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Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

AmeriVet

Veterinary Assistant

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

We are currently looking to hire an Experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our team at Alta Rancho Pet Hospital in Rancho Cucamonga, California. * Salary: $17.00 - $22.00 per hour, depending on ...

Amerivet

Veterinary Assistant

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

We are currently looking to hire an Experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our team at Alta Rancho Pet Hospital in Rancho Cucamonga, California. * Salary: $17.00 - $22.00 per hour, depending on ...

Mission Pet Health

Veterinary Assistant

Diamond Bar, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Your Impact as a Veterinary Assistant * Provide Essential Patient Care: You'll be a key player in the health of our patients, assisting the medical team with hands-on care and ensuring every animal ...

Banfield Pet Hospital

PT Veterinary Assistant

Riverside, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/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 ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

Veterinary Assistant

Tustin, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

At VCA Orange County Veterinary Specialists, we are seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our Surgery Team. Salary: $ 20 - $ 28 / hour Schedule: Full-time day and swing shift Location ...

VCA Animal Hospital

Veterinary Assistant

Tustin, CA

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

At VCA Orange County Veterinary Specialists, we are seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join ourSurgery Team. Salary: $ 20 - $ 28 / hour Schedule: Full-time day and swing shift Location ...

NVA

Veterinary Assistant

Redlands, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

The veterinary assistant is the entire team's primary support. Every department relies on their significant role in aiding with a variety of services to provide excellent client and patient care.

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All JobsVeterinary Assistant JobsVeterinary Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

Veterinary Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$10

$17

$24

How much do veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary assistant in Riverside, CA is $17.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $19.81 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 Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Veterinary jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Veterinary Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA? For Veterinary Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Veterinary Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Veterinary Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Veterinary Assistant jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Veterinary Assistant job openings:
Veterinary Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 74% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,411 per year, or $18 per hour.

Veterinary Assistant

AmeriVet

Rancho Cucamonga, CA • On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

AmeriVet rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 47 rated veterinary

Job description

We are currently looking to hire an Experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our team at Alta Rancho Pet Hospital in Rancho Cucamonga, California.
  • Salary: $17.00 - $22.00 per hour, depending on experience, education, certifications, licensure, and location.
  • Schedule: Full-time, 5/8-hour shifts, some Saturday coverage required.
  • Location: 8677 19th St, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91701

Who We Are:
Proudly serving Rancho Cucamonga and the surrounding communities since 1975, Alta Rancho Pet Hospital is staffed with passionate animal lovers who are dedicated to providing high quality care. Led by Dr. Kathy Henderson for the last 25 years, longevity and commitment to a positive team environment make this a unique hospital to work in.
Who You Are:
  • 3+ years clinical experience as a veterinary technician or assistant
  • A degree from an AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technology or Certified Veterinary Assistant program is preferred but not required.
  • Knowledge of industry tools and equipment
  • Passion for working with animals and their owners
  • Experience with proper animal handling and restraint
  • Understand the importance of excellent communication and organizational skills
  • Obtain accurate and thorough medical histories
  • Perform basic exam procedures
  • Skilled in venipuncture and Intravenous (IV) catheter placement (cephalic, saphenous, and jugular)
  • Able to perform digital radiology (X-ray) including positioning
  • Perform complete dental procedures, including digital x-rays, scaling, polishing, charting required
  • Comfortable with general anesthesia and surgical assisting (induction, intubation, monitoring, aseptic technique) required
  • Laboratory skills including microscope (ear and fecal cytology); IDEXX
  • Excellent client communication/education
  • Adaptable to working well with current doctors and team members

What Makes Us Different
  • Referral program - join our team, bring your friends, and get paid!
  • Career development and advancement opportunities
  • Full-time benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid time off, employee assistance programs, mental health benefits, HSA account with employer contributions, 401K with match, and much more
  • CE programs provided by AmeriVet at NO cost to you!

Learn more about us at: https://altaranchopet.com/ or: AmeriVet: Veterinary Partner Supporting Your Business
#LI-SC1
At AmeriVet, we're committed to your growth, development, well-being, and success. We empower team members with the resources, support, and opportunities needed to thrive in their careers and make a lasting impact in our communities.
Here's what you can expect when you join our team:
  • Tailored development programs, mentorship, and career pathing to help you achieve your unique goals.
  • Competitive pay, performance bonuses, 401(k) matching, and student loan assistance to foster your financial well-being.
  • Health, dental, vision, life insurance, and mental health resources to support your overall well-being.
  • Generous paid time off and holidays, because your personal time matters.
  • A supportive, collaborative environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Please note: Any Benefits listed above apply to full-time employees.
At AmeriVet, your unique skills and passion are celebrated, and every team member has the tools to thrive. Our people-focused approach is centered on helping you grow in your career while making a meaningful impact on the communities we serve.

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