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Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Vetcor

Veterinary Assistant

Canandaigua, NY

$16 - $17.50/hr

Veterinary Assistant Status: Part-time Salary: $16 - $17.50 /hour Schedule: Monday through Friday, with rotating Saturdays Benefits Highlights Financial Rewards that Grow with You: Competitive pay ...

Thrive Pet Healthcare

Veterinary Assistant

Victor, NY · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Description Veterinary Assistant Perinton Veterinary Hospital Victor , NY Full -Time Thrive Pet Healthcare is one of the first veterinary services offering a comprehensive continuum of care for pets ...

Thrive Pet Healthcare

Veterinary Assistant

Webster, NY · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Description Veterinary Assistant Bayview Animal Hospital Webster , NY Full -Time Thrive Pet Healthcare is one of the first veterinary services offering a comprehensive continuum of care for pets ...

Thrive Pet Healthcare

Veterinary Assistant

Rochester, NY · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Description Veterinary Assistant Animal Hospital of Pittsford Pittsford, NY Full -Time Thrive Pet Healthcare is one of the first veterinary services offering a comprehensive continuum of care for ...

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All JobsVeterinary Assistant JobsVeterinary Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY

Veterinary Assistant information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary assistant in Rochester, NY is $17.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $18.75 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 pay.

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 in veterinary technology.

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.

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 handle animals safely are important for this role.

Is 30 too late to become a vet?

Veterinary assistants can start their careers at any age, and becoming a veterinarian typically requires completing a bachelor's degree and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, which can be pursued at any age. Many people enter veterinary school later in life, so 30 is not too late to pursue a career in veterinary medicine or related roles in animal care.

Can I be a vet assistant with no experience?

Veterinary assistants often do not need prior experience to start, 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 certifications or coursework in animal care.
More about Veterinary Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Veterinary jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Veterinary jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Veterinary Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY? For Veterinary Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Veterinary Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Veterinary Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Veterinary Assistant jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Veterinary Assistant job openings:
Veterinary Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Assistant job openings in Rochester, NY as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,397 per year, or $17 per hour.
Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Assistant

Perinton Veterinary Hospital

Victor, NY

$16 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Description

Veterinary Assistant

Perinton Veterinary Hospital

Victor, NY

Full-Time

Thrive Pet Healthcare is one of the first veterinary services offering a comprehensive continuum of care for pets’ primary, specialty, and acute needs. Through a nationwide community of over 360 veterinary providers, and an industry-leading membership program, Thrive Pet Healthcare provides personalized, accessible care through every stage of a pet’s life and health. Founded by veterinarians, the organization provides industry-first benefits for practice staff while elevating privately held veterinary hospitals with innovative service and technology solutions. By focusing on the needs of care providers and professional collaboration, Thrive Pet Healthcare is supporting the well-being of the industry and raising the national bar for veterinary excellence.

Our Ideal Candidate:

An upbeat, self-starter who is passionate about animal care, highly motivated, and pays attention to detail. Our Veterinary Assistants work side by side with our Veterinarians (DVMs) and Licensed Vet Technicians (LVTs) during procedures. A full-time position would require working between 30-40 hours a week. 

Job Duties:

  • Communicating and educating clients on medical procedures and next steps. 
  • Assisting DVMs and LVTs with patients during pre-op, surgery, and post-op. 
  • Stocking exam and treatment rooms with supplies, maintaining a sterile environment for treatment, x-ray, surgery, labs, and isolation wards. 
  • Utilizing computer information systems to record patient history, update, and maintain medical records.
  • Precisely dispenses pharmaceuticals as required.
  • Place weekly inventory orders, manage on-hand inventory, receive shipments, and process returns/damaged goods.

Job Requirements:

  • At least 1 year of experience in animal husbandry.
  • Attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • High school diploma or equivalent, AAS or higher preferred.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, squatting, reach, standing, and walking throughout the day.
  • Inventory/purchasing experience preferred but not required

About the Hospital

At Perinton Veterinary Hospital, we provide primary care to dogs and cats in the Perinton, Victor, and Fairport areas. We are proud to be certified as a Cat Friendly and Fear Free hospital. We offer a team of experienced veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians, animal care assistants, client service representatives, and veterinary kennel staff dedicated to providing the best overall care for your beloved pet.

Benefits – our care in action

Thrive offers a suite of benefits to support team members’ emotional, physical, professional, and financial wellbeing. In addition to our health and life insurance, and short- and long- term disability plans, we offer eligible team members:

  • Competitive pay
  • 401(k) with employer match

Mental health resources, including easy access to therapy through Lyra Health

  • Paid parental leave
  • Purr-ental leave for when you adopt a pet
  • Subsidized backup childcare and elder care

Expert advice, support and network discounts for fertility and family planning

  • FREE CE courses
  • Pet perks and veterinary service discounts
  • Student loan support tools and assistance

Some benefits shown are only for full-time team members who work 30 hours or more per week. Certain Benefits may be subject to waiting periods or length of service requirements.

Who We Are

Thrive Pet Healthcare is united by our mission to create the future of pet well-being through medical excellence, innovative technology, and a connected community of teams and partners. We exist to nurture both pets and people through meaningful relationships and exceptional veterinary care.

Our Support Office teams' power that mission by supporting our hospitals through operational excellence, innovative programs, people-centered culture, and forward-thinking business solutions — all while having plenty of fun along the way.

We nurture pets & people through meaningful relationships and exceptional pet care—and we are united by a shared set of values.

  • Service – delivering exceptional service
  • Empathy – leading with care
  • Accountability – achieve meaningful outcomes
  • Joy – be a source of light
  • Exploration – learn to fuel growth
  • Team – connect for success

Read more about us here.

Compensation negotiable based on credentials and experience with a starting rate ranging from $16-18/hr. The actual rate offered will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.