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Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Assistant or Licensed Veterinary Technician * Status: Full-Time * Salary: $16 - $20/hour * Schedule: Flexible full-time scheduling; no holiday shifts or on-call responsibilities Benefits ...

Veterinary Clinic Assistant

Westfield, MA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

As a Veterinary Clinic Assistant, you'll be a key part of our mobile clinic team-helping deliver essential veterinary services with compassion, accuracy, and care. This is a hands-on, fast-paced role ...

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Veterinary Assistant information

See Springfield, MA salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary assistant in Springfield, MA is $17.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $18.94 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Veterinary jobs in Springfield, MA? The most popular types of Veterinary jobs in Springfield, MA are:
What are popular job titles related to Veterinary Assistant jobs in Springfield, MA? For Veterinary Assistant jobs in Springfield, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Veterinary Assistant jobs? Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Veterinary Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Veterinary Assistant job openings in Springfield, MA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,734 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Veterinary Assistant General Practice

VCA Animal Hospital

West Hartford, CT

$19 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

VCA Veterinary Specialist of CT is seeking Full time & Part time General Practice Veterinary Assistant to join the team at our 24-7 general, emergency and specialty hospital in West Hartford, CT.

This role will be running anesthesia for our general practice cases including but not limited to, spays and neuters, mass removals, and dentals.

Why Join the VCA Family?

We are passionate about supporting our veterinary assistants and technicians and are committed to your continuing education and personal career development. At VCA Animal Hospitals, we are committed to equity, inclusion, and diversity and strive to be a place where a talented mix of people want to come, stay, and do their best work. We support a work environment where you can focus on your career, happiness, and the patients you serve. Below are some of the many benefits of joining the VCA team!

  • Access to the people and financial resources of a large veterinary community
  • Leadership opportunities
  • Career development programs
  • Opportunities to give back through strong Shelter partnerships and VCA Charities
  • Continuing education allowance
  • Tuition support and sponsorships
  • Veterinary Technician license reimbursement
  • Free mental health and wellness subscriptions (Head Space)
  • Referral bonuses
  • Competitive wage
  • Medical, dental & vision insurance
  • Generous petcare discounts
  • Life, long and short term disability insurance
  • Paid parental leave
  • Paid vacation and sick time
  • 401(k)

Why We Want You

As a member of the VCA team, you will help create and maintain a positive, low-stress atmosphere for our clients and patients. Your mission will be to win the confidence of every pet parent-by delivering an outstanding client experience-so we can provide exceptional care to every patient.

The skills that will be utilized include, but are not limited to:

  • Collecting patient histories & physical exams

  • Building lasting relationships with our clients and patients

  • Venipuncture / IVC placement

  • Hands Free Radiology (Associate safety a top priority)

  • Dentistry

  • Pharmacy

  • Laboratory

  • Anesthesia Monitoring

  • Working collaboratively with team members of all hospital services

  • Providing compassionate care for all patients

  • Client Education

  • General Practice experience preferred

  • Full Technician Skill Utilization

Job Type: Full Time & Part Time (Saturdays 8a-6pm & some evenings)

Pay Range: $19 - $23 / hr based on skill set and experience.

Shifts: 38 hours per week, Monday thru Friday

Ready to grow with a collaborative and supportive team? Apply now- We look forward to hearing from you!

The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development)

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com

If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.