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Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Rockfish Valley Veterinary Clinic

$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 ...

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Veterinary Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 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.

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,552 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Veterinary Assistant

Ethos Veterinary Health

Fredericksburg, VA • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Veterinary Assistant, ER
Virginia Veterinary Center of Fredericksburg, VA is looking to add veterinary assistants to its advanced and growing emergency department, and you might be their perfect fit!
Veterinary Assistant (ER) - | $20-$25/hr (including shift differential)
Location: Fredericksburg, VA
Full-Time | 3x12s | Day shift
$20-$25/hr + shift differentials
Looking for a Veterinary Assistant job where you can grow your skills in emergency and critical care?
Join Virginia Veterinary Centers in Fredericksburg, VA, a 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital, where you'll build advanced ER/CC skills working hands-on with high-acuity cases while working at the top of your license, making a real impact every shift.
Pay & Benefits for Veterinary Assistants
  • $20-$25/hour, including shift differential (based on experience and skills)
Full-time benefits include:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • 401(k)
  • Paid Time Off
  • CE Allowance + Free VetBloom (RACE-approved CE) access
  • Veterinary Technician scholarship opportunities
  • VTNE and/or license reimbursement
  • Uniform allowance
  • Employee pet discount
  • Disability & Life Insurance
Schedule
  • Three 12-hour shifts
  • Day shift
  • Two on- call shifts required per month
  • Weekends as needed
  • Schedule is subject to change based on hospital needs
Veterinary Assistant Responsibilities
  • Conducting triages and physical assessments on incoming patients to prioritize their clinical condition to determine their state of stability for immediate vs. non-emergent care
  • Ability to recognize and facilitate critical patients to getting the care they need in a timely manner if assessed as a critical case during time of triage; Communicating and obtaining approval for Critical Care forms
  • Responsible for communicating with clients to obtain adequate medical histories on a patient's health and presenting complaints
  • Provide excellent client service and patient care at all times; maintain constant communication with owners throughout their visit to our hospital;
  • Understanding normal vs abnormal vital sign parameters and alerting appropriate team members to decompensating patients whether hospitalized or outpatient
  • In between triages, assist licensed technician with outpatient procedures such as, but not limited to, diagnostics, subcutaneous fluid therapy, medication administration
  • Assisting in initial hospitalization of patients and their hourly treatments while following proper hospital protocol regarding documentation of treatment sheets and Practice Management Software
  • Restraining patients for diagnostic testing and physical examinations
  • Completing Client Service Representative training to assist in client service-related tasks such as checking clients in and out, obtaining payments, answering phones, etc.
  • Must adhere to guidance and delegation directed to them by their Licensed Staff (DVMs and LVTs)
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Emergency or critical care experience preferred
  • Strong VA and communication skills
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced veterinary environment

Our ideal candidate has at least 1 year of experience in veterinary medicine as an assistant and is looking for a role where they can expand their knowledge and skill set through emergency medicine. We especially love veterinary assistants that are actively enrolled in a veterinary technician program to obtain licensure. Our team is respectful, kind, and collaborative and we are looking for the right cultural fit to maintain that atmosphere. This role would be perfect for someone who has interest in a challenging and fast-paced environment and looking to forward their career in veterinary medicine.
About Virginia Veterinary Centers
Since its conception in 1981, the Virginia Veterinary Centers teams have worked to invest in new technologies and training to stay on the cutting edge of Veterinary Medicine to provide the best quality care for their patients and families. Our teams understand that when knowledge and care are shared across distance and discipline, your furry family member gets the best care available. We recognize that to do this, we need adequately educated staff to maintain our highest standard of care. Because of this, providing a culture that cultivates collaborative learning in a safe and inclusive hospital is of the utmost importance to our management team.
About Ethos Veterinary Health
Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world-class
medicine, and help shape what veterinary care becomes next.
Across our network of 140 specialty and emergency hospitals, science moves forward, standards
are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You'll work alongside respected
veterinary leaders in academic-caliber hospitals designed for learning, teaching, and discovery.
Here, mentorship is a two-way street. You'll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to
grow, clinically, professionally, and personally.
At Ethos, you inspire hope, deliver exceptional care, and pursue veterinary medicine at its highest
level, together.
Join Us
At Ethos, this isn't just a job, it's an opportunity to practice medicine at the highest level and help shape the future of veterinary care.
Candidates can confidentially submit their CV to Talent Acquisition Partner, Rachel Fazio at [email protected]
Equal Opportunity Employer
Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion,
color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin,
veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on
qualifications, competence, merit, and business need

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