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Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Rockfish Valley Veterinary Clinic

Be Seen First

Veterinary Assistant

Nellysford, VA · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Veterinary Assistant Opportunity at Rockfish Valley Veterinary Clinic Join our team at Rockfish Valley Veterinary Clinic in Nellysford, Virginia, as a full-time Veterinary Assistant! We are a fast ...

Aylett Animal Hospital

Veterinary Assistant

Aylett, VA · On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

Veterinary Assistant Status: Part-time Salary: Negotiable and based on experience Schedule: 25-30 hours per week Benefits Highlights Financial Rewards that Grow with You: Competitive pay, 401(k) ...

Innovetive Petcare

Veterinary Assistant

Richmond, VA · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

Veterinary Assistant Department: Veterinary Assistants Employment Type: Full Time Location: Richmond, Virginia Compensation: $14.00 - $15.00 / hour Description Bon Air Animal Hospital | Richmond Bon ...

Aylett Animal Hospital

Veterinary Assistant

Aylett, VA · On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

Veterinary Assistant Status: Part-time Salary: Negotiable and based on experience Schedule: 25-30 hours per week Benefits Highlights Financial Rewards that Grow with You: Competitive pay, 401(k) ...

Vetcor

Veterinary Assistant

Aylett, VA

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

Veterinary Assistant Status: Part-time Salary: Negotiable and based on experience Schedule: 25-30 hours per week Benefits Highlights Financial Rewards that Grow with You: Competitive pay, 401(k) ...

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All JobsVeterinary JobsVeterinary Assistant JobsVeterinary Assistant Jobs in Virginia

Veterinary Assistant information

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$10

$17

$23

How much do veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary assistant in Virginia is $17.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $18.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the top pay for a veterinary assistant?

The top pay for a veterinary assistant typically ranges from $15 to $20 per hour, with some experienced or specialized assistants earning higher wages. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and the type of veterinary practice, and additional certifications may lead to higher pay.

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.

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 are veterinary assistants?

Veterinary assistants are animal care professionals who support veterinarians and veterinary technicians in animal clinics, hospitals, and shelters. Their duties include feeding, bathing, and exercising animals, cleaning and disinfecting kennels and exam rooms, and assisting with handling animals during examinations or procedures. They may also help with administrative tasks like scheduling appointments and maintaining records. Veterinary assistants play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of animals and the smooth operation of veterinary facilities.

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.

What qualifications do you need to be a vet 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. Basic knowledge of animal care, good communication skills, and the ability to handle animals safely are important for this role.

Is 30 too late to become a vet?

Veterinary assistants can start their careers at any age, and becoming a veterinarian typically requires completing a bachelor's degree and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, which can be pursued at any age. Many people enter veterinary school later in life, so 30 is not too late to pursue a career in veterinary medicine or related roles in animal care.

Can I be a vet assistant with no experience?

Veterinary assistants often do not need prior experience to start, as on-the-job training is common. Basic skills such as animal handling, communication, and a willingness to learn are important, and some employers may prefer candidates with related certifications or coursework in animal care.
More about Veterinary Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Veterinary jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Veterinary jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Veterinary Assistant jobs in Virginia? For Veterinary Assistant jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Veterinary Assistant jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Veterinary Assistant jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Veterinary Assistant jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Veterinary Assistant job openings:
Veterinary Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Assistant job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,552 per year, or $17.1 per hour.
Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Assistant

National Veterinary Associates

Henrico, VA • On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Countryside Veterinary Clinic of Richmond is a recently growing veterinary practice dedicated to providing high-quality care to our patients and exceptional service to our clients. We are seeking a reliable team-oriented veterinary assistant to join our growing team.

Position Overview:

The Veterinary Assistant supports the veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians in delivering patient care, maintaining hospital cleanliness, and ensuring smooth daily operations. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about animal care, teamwork, and client communication.

Key Responsibilities:

Assist veterinarians and technicians with exams, treatments, and procedures.

Safely handle and restrain dogs and cats.

Prepare exam rooms and maintain a clean, organized hospital environment.

Perform basic animal care duties including feeding, walking, and cleaning kennels.

Support surgical procedures (prep, monitoring assistance, recovery).

Sterilize instruments and maintain medical equipment.

Communicate professionally with clients regarding patient care and instructions.

Accurately record patient information and update medical records.

Answering phones and invoicing clients.

Qualifications:

Previous experience as a veterinary assistant or in animal care.

Strong communication and customer service skills.

Willingness to work rotating weekends and holidays.

Benefits:

Health, Vision, and dental insurance

Paid Time Off

Employee pet care discounts

Opportunity for growth

NVA logo

About NVA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Nashville Veterinary Specialists + Animal Emergency (NVS) is a veterinary specialty and emergency hospital group with two locations in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee. Our Mission and primary focus is to honor the human-animal bond in all we do, focusing on patient care, client experience, and the health of our team. We believe we can never stop improving and strive to improve in all we do. Not only do we focus on patient care, but core to our hospital culture is also a focus on the health of our team, our community, and the environment. We are committed to sustainable environmental practices. NVS works in partnership with National Veterinary Associates-Compassion-First (NVA C-F). NVA-CF is the largest private owner of freestanding veterinary hospitals in North America with over 1400 locations worldwide.

Headquarters location

Agoura Hills, CA, US

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