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Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

NVA

Veterinary Extern - Emergency

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

Route 66 Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Center in the trendy Nob Hill area of scenic ... assist with or perform surgical procedures, and attend patient and didactic rounds. Most ...

NVA

Veterinary Surgeon

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

Veterinary Surgeon (Residency-Trained or Boarded) Route 66 Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Center - Albuquerque, NM Advance Your Surgical Career in a Culture-Driven, Specialty ER Hospital ...

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All JobsVeterinary Assistant JobsVeterinary Assistant Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Veterinary Assistant information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary assistant in Rio Rancho, NM is $16.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the top pay for a veterinary assistant?

The top pay for a veterinary assistant typically ranges from $15 to $20 per hour, with some experienced or specialized assistants earning higher wages. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and the type of veterinary practice, and additional certifications may lead to higher compensation.

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 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 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 veterinary assistants?

Veterinary assistants are animal care professionals who support veterinarians and veterinary technicians in animal clinics, hospitals, and shelters. Their duties include feeding, bathing, and exercising animals, cleaning and disinfecting kennels and exam rooms, and assisting with handling animals during examinations or procedures. They may also help with administrative tasks like scheduling appointments and maintaining records. Veterinary assistants play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of animals and the smooth operation of veterinary facilities.

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 you be a vet assistant with no experience?

Veterinary assistants can often start with little or no prior experience, as on-the-job training is common. Basic skills such as animal handling, communication, and a willingness to learn are important, and some employers may prefer candidates with related coursework or certifications. Gaining experience through volunteering or internships can improve job prospects and performance in this role.

What qualifications do you need to be a vet 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. Basic knowledge of animal care, good communication skills, 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 Rio Rancho, NM? The most popular types of Veterinary jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Veterinary Assistant jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Veterinary Assistant job openings:
Veterinary Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Assistant job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,730 per year, or $16.2 per hour.
Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)

Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)

National Veterinary Associates

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$22/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Are you a registered Veterinary Technician looking for a team that will value you for your unique skills and experiences? If so, Manzano Animal Clinic has the opportunity for you!

 

About Us

We are a close-knit team that is dedicated to providing excellent patient care and support to one another. When you walk into our hospital, you will find an upbeat, warm, encouraging environment that practices the highest level of medicine for our patients and clients.

Our mission is to provide quality, state of the art veterinary care with an emphasis on collaboration between our clients and team. It is our goal to give the same level of compassionate care to our clients and patients that we expect for our own families.

Our technicians play a crucial role in helping us reach our practice goal.

 

What to Expect

  • We strive to treat one another with respect and kindness
  • We are committed to open communication and getting team input on how we approach our work
  • We love to celebrate our wins-big or small
  • We enjoy teaching and are here to help support individual growth and learning

About You

  • You are a registered Veterinary Technician dedicated to outstanding client service and excellent patient care.
  • It is incredibly important to our team to find the RIGHT fit. We want to find someone that shares our same goals and values, someone that is friendly, compassionate, dependable, and genuinely wants to make a difference.
  • You understand the importance of maintaining a positive hospital culture and love working with people that share that same value.
  • You have a minimum of 3 years working in the veterinary field as a registered technician.
  • You have a desire to lead and coach others.

Anticipated Schedule:

  • Four 10-hour days - set day off during the week
  • CLOSED ON WEEKENDS!

Compensation:

  • Starting at $22 an hour - we believe that each team member should be compensated considering their knowledge, skills, and experiences.

Benefits:

  • CE Opportunities
  • Uniform Reimbursement
  • Quarterly Bonus Opportunities
  • Tuition Reimbursement/Assistance
  • VTNE Reimbursement
  • Paid License Renewal Fees
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Fantastic Employee Pet Discount
  • 401k
  • Medical/Dental/Vision
  • Short/Long Term Disability
  • Life Insurance
  • HSA/FSA

For more information about us, please visit www.manzanoanimalclinic.com.

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About NVA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Nashville Veterinary Specialists + Animal Emergency (NVS) is a veterinary specialty and emergency hospital group with two locations in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee. Our Mission and primary focus is to honor the human-animal bond in all we do, focusing on patient care, client experience, and the health of our team. We believe we can never stop improving and strive to improve in all we do. Not only do we focus on patient care, but core to our hospital culture is also a focus on the health of our team, our community, and the environment. We are committed to sustainable environmental practices. NVS works in partnership with National Veterinary Associates-Compassion-First (NVA C-F). NVA-CF is the largest private owner of freestanding veterinary hospitals in North America with over 1400 locations worldwide.

Headquarters location

Agoura Hills, CA, US

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