1

Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Rio Verde, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Leadership

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$128K - $185K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Validate the clinical skillset and alignment with quality standards of doctors, veterinary assistants, and veterinary technicians by performing medical record reviews, veterinary quality assignments ...

Veterinary Leadership

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$128K - $185K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Validate the clinical skillset and alignment with quality standards of doctors, veterinary assistants, and veterinary technicians by performing medical record reviews, veterinary quality assignments ...

Shift Lead

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... veterinary assistant/technician, which may include the following: • Actively recruit new clients by promoting hospital services. Manage routing the flow of clients and pets to ensure superior ...

Shift Lead

Apache Junction, AZ

$13 - $16/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... veterinary assistant/technician, which may include the following:  Actively recruit new clients by promoting hospital services. Manage routing the flow of clients and pets to ensure superior ...

Shift Lead

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$12.75 - $16/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... veterinary assistant/technician, which may include the following:  Actively recruit new clients by promoting hospital services. Manage routing the flow of clients and pets to ensure superior ...

Veterinary Technician

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Schedule * Full time * Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday * 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Responsibilities * Assist veterinarians with wellness appointments and dental procedures * Patient care, handling, and ...

Veterinary Technician

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Schedule * Full time * Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday * 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Responsibilities * Assist veterinarians with wellness appointments and dental procedures * Patient care, handling, and ...

Veterinary Technician

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Conduct radiographic imaging and assist with diagnostics * Monitor anesthesia and support veterinarians during surgical procedures * Conduct physical exams and patient assessments, communicating ...

Showing results 41-60

Veterinary Assistant information

See Rio Verde, AZ salary details

$10

$17

$24

How much do veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary assistant in Rio Verde, AZ is $17.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $19.18 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 cities near Rio Verde, AZ are hiring for Veterinary Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rio Verde, AZ with the most Veterinary Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Veterinary Assistant job openings in Rio Verde, AZ 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 $36,182 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Veterinary Technician

Southwest Veterinary Surgical

Scottsdale, AZ • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Veterinary Technician Position

Southwest Veterinary Surgical Service is currently looking for an experienced full-time Veterinary Technician to join our growing privately owned specialty practice.

Because SVSS is a specialty animal hospital, prior work experience at a general practice or in specialty Veterinary Medicine is a must!

About Southwest Veterinary Surgical Service:

SVSS is Arizona's premier veterinary surgical specialty practice. We function as an extension and in partnership with primary care veterinarians to provide consultation, surgical solutions and comprehensive patient care for our patients and their owners. We pride ourselves on providing an exceptional patient and client experience.

As an employer, we recognize the importance of hiring like-minded individuals with a passion for what we do and how we do it. We recognize the value and diversity of our team and offer competitive wages, a robust benefit package including company subsidized medical, dental and vision insurance, generous company paid time off, paid sick leave, tuition reimbursement, funding for CE credits, CVT licensing reimbursement, a monthly topic focused learning rounds, an established career path, a retirement program with company match and so much more! Why settle for the rest when you can work for the best!

Veterinary Technician Job Description:

Veterinary Technicians must have a broad knowledge of animal science, medicine, and husbandry, including a basic knowledge of pharmacology and sufficient mathematical skills to ensure the administration of accurate drug and fluid doses. They must be able to successfully restrain animals, complete clinical laboratory tests, use multiple radiology techniques, administer and monitor animals under anesthesia, and assist in surgery. Technicians must also deliver compassionate patient care and customer service.

At SVSS, the veterinary technicians assist with a variety of specialty surgical procedures. Daily duties include pre and post-surgical diagnostic lab tests, preparing and scrubbing surgical sites for sterile procedures, assisting the veterinarian during surgeries, handing out necessary surgical tools during procedures, bandaging wounds, changing wound dressings as needed, placing catheters, taking radiographs (x-rays) and other functions.

Veterinary Technicians may be required to travel to multiple Phoenix metro locations based on business need. SVSS is a specialty services surgical center which means there is a need to address emergency situations as they arise. Veterinary technicians and doctors are responsible for coverage of on-call shifts which are scheduled on a rotational basis. Because we understand the impact to veterinary technician life while on call, SVSS does offer additional compensation for any on-call hours worked. Any on-call shifts scheduled during the weekends and/or any holidays there would be expected 24x7 on-call availability from the Veterinary Technician.

*** This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other duties as required to meet the ongoing business needs of SVSS ***

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Requirements:

Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift or carry pets or objects weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance. Have the physical strength and ability to stand, walk, sit, kneel, stoop, repeated bending, pushing, pulling, full use of hands/fingers, reach above shoulders and perform each of these functions fully and quickly for an entire shift when needed. Must effectively be able to read, speak, and write in English. Hearing, vision and speech at a functional level are required to meet the essential functions of the job. On occasion patients may bleed, urinate, defecate, vomit, or secrete other glandular fluids on your person, shoes, or uniform.

Working/Environmental Conditions: There is exposure to barking dogs and cleaning chemicals. This is an emotional environment due to death or illness of pets. Flexible work hours and occasional travel within the Phoenix metro area is required. Veterinary Technicians must also be aware of the risks inherent in working with animals and take proper safety precautions to minimize the potential for injury from bites, scratches, or kicks.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Minimum 1 - 3+ years' professional work experience in clinic or hospital setting as a Veterinary Technician or Technician Assistant with surgical experience will be considered
  • CVT strongly preferred but not required
  • Demonstrated knowledge of and skill in adaptability, change management, decision making, customer service, interpersonal relations, oral communication, problem solving, systems thinking, teamwork, initiative, and detail-oriented
  • Proficiency with computers with Cornerstone and White Board knowledge a PLUS
  • Know and use basic medical abbreviations and medical terminology
  • Proper restraint of animals
  • Anesthesia monitoring
  • General animal anatomy
  • Pain Management with animals
  • OR etiquette
  • Aseptic technique
  • Prior experience with the full functionality of Cornerstone preferred
  • Strong Interpersonal and Communication Skills
  • Exceptional Customer Service Skills
  • Availability to be on-call, work over nights, or weekends
  • Availability to travel based on business need (in-state)
  • Ability to deescalate tense situations and resolve conflict