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Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Pullman, WA (NOW HIRING)

Calibrate, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory equipment. * Assist with the development ... VMRD (Veterinary Medical Research and Development) researches, develops and manufactures veterinary ...

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Veterinary Assistant information

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$9

$16

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How much do veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary assistant in Pullman, WA is $16.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.81 and $18.56 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 Pullman, WA?

The most popular types of Veterinary jobs in Pullman, WA are:

What job categories do people searching Veterinary Assistant jobs in Pullman, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Veterinary Assistant jobs in Pullman, WA are:

What cities near Pullman, WA are hiring for Veterinary Assistant jobs?

Cities near Pullman, WA with the most Veterinary Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Veterinary Assistant job openings in Pullman, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,036 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Veterinary Technician Assistant

Washington State University

Pullman, WA • On-site

$3.4K - $4.6K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Washington State University rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

363rd of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:
October 4, 2026
If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.
Available Title(s):
525G-YN_CS_NPS - Animal Technician 3
Business Title:
Veterinary Technician Assistant
Employee Type:
Classified
Position Details:
The Opportunity:
Veterinary Technician positions with the College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Teaching Hospital provide skilled veterinary technical support, assist clinicians and fourth-year students in all aspects of patient care including, but not limited to, maintaining daily patient records, recording procedures, medications and general work-up of patients. Candidates must be able to use electronic medical records system to accurately reflect patient charges and medical records. May order, track and maintain supplies of pharmaceuticals and consumable inventory. May teach/lead students in the professional degree program.
Current Vacancies:
Technician Assistant - Emergency Service: This position is assigned to Emergency Services. It will assist students, faculty, and technical staff in the work-up and treatment of small animal patients during wellness appointments and under routine hospital care within Small Animal Hospital. Assist with procedures in work-up, treatment, and maintenance post-operative patients. Assist in all aspects of patient care including feeding, maintaining hospital cleanliness, and observing animals for sickness or abnormalities.
Technician Assistant - Small Animal Intensive Care Unit (ICU): This position will assist students, faculty, house officers, and technical staff in the work-up and treatment of small animal patients under emergency and routine hospital care within Small Animal ICU (SA ICU). Assist with procedures in work up, treatment, and maintenance of hospitalized cases. Assist in all aspects of patient care including feeding, maintaining hospital cleanliness, and observing animals for sickness or abnormalities.
Radiology: Working within the Washington State Veterinary Practice Act, provide veterinary support by performing MRI and CT examinations of all species (large, small and exotic). Following completion of studies, will evaluate images for technical quality and correct as necessary. Additional responsibilities involve the performance of routine quality control procedures and scheduled maintenance, restraint and positioning for radiographs/ultrasounds, teaching clinical rotation students radiograph positioning as needed, cleanliness and inventory of workspaces, and utilization of electronic medical records to review the schedule and enter charges. All safety measures must be upheld with all diagnostic imaging modalities.
Additional Information:
This is a full time (100% FTE), permanent position. This position is overtime eligible.
Monthly Salary: $3,485 to $4,633 | Range 38 (Steps A-M) | Successful candidates are typically hired at the beginning of the salary range and receive scheduled salary increment increases in accordance with WAC 357-28.
In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.
Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for Classified staff and Total Compensation.
Required Qualifications:
  • Two years of experience as an Animal Technician 2; OR equivalent education/experience.
  • Two (2) years of experience working with animals, hands-on. Up to 1 year can be replaced with relevant coursework such as a veterinary assistant certificate or animal science degree.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Two (2) years hands-on experience working in a veterinary hospital or clinic.
  • Experience with restraint of species within specific service.
  • Experience with specific service you are applying for.
  • Experience with diagnostics, anesthesia (induction/recovery), or procedures.
  • Experience cleaning, stocking, and general hospital operations.
  • Experience working with electronic medical records.

Position Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for work visa sponsorship
About Department/College/Area/ Campus - College of Veterinary Medicine | Washington State University
Area/College: College of Veterinary Medicine
Department Name: Veterinary Teaching Hospital
Location: Pullman, WA
Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.
1) Resume
2) Cover Letter
External candidates, upload all documents in the "Application Document" section of your application.
Current WSU Employees (internal candidates), before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday. Internal candidates, upload all documents in the "Resume/Cover Letter" section of your application.
Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.
Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.
Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.
Time Type:
Full time
Position Term:
Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities.
WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu.
Notice of Non-Discrimination
In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.
Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU's Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights, or both.
More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/

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About Washington State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Washington State University (WSU), headquartered in Pullman, WA, US, operates in the higher education industry, serving as a public research university. This institution, established in 1890, primarily focuses on delivering exceptional teachings, advancements in research, and commitment to public service. WSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various fields on its multiple campuses and online. Its mission is to advance, extend, and apply knowledge to drive economic, social, and cultural vitality throughout the state of Washington, the nation, and across the globe.

Industry

Education

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Pullman, WA, US

Year founded

1980

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