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Veterinary Assistant information

See Rhode Island salary details

$9

$16

$23

How much do veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 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.

Veterinary Assistant Experienced

VCA Animal Hospitals

Cranston, RI • On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

VCA Animal Hospitals rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 657 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 52 rated veterinary

Job description

VCA Atwood Animal Hospital is hiring a part time Veterinary Assistant to join our team!
About Us
We are a 3-doctor full service veterinary hospital offering primary care, illness care, surgery and dentistry located in Cranston, RI.
Check out our website here: https://vcahospitals.com/atwood
Candidates must be positive and motivated. The hospital team meets frequently, and your ideas and suggestions are encouraged to help us continue to grow. Our team takes pride in fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and recognition while being adaptable, goal driven and engaged. We work hard to protect our culture and assure we hire associates that are going to have the determination to rise above obstacles, wear multiple hats and work as a team.
VCA Total Rewards Benefits:
  • Access to the people and financial resources of a large veterinary community
  • Free NAVTA Membership & RECOVER Training
  • Discounts to Fear Free Certification & VetGirl
  • Growth & leadership opportunities
  • Medical, Dental & Vision
  • Career development programs
  • Veterinary Technician education tuition support and scholarships
  • $750 continuing education funds for credentialed associates
  • Veterinary Technician license reimbursement
  • Generous hospital discounts and product discounts
  • Employer-paid life, long- and short-term disability insurance
  • VTS Career Path financial, and mentorship support
  • Paid vacation and sick time
  • Paid parental leave
  • 401(k)
  • Free mental health resources and wellness subscriptions (Headspace)
  • Referral bonuses
  • Infertility benefits
  • Competitive wage
  • Free access to Plumbs, and education platforms such as Vetfolio

Compensation: $21 - $23 / hr is based on skill set, and experience
Potential Schedule: Must include a weekend rotation
Please take a moment to view our brief video on life as a veterinary technician with VCA from a technician's point of view.
https://vimeo.com/684755121/10c909cbf5
What You'll Do
Whether you are a credentialed veterinary technician (CVT, RVT, LVT) or technician in training, we want you to use the knowledge that you've invested your time and talent in. The skills that you will be utilizing include, but are not limited to:
Veterinary Assistant Duties Include
  • Physical examinations, patient assessment, and recovery
  • Procedural anesthesia and monitoring
  • IV fluid administration and CRI calculations
  • Hands Free Radiology and diagnostic imaging
  • Client communications and discharge

Why VCA
At VCA Animal Hospitals, we are passionate about supporting our technicians and assistants and are committed to your personal career development.
We create and support an inclusive work environment where you can focus on your career, your happiness, and the patients you serve.
Interested in this opportunity?
Apply!
We look forward to hearing from you.
The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development)
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com
If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.
Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!
The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.

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