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Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

ICU Kennel Technician - Overnight

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain a clean, safe, and organized ICU environment * Assist veterinary technicians and veterinarians with patient care and daily hospital operations * Restrain patients safely for examinations and ...

ICU Kennel Technician - Overnight

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain a clean, safe, and organized ICU environment * Assist veterinary technicians and veterinarians with patient care and daily hospital operations * Restrain patients safely for examinations and ...

Showing results 41-60

Veterinary Assistant information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary assistant in Oak Ridge, TN is $16.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $18.17 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 Oak Ridge, TN?

The most popular types of Veterinary jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

What job categories do people searching Veterinary Assistant jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Veterinary Assistant jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Veterinary Assistant jobs?

Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Veterinary Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Veterinary Assistant job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,283 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Veterinary Nurse Assistant/ Client Care Coordinator

Truss Vet Veterinary Urgent Care

Farragut, TN • On-site

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Imagine you're being invited to join a team of trailblazers shaping the future of veterinary care. Picture a dynamic, fast-growing organization where innovation and compassion are at the core of everything we do. That's Truss Vet.
In just a few short years, we've gone from an idea to a thriving veterinary urgent care platform, and we're not stopping anytime soon. With four successful clinics and a fifth on the horizon, we're redefining how pets and their people experience care.
At Truss Vet, we're on a mission to elevate the human-animal bond by removing barriers to compassionate, high-quality veterinary care. Our urgent care clinics are tailored to pets with non-life-threatening issues that don't belong in the ER but can't wait for a regular vet visit. Think of us as the sweet spot between general practice and emergency care, a place where we deliver exceptional medical outcomes while ensuring a better quality of life for our team.
The Veterinary Nurse Assistant/ Client Care Coordinator position is a unique opportunity for someone in their veterinary career to work across all areas of the hospital. You will be the ultimate team player, helping all team members and clients, jumping in to assist with patients whenever needed, learning all aspects of Truss Vet's model, floating to different positions throughout the clinic. If you're eager to make an immediate impact in a fast-growing veterinary clinic, this role is for you!
With our Knoxville location set to launch in fall 2026, this is your chance to grow with us and be part of something transformative.
You're a great fit if:
  • Someone would describe you as proactive, detail-oriented, timely, organized, productive, analytical... and still a people person! Bonus points if you can move things with your mind!
  • You have a growth mindset; you never stop learning, and you're constantly looking for ways to advance yourself, your career, and your team
  • You want to work for a company that has a big vision and ambitious plans for growth, and you want to be a part of helping achieve that growth
  • You want to make a difference in the world, have an impact on people's lives, and change the future of animal healthcare for the better
  • You love working in teams and find that you're able to relate to people of all types (yes, people are gross, but you didn't choose vet med because you love animals and hate people)
  • You're willing to "get your hands dirty;" no task is beneath you, you're entrepreneurial
  • You provide energy to the people you're around because you're generally a happy, positive, optimistic person (after interacting with you, people feel energized vs. drained)
  • You have some prior veterinary experience or are hungry to learn
  • You read our core values (below) and they overlap with your personal values

We believe in:
  • Excellence in medicine and the highest reasonable standards of care
  • Providing our teams the resources to be happy and successful
  • That every pet deserves to live its best life (Except for that one chihuahua... jk)
  • Going home on time
  • No abusive noncompetes
  • Building a supportive team that you want to hang out with even on your days off (but we'll never make you)
  • Treating people like we want to be treated
  • Compensation and benefits that help people live well
  • Working hard and pursuing excellence while still having fun

Compensation & Benefits:
  • Competitive salary
  • Health, vision, and dental insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, accident insurance, and critical illness insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • Mental wellness subscription
  • Parental leave
  • 401K + match
  • Commitment to professional and personal development through mentorship
  • Pet care discounts

Our Values Statements:
  • Dare to Care: Doing what is easy isn't always right. Doing what is right isn't always easy. So we show up. We give a sh!t. Even when clients don't deserve our best, even when a conversation is uncomfortable, we approach situations with courage, empathy, and authenticity. "We care enough to have tough conversations and we handle tough conversations with care."
  • The Details Matter: Our standards are reflected in every detail, and those details matter. The client will never forget the hug you gave when they said goodbye to their best friend. That blanket may mean the difference between an hour of comfort for a pet versus an hour of fear. The smell or sight of a dirty rug may mean the difference between a great first impression versus skepticism about our entire team.
  • Truss One Another: To be accountable to the team's success means we're accountable to the success of each other. We have our teammates' backs. We catch each other's mistakes. We challenge each other to improve and be the best versions of ourselves.
  • Bowl Half Full: Your dog doesn't go through life believing his bowl is half-empty. We see the good in others and in each other, we see opportunities in challenges, we meet discomfort with good humor, and when we find closed doors, we kick them open or make new ones.

If you've made it this far, you've passed your first test, and we can't wait to meet you! For more information, check us out at www.trussvet.com.