1

Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Addison, IL (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Assistant

Niles, IL · On-site

$17.60 - $22.49/hr

Utilize technical skills to the fullest, within state practice acts and as outlined in the NAVTA guidelines for veterinary assistant skills and duties. Mentor other paraprofessionals in the hospital.

Veterinary Assistant GP

Aurora, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Primary Care Veterinary Assistant at VCA Aurora Animal Hospital in Aurora, IL Schedule: Part-time, Thursday, Friday, and one Saturday shift per month. 20 -25 hours. About Our Hospital VCA Aurora ...

Veterinary Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

General Information Ref # 53850 Department Vet Tech / Vet Assistant / VT Campus Job Site Metropolitan Veterinary Center (Chicago) Date Published 08-16-2026 Pay Class Full-Time Base Min. $ 19 Base Max ...

Veterinary Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Your Impact as a Veterinary Assistant * Provide Essential Patient Care: You'll be a key player in the health of our patients, assisting the medical team with hands-on care and ensuring every animal ...

Veterinary Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Your Impact as a Veterinary Assistant * Provide Essential Patient Care: You'll be a key player in the health of our patients, assisting the medical team with hands-on care and ensuring every animal ...

Veterinary Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Your Impact as a Veterinary Assistant * Provide Essential Patient Care: You'll be a key player in the health of our patients, assisting the medical team with hands-on care and ensuring every animal ...

As a Vetco Veterinary Assistant, you will meet your veterinary team at our local dispatch office, then travel to your assigned Petco clinic locations for the day. At the clinics, your team of ...

Veterinary Assistant

Glendale Heights, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Your Impact as a Veterinary Assistant * Provide Essential Patient Care: You'll be a key player in the health of our patients, assisting the medical team with hands-on care and ensuring every animal ...

Your Impact as a Veterinary Assistant * Provide Essential Patient Care: You'll be a key player in the health of our patients, assisting the medical team with hands-on care and ensuring every animal ...

Showing results 41-60

Veterinary Assistant information

See Addison, IL salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary assistant in Addison, IL is $17.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $19.04 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.

What job categories do people searching Veterinary Assistant jobs in Addison, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Veterinary Assistant jobs in Addison, IL are:

What cities near Addison, IL are hiring for Veterinary Assistant jobs?

Cities near Addison, IL with the most Veterinary Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Veterinary Assistant job openings in Addison, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,926 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Veterinary Assistant-Neurology

Hoffman Estates, IL • On-site

Thrive Pet Healthcare
Non-Profits • 10K+ employees

$23 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Thrive Pet Healthcare rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 140 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description
Veterinary Assistant - Neurology
Thrive Pet Healthcare Specialists
Hoffman Estates, IL
Full-time: 3-day work week
More than a word, care is present in everything you do, at Thrive Pet Healthcare Specialists- Hoffman Estates, we take action to empower your best care for pets, their families, and yourself.
Thrive Pet Healthcare is united by our mission to create the future of pet well-being through medical excellence, innovative technology, and a connected community of teams and partners. We exist to nurture both pets and people through meaningful relationships and exceptional veterinary care.
Thrive Pet Healthcare Specialists-Hoffman Estates is looking for a Veterinary Assistant to join our Neurology team.
Role Responsibilities
  • Support Neurology team to ensure quality patient care
  • Assist Neurology team to maximize productivity and maintain positive patient flow.
  • Assist in taking radiographs, running lab work and various technical skills
  • Assist in preparing patients for procedures, MRI and surgery
  • Communication with clients including obtaining histories and discharging patients

Experience & Skills Requirements
Veterinary Assistant experience required
  • One year or more of experience in a veterinary hospital-surgery experience preferred
  • Be professional and courteous
  • Ability to multitask
  • Excellent communication and client service skills
  • This position requires a love of animals and the ability to warmly welcome and compassionately care for a wide variety of pets

You'll Grow With Us
Here, you can grow your career as best fits you through access to comprehensive learning and skillset programs. You can build your skills and earn credentials through:
  • Our vast, diverse, and free library of continuing education courses - ThriveU
  • Live, virtual interactive workshops to develop valuable leadership skills
  • A program designed to teach you the fundamentals of running a pet hospital

Benefits - Our Care In Action
Thrive offers a suite of benefits to support team members' emotional, physical, professional, and financial wellbeing. In addition to our health and life insurance, and short- and long- term disability plans, we offer eligible team members:
  • Competitive compensation: $23-25/hr
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Mental health resources, including easy access to therapy through Lyra Health
  • Paid parental leave
  • Purr-ental leave for when you adopt a pet
  • Subsidized backup childcare and elder care
  • Expert advice, support and network discounts for fertility and family planning
  • FREE CE courses
  • Pet perks and veterinary service discounts
  • Student loan support tools and assistance

*Some benefits shown are only for full-time team members who work 30 hours or more per week. Certain Benefits may be subject to waiting periods or length of service requirements.
Compensation is negotiable based on credentials and experience. The actual rate offered will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
About Thrive
Thrive Pet Healthcare creates the future of pet well-being through medical excellence, innovative technology, and a connected community of teams and partners. Today, its network of 360+ primary, emergency, and specialty hospitals across the U.S. cares for pets of all ages and health needs, while portfolio companies provide tools and technology that help veterinary teams work smarter and deliver better care. Thrive invests in its people-through mentorship, leadership programs, continuing education, and well-being initiatives-so teams can grow and feel supported. For pet owners, convenient solutions such as a mobile app, Thrive Plus membership, HereFurYou Helpline, online booking, and flexible financial options make accessing quality care simpler- giving families the peace of mind their pets deserve. Learn more at thrivepetcare.com.
We welcome you to join our story and join where #WeThriveTogether.

What Thrive Pet Healthcare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Thrive Pet Healthcare logo

About Thrive Pet Healthcare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Thrive Pet Healthcare, located in Austin, TX, US, operates within the veterinary services industry, providing high-quality healthcare solutions for pets. The company offers an extensive range of pet care services, from vaccinations and routine exams to dental care and surgical procedures. Founded on the principle of making pet healthcare both affordable and convenient, Thrive Pet Healthcare has become an integral part of the pet care community, upholding this mission with unmatched dedication. They believe in providing comprehensive care that benefits the overall well-being of pets and have made substantial progress in incorporating advanced methodologies and equipment in their facilities.

Industry

Non-profits

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Austin, TX, US

Year founded

2003