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Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Mass-RI Veterinary ER

Veterinary Technician

Barrington, RI · On-site

$21.50 - $28/hr

Veterinary Technician Mass-RI Veterinary ER Location Swansea, MA Pay $21.50 $28.00/hour, based on experience and education Schedule Full-time-Wed, Thu, Fri Shift Overnight 10am-10PM About You We ...

Mass-RI Veterinary ER

Veterinary Technician

Cumberland, RI · On-site

$21.50 - $28/hr

Veterinary Technician Mass-RI Veterinary ER Location Swansea, MA Pay $21.50 $28.00/hour, based on experience and education Schedule Full-time-Wed, Thu, Fri Shift Overnight 10am-10PM About You We ...

Mass-RI Veterinary ER

Veterinary Technician

Cranston, RI · On-site

$21.50 - $28/hr

Veterinary Technician Mass-RI Veterinary ER Location Swansea, MA Pay $21.50 $28.00/hour, based on experience and education Schedule Full-time-Wed, Thu, Fri Shift Overnight 10am-10PM About You We ...

Mass-RI Veterinary ER

Veterinary Technician

Cranston, RI · On-site

$21.50 - $28/hr

Veterinary Technician Mass-RI Veterinary ER Location Swansea, MA Pay $21.50 $28.00/hour, based on experience and education Schedule Full-time-Wed, Thu, Fri Shift Overnight 10am-10PM About You We ...

Mass-RI Veterinary ER

Veterinary Technician

Pawtucket, RI · On-site

$21.50 - $28/hr

Veterinary Technician Mass-RI Veterinary ER Location Swansea, MA Pay $21.50 $28.00/hour, based on experience and education Schedule Full-time-Wed, Thu, Fri Shift Overnight 10am-10PM About You We ...

Mass-RI Veterinary ER

Veterinary Technician

Greenville, RI · On-site

$21.50 - $28/hr

Veterinary Technician Mass-RI Veterinary ER Location Swansea, MA Pay $21.50 $28.00/hour, based on experience and education Schedule Full-time-Wed, Thu, Fri Shift Overnight 10am-10PM About You We ...

Mass-RI Veterinary ER

Veterinary Technician

Greenville, RI · On-site

$21.50 - $28/hr

Veterinary Technician Mass-RI Veterinary ER Location Swansea, MA Pay $21.50 $28.00/hour, based on experience and education Schedule Full-time-Wed, Thu, Fri Shift Overnight 10am-10PM About You We ...

Mass-RI Veterinary ER

Veterinary Technician

Woonsocket, RI · On-site

$21.50 - $28/hr

Veterinary Technician Mass-RI Veterinary ER Location Swansea, MA Pay $21.50 $28.00/hour, based on experience and education Schedule Full-time-Wed, Thu, Fri Shift Overnight 10am-10PM About You We ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsVeterinary JobsVeterinary Assistant JobsVeterinary Assistant Jobs in Rhode Island

Veterinary Assistant information

See Rhode Island salary details

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$16

$23

How much do veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 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.

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 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 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.

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 certifications or coursework in animal care. Entry-level roles provide opportunities to gain practical experience in a veterinary setting.

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.

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 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 program or certification can improve job prospects. Strong communication skills, basic knowledge of animal care, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are also important.
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 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,118 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Veterinary Technician

Ocean State Veterinary Specialists

East Greenwich, RI • On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Description
Position at Ocean State Veterinary Specialists
Veterinary Technician
Are you a veterinary technician looking to grow your skills in a fast-paced, supportive hospital environment? Whether you're a recent veterinary technology program graduate or have experience in general practice or urgent care, Ocean State Veterinary Specialists (OSVS) is seeking a Veterinary Technician to join our Inpatient, Urgent Care, and Discharge team on 1st and 2nd shift.
This is an excellent opportunity to expand your knowledge and gain hands-on experience caring for hospitalized and urgent care patients while working alongside experienced emergency clinicians, board-certified specialists, and highly skilled technicians. If you're eager to learn, enjoy patient care, and want to take the next step in your veterinary career, we'd love to meet you.
Why OSVS?
At OSVS, we are committed to helping veterinary technicians build confidence, develop new skills, and advance their careers. Through mentorship, hands-on training, continuing education opportunities, and exposure to a wide variety of cases, you'll have the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
As a 24-hour emergency and specialty referral hospital, OSVS offers a unique learning environment where you'll gain experience with a diverse caseload and work closely with multiple specialty departments.
What You'll Do
  • Provide compassionate nursing care to hospitalized and urgent care patients
  • Monitor patient comfort, vital signs, and overall condition, communicating changes to the medical team
  • Assist veterinarians and technicians with treatments, diagnostics, and procedures
  • Administer medications and treatments as directed
  • Perform venipuncture, catheter placement, laboratory sample collection, and other technical skills appropriate to your training and experience
  • Support patient admissions, discharges, and client communication
  • Maintain accurate and detailed medical records
  • Collaborate with technicians, veterinarians, and specialists to deliver exceptional patient care
  • Provide client education and instructions during patient discharge
What We're Looking For
  • Recent graduates are encouraged to apply
  • Candidates with experience in general practice, urgent care, or similar veterinary settings are encouraged to apply
  • Certified veterinary technician, preferred but not required
  • Strong interest in developing inpatient nursing and emergency medicine skills
  • Excellent communication, organization, and teamwork abilities
  • Compassionate, patient-focused approach to veterinary care
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail
  • Ability to lift and handle pets weighing 40+ pounds and remain active throughout your shift
What You'll Gain
  • Comprehensive training and mentorship
  • Exposure to emergency and specialty medicine in a referral setting
  • Opportunities to strengthen technical and nursing skills
  • Continuing education and professional development opportunities
  • A collaborative team culture that values learning, growth, and exceptional patient care

Schedule
This position is specifically for 1st and 2nd shift. As part of our 24/7 emergency and specialty care team, candidates should be available to work a weekend shift each week as well as rotating holidays.
If you're ready to build on your veterinary foundation and gain experience caring for hospitalized and urgent care patients, join the team at OSVS and take the next step in your career.
Benefits & Perks
  • Employer-paid medical premiums and deductible
  • Dental, vision, and life insurance
  • 401K with company match
  • PTO, paid holidays, and EAP support
  • Veterinary Social Worker available on-site
  • Paid CE opportunities, CE stipend for CVT and VTS
  • Uniform allowance & personal pet discounts
  • Flexible scheduling options (8, 10, or 12-hour shifts)
  • Competitive pay, commensurate with experience
    • Non-credentialed Techs: $20-$26/hr
    • Credentialed Techs: $22-$28/hr
    • Plus $5/hr shift differential after 8pm
About Us
OSVS is a 35,000-sq. ft. hospital in East Greenwich, RI, serving patients across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. With a busy emergency service, nationally respected internship and residency programs, and board-certified specialists in ECC, internal medicine, surgery, neurology, cardiology, oncology, ophthalmology, radiology, and avian/exotics, we are proud to be a leader in advanced veterinary medicine.
At OSVS, you'll find more than a job-you'll find a career home where your skills are valued, your growth is supported, and your passion for helping pets and their people truly makes a difference.
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.
United Veterinary Care provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.

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