics or animal hospitals. The role typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and offers opportunities for on-the-job training, with job growth driven by increasing pet ownership and demand for veterinary services.
More about Veterinary Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Veterinary jobs in Rhode Island? The most popular types of Veterinary jobs in Rhode Island are:
What are popular job titles related to Veterinary Assistant jobs in Rhode Island? For Veterinary Assistant jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Veterinary Assistant jobs in Rhode Island look for? The top searched job categories for Veterinary Assistant jobs in Rhode Island are:
What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Veterinary Assistant jobs? Cities in Rhode Island with the most Veterinary Assistant job openings:
Veterinary Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Assistant job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,118 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Urgent Care Senior Veterinary Assistant

UrgentVet

Greenville, RI

$18 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Description
UrgentVet bridges the gap between daytime general practice and emergency/overnight care, offering after-hours care for canine and feline patients without the additional expense of emergency clinic fees. Our hospitals offer care for common urgent cases, including wound management, ear infections, vomiting/diarrhea, and euthanasia. Each of our paperless clinics is specially designed to deliver efficient care and equipped with cloud-based EMR, digital x-ray, and a full suite of IDEXX in-house lab equipment.
Are you looking for an opportunity to make an impact in your community while tackling a challenging, variety of tasks and the ability to helps animals among a great team of people? Our clinic is seeking a Full-Time Veterinary Technician to help provide outstanding patient care, team leadership, and client service in a fast-paced, state-of-the-art urgent care clinic.
Click here to take a virtual tour of our clinic!

Ideal Candidate
  • Demonstrates professionalism, dependability, healthy and positive communication skills, and the ability to multi-task in a hands-on environment
  • Energetic people-and-pet person with excellent work ethic and social and organizational skills
  • Willing to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays
  • Full-time employees may be required to travel for on-site training and onboarding
  • Prior customer service experience
  • Prior experience working with animals in a hospital setting
  • Must be able to lift 40 lbs
  • This position requires regular on-site presence as an essential function of the role. Due to the nature of veterinary hospital operations, in-person attendance is necessary to support patient care, respond to time-sensitive needs, collaborate with clinical teams, and maintain the safety and well-being of patients, clients, and staff. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and will consider requests for reasonable accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable laws

Skills, Knowledge, & Expertise
  • Animal handling experience including patient restraint, sample collection, and monitoring
  • Clinical skills including phlebotomy, catheter placement, laboratory analysis, and drug calculation
  • Additional duties including facility maintenance and client education

Benefits
  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision Options) 
  • 401k Match
  • Generous paid time off (PTO)
  • Paid Parental Leave + Paid Maternity Leave
  • One (1) Work/Life Balance day off
  • Short-term and long-term disability options
  • Supplemental insurance options
  • Discounted Veterinary Care
  • Scrub allowance 
  • Hands-on and E-training 
  • Professional growth opportunities 
  • Tuition assistance for prospective Veterinary Technician Students 
  • Tuition reimbursement for Credentialed/Registered Veterinary Technicians