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Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Augusta, ME (NOW HIRING)

Receive support for continued learning and professional development What Our Veterinary Technicians Do * Assist the veterinarian during examinations, treatments, and medical procedures * Administer ...

Triage emergency patients and obtain thorough medical histories, vital signs, and patient assessments * Assist veterinarians during examinations, treatments, surgical procedures, and emergency ...

Triage emergency patients and obtain thorough medical histories, vital signs, and patient assessments * Assist veterinarians during examinations, treatments, surgical procedures, and emergency ...

AAHA-accredited, multi-doctor practice with a focus on veterinary excellence * Supportive, collaborative environment with experienced staff and mentorship opportunities * Commitment to high-quality ...

Associate Veterinarian

Lewiston, ME · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

... veterinary career in a supportive environment. Whether you prefer lakeside living, mountain access, small-town charm, or proximity toPortland and the Maine coast, this role offers flexibility to ...

Associate Veterinarian

Lewiston, ME · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

... veterinary career in a supportive environment. Whether you prefer lakeside living, mountain access, small-town charm, or proximity to Portland and the Maine coast, this role offers flexibility to ...

Small Animal Veterinarian Position - Full Time Locally owned and operated, Dirigo Vet Care is looking to bring on an associate veterinarian full time! If you're looking for a great, local practice in ...

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Veterinary Assistant information

See Augusta, ME salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary assistant in Augusta, ME is $17.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $18.80 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 are the most commonly searched types of Veterinary jobs in Augusta, ME?

The most popular types of Veterinary jobs in Augusta, ME are:

What cities near Augusta, ME are hiring for Veterinary Assistant jobs?

Cities near Augusta, ME with the most Veterinary Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Veterinary Assistant job openings in Augusta, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,503 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Experienced Emergency Veterinary Assistant

Midcoast Animal Emergency Clinic

Warren, ME

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Midcoast Animal Emergency Clinic is looking for an experienced and highly skilled Veterinary Technician or Advanced Veterinary Assistant to join our emergency team.

This is not an entry-level position. We are seeking a confident veterinary professional who can independently manage a fast-moving emergency caseload, recognize changes in patient condition, anticipate the needs of the medical team, and help guide less experienced assistants during busy shifts.

The ideal candidate remains calm under pressure, communicates clearly with both clients and coworkers, and takes pride in delivering thorough, efficient, and compassionate patient care.

Available shifts will vary, and availability for evenings, weekends, and holidays is required.

Midcoast Animal Emergency Clinic is a community-founded after-hours emergency hospital serving Warren, Maine, and the surrounding area. Our hospital provides emergency and urgent care on nights, weekends, and holidays, as well as overnight care for patients from local veterinary practices.

Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with comprehensive in-house laboratory testing, digital radiography, ultrasound, a surgical suite, and an on-site pharmacy.

What You'll Do
  • Rapidly assess incoming emergency patients, recognize changes in clinical status, and help prioritize care based on patient needs
  • Perform thorough physical assessments and accurately document findings, treatments, medications, and patient updates
  • Anticipate the needs of veterinarians and prepare patients, equipment, medications, and treatment areas accordingly
  • Provide advanced nursing care to hospitalized, urgent, and emergent patients
  • Assist with emergency stabilization, diagnostic procedures, surgical preparation, and patient monitoring
  • Confidently perform venipuncture, catheter placement, fluid therapy, sample collection, medication administration, and other advanced technical procedures within the scope of the role
  • Support anesthesia induction, monitoring, and recovery while recognizing complications and responding appropriately under veterinary direction
  • Maintain situational awareness during high-volume shifts and proactively address workflow or patient-care needs
  • Assist in coordinating the veterinary assistant team by assigning responsibilities and helping ensure appropriate patient coverage
  • Communicate patient conditions, treatment plans, estimates, discharge instructions, and updates to pet owners with clarity, compassion, and professionalism
  • Remain composed and exercise sound judgment during emotionally charged or high-pressure situations
  • Serve as a clinical resource and mentor for less experienced team members
  • Maintain clean, organized, and fully stocked treatment, exam, and surgical areas
  • Support client service responsibilities in person, by phone, and through email as needed
What We're Looking For
  • Significant hands-on experience in veterinary emergency, urgent care, specialty, or high-volume clinical practice
  • Strong emergency triage and patient-assessment skills
  • Confidence working with critically ill, injured, or unstable patients
  • Experience with anesthesia induction, monitoring, recovery, and recognition of anesthetic complications
  • Advanced veterinary nursing and technical skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
  • Strong medical record documentation and attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently with initiative, accountability, and good clinical judgment
  • Ability to quickly adapt to changing caseloads, patient priorities, and team needs
  • Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to coach or support less experienced team members
  • Ability to remain calm, organized, and compassionate in a fast-paced emergency environment
  • Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays

A current Maine Veterinary Technician License or eligibility to obtain licensure is strongly preferred. Highly experienced, unlicensed veterinary technicians or advanced veterinary assistants will also be considered.

BENEFITS 

We're passionate about helping you reach your greatest potential - both at work and at home:

  • Great pay with competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage 
  • 401K with a company match of up to 4%- after 6 months of service
  • Generous paid time off
  • Mental Health Resources
  • Company-paid bonding leave

Plus, special benefits to utilize for your own pet: 

  • Pet Care: Discounts on veterinary services and products 
  • Pet Diagnostics: Discounts on reference lab testing 
  • Pet Food: Discounts on Purina pet foods 
  • Pet Insurance: Discounts available with our preferred vendor

REQUIREMENTS   

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Veterinary Technician Certification (CVT) or License (LVT) in the state of Maine (or eligible for transfer) a bonus for this role, but experienced unlicensed technicians or assistants will be considered

Rarebreed Veterinary Partners is a purpose-driven team that places talent first by supporting professionals to thrive in our industry and empowering hospital teams to provide exceptional care for pets and their owners. We pride ourselves on going the extra mile to create exceptional work experiences for our hospital teams. We focus on providing our hospitals with the best culture, tools, and support to allow the staff to focus on what they love most: caring for our animal companions. 

Joining our fun and team-first atmosphere comes with a level of support that's hard to find anywhere else. Everything we do is with purpose - down to the way we invest in our people and create long-overdue change in the industry. We're hyper-focused on supporting our professionals, so they can focus on bringing the gold standard of medicine to our patients and their families.   

Employment will require the successful completion of references and a background check. 

Rarebreed Veterinary Partners provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental or physical disability, medical condition, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics or classifications protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Learn more about our career opportunities at: https://rarebreedvet.com/careers/ 

Where uncommon support partners with joy. Â