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Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

Thrive Pet Healthcare

Veterinary Assistant

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

Description Veterinary Assistant - Part time South Baton Rouge Animal Hospital Baton Rouge, LA Schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday afternoons. Closing and weekends, 1-2 Saturdays a month. South ...

Banfield Pet Hospital

Veterinary Assistant

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

The Veterinary Assistant supports the veterinarians and veterinary technicians in ensuring quality veterinary care for all pets, advocates for pets, educates clients on all aspects of pet health, and ...

BREC, LA

Veterinary Technician

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$32K - $51K/yr

Exhibits sufficient strength, agility, and coordination to assist in capture and/or restraint of ... Helps full-time veterinarian maintain the computer-based and hard copy animal record keeping ...

NVA

Veterinary Technician

Zachary, LA · On-site

The veterinary technician will provide acute/critical care nursing, triage patients, coordinate their care, and provide them with care before and after surgery by taking their vitals, performing ...

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Veterinary Assistant information

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$7

$13

$18

How much do veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary assistant in Baton Rouge, LA is $13.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.88 and $14.90 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 Baton Rouge, LA?

The most popular types of Veterinary jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:

What are popular job titles related to Veterinary Assistant jobs in Baton Rouge, LA?

For Veterinary Assistant jobs in Baton Rouge, LA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Veterinary Assistant jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:

What cities near Baton Rouge, LA are hiring for Veterinary Assistant jobs?

Cities near Baton Rouge, LA with the most Veterinary Assistant job openings:

Veterinary Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Assistant job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $28,148 per year, or $13.5 per hour.

Veterinary Assistant

South Baton Rouge Animal Hospital

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

Part-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Description

Veterinary Assistant – Part time 
South Baton Rouge Animal Hospital
Baton Rouge, LA 
 
Schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday afternoons. Closing and weekends, 1-2 Saturdays a month. 
 
South Baton Rouge Animal Hospital, a Thrive Pet Healthcare partner is hiring a Veterinary Assistant to our INCREDIBLE team!
  
At South Baton Rouge Animal Hospital, you will have the support, tools, and resources to elevate your skills. As a hospital deeply rooted in the local community, you will experience the best of both worlds: a genuine local feel with the benefits of Thrive’s national resources.  
  
About You   
As a Veterinary Assistant, you’ll play an important role in pets’ lives by providing care for our precious patients. Your life-changing work will range from the hands-on care of facilitating outpatient treatments and performing laboratory tests, to support services including admitting and discharging patients.
  
Experience & Skills Requirements:    
  • Has a clinical veterinary experience with direct patient care
  • Assess patient status, take patient history, perform tech exam,
    and assist veterinarian in exam room.
  • Monitor changes in patient condition and report them to the veterinarian
    on duty.
  • Chart in the patient’s medical record appropriately using correct medical
    terminology, symbols, abbreviations, and spelling.
  • Operate all laboratory equipment in the veterinary practice including
    microscopes, hematology, and chemistry analyzers, among others.
  • Possesses a positive work attitude
  • Self-motivated
  • Excellent communication and organization skills
  • Superior technical skills
  • Is committed to a stress-free environment for our patients
  • Enjoys working in a fast-paced environment
Role Responsibilities: 
  • Support veterinarians to ensure quality veterinary care, advocate for pets, and educate clients.   
  • With each hospital function, assist veterinarians and the medical team to maximize productivity and maintain positive patient flow.   
  • Assist with surgeries and procedures in accordance with your state's Veterinary Practice Act outlined for credentialed veterinary technicians.   
  • Communicate with clients about individualized pet health concerns and offer guidance on Thrive Membership options, medications, and additional treatments.   
  • Assist in maintaining relevant, comprehensive medical records with the support of practice systems.   
  • Obtain relevant health history and information from clients and maintain medical charts.   
  • Use safe restraining techniques, follow standard protocols, and sustain clean, sterile, organized treatment areas, exam rooms, and labs.   
  • Be willing to guide, mentor, and support fellow team members.   
About the Hospital
At South Baton Rouge Animal Hospital, we offer primary care for dogs and cats in South Baton Rouge, Preserve at Harveston, Lexington Lakes, and University Club. Our services include wellness care, surgery, dental care, diagnostics, and lifetime care.  Your pets deserve the very best that veterinary medicine has to offer, and we’re proud to bring the highest level of care to the heart of South Baton Rouge. South Baton Rouge Animal Hospital belongs to a family network of veterinary practices, giving your pets access to a seamless continuum of care. Our sister hospitals, Sherwood South Animal Hospital, give our patients access to 24-hour emergency care and access to board-certified specialists. Please visit their pages to learn more about their service offerings.   
   
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 pay   
  • 401(k) with employer match    
  • Mental health resources, including 24/7 access to Lyra Health    
  • Paid parental leave   
  • Purr-ental leave for when you adopt a pet   
  • Employer-sponsored childcare and elder care    
  • Personalized care for every family-forming journey    
  • Discretionary funds and FREE CE courses   
  • Pet perks and veterinary service discounts    
  • Student loan management tools and assistance   
   
Provide your best care with more bridges and less barriers.   
We listen to your needs and then meet them. Through training and free CE experiences, your career development can flourish. And in our locally rooted, nationally connected community, you’ll be able to make connections, access opportunities and find support with ease.   
   
Support for you is as vital as the support you provide.   
   
You’ll Thrive with Us   
At Thrive, you have the opportunity to develop your career in a way that best suits your goals. Take advantage of our comprehensive learning and skill-building programs to enhance your expertise. 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 to designed to teach you the fundamentals of running a pet hospital    
  • Scholarship opportunities and tuition reimbursement     
  • Move into any specialty, hospital type, or environment – across the nation.   
  • Leadership training for a thriving and long career in the veterinary profession.    
   
About Thrive   
Vet-founded and Austin-born, Thrive Pet Healthcare has expanded to over 380 partner hospitals nationwide, united by a mission to shape the future of pet well-being through medical excellence, innovative technology, and a connected community of teams and partners.    
 
We bridge general practice, urgent care, specialty, and emergency care, and our locally rooted, nationally connected hospitals benefit from Thrive's extensive resources while maintaining their unique identities.      
  
We believe that supporting our people is the key to helping pets thrive through every stage of life.     
  
Join us where #WeThriveTogether. We provide customizable professional development opportunities, a supportive work environment that values work-life rhythms, and 24/7 mental health support.   
  
At Thrive Pet Healthcare, we are committed to creating a culture where everyone from any background can be heard, respected, and valued. We pledge to build an inclusive environment nurtured by respectful curiosity to support, encourage, and celebrate the diverse voices of our teams and the communities we serve.