1

Veterinary Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Assistant

Foley, AL · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

Veterinary Assistant Our hospital is seeking a Full-Time Veterinary Assistant to help provide outstanding patient care and client service in a fast-paced, multi-doctor animal hospital. The Veterinary ...

Veterinary Assistant

Sarasota, FL · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Veterinary Assistant Our hospital is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to help provide outstanding patient care and client service in a fast-paced, multi-doctor animal hospital. The Veterinary Assistant ...

Veterinary Assistant

Spring, TX

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Veterinary Assistant Our hospital is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to help provide outstanding patient care and client service in a fast-paced, multi-doctor animal hospital. The Veterinary Assistant ...

Veterinary Assistant

Durant, OK · On-site

$12.75 - $16/hr

Veterinary Assistant Our hospital is seeking a Full-Time Veterinary Assistant to help provide outstanding patient care and client service in a fast-paced, multi-doctor animal hospital. The Senior ...

Veterinary Assistant

Oxford, NC · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Experienced Veterinary Assistant * Status: Full-time * Salary: Negotiable and based on experience * Schedule: 4-day work week (10-hour shifts). No nights, weekends, or holiday hours! Benefits ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Veterinary Assistant information

See salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary assistant in the United States is $17.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.99 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 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.

Is it hard to become a vet assistant?

Becoming a veterinary assistant typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training, with some employers preferring candidates with certification or relevant experience. The role involves learning animal care procedures, handling equipment, and working in a fast-paced environment, but it generally does not require extensive formal education or licensing.

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 cities are hiring for Veterinary Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Veterinary Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Veterinary jobs? The most popular types of Veterinary jobs are:
What states have the most Veterinary Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Veterinary Assistant jobs include:
Veterinary Assistant

$13.50 - $17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


American Veterinary Group rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 45 rated veterinary


Job description

Veterinary Assistant

Our hospital is seeking a Full-Time Veterinary Assistant to help provide outstanding patient care and client service in a fast-paced, multi-doctor animal hospital. The Veterinary Technician is responsible for assisting Veterinarians in the care of animals. The Technician helps during initial examinations by restraining animals when necessary, stocking examination and surgery rooms with supplies, sterilizing tools and ensuring that equipment is in working order. Technical skills will include, but are not limited to: venipuncture, catheter placement, anesthesia administration, and monitoring, dental prophy, radiography, administering medications, performing laboratory analysis, and client education. Veterinary Technician's also communicate with clients (pet owners) and update patient files.

Ideal Candidate

  • Demonstrates professionalism, dependability, healthy and positive communication skills, and the ability to multi-task in a hands-on environment
  • Energetic people-and-pet person with excellent work ethic and social and organizational skills
  • Be compassionate/caring
  • Willing to work flexible hours including weekends
  • Can work individually, as well as on a team
  • Self-starter personality that can complete daily tasks without the need for constant direction
  • Prior experience preferred

Skills, Knowledge, & Expertise

  • Prior Customer Service Experience
  • Must be able to lift 40 lbs.
  • This position requires regular on-site presence as an essential function of the role. Due to the nature of veterinary hospital operations, in-person attendance is necessary to support patient care, respond to time-sensitive needs, collaborate with clinical teams, and maintain the safety and well-being of patients, clients, and staff. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and will consider requests for reasonable accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable laws
  • Current state licensure in good standing for Veterinary Technician roles

*Applicants with veterinary experience that are not Credentialed Veterinary Technicians are encouraged to still apply, we have opportunities for veterinary professionals of all skill levels and we will appropriately assign you to our Senior Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Assistant, or other appropriate roles.

Benefits

  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision Options)
  • 401k Match
  • Generous paid time off (PTO)
  • Paid Parental Leave + Paid Maternity Leave
  • One (1) Work/Life Balance day off
  • Short-term and long-term disability options
  • Supplemental insurance options
  • Discounted Veterinary Care
  • Scrub allowance
  • Hands-on and E-training
  • Professional growth opportunities
  • Tuition assistance for prospective Veterinary Technician Students
  • Tuition reimbursement for Credentialed/Registered Veterinary Technicians

About Dykes Veterinary Clinic

Dykes Veterinary Clinic in Foley, Alabama, combines modern medical technology with a warm, personal approach to veterinary care. Our facility is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment tools, allowing us to provide a full spectrum of services, from preventative care and routine wellness exams to advanced surgical procedures. We are dedicated to fostering a friendly and comfortable environment for pets and their owners, with our multi-doctor team treating small animals, avian/exotics and pocket pets. Situated in the charming community of Foley, our clinic offers the perfect balance of professional growth and personal connection, creating a space where both team members and clients feel valued and supported.


What American Veterinary Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


American Veterinary Group logo

About American Veterinary Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 2015, American Veterinary Group (AVG) owns and operates a network of 120+ veterinary practices throughout the South that treat and protect over 75,000 pets annually. Our goal is to provide ongoing, in-person support to ease the burden of the day-to-day operations of veterinary practices, including in-office staff training, educational and marketing tools, and back office support. We deliver high touch practice management solutions to help veterinarians focus on the needs of their patients, instead of the needs of their business. We are animal lovers above all else, and operate with the motto, "pet first, client first".

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Tampa, FL, US

Year founded

2015

Social media