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Veterinary Care Assistant Jobs in Springfield, MA

VCA Animal Hospitals

Veterinary Assistant

Palmer, MA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

VCA Palmer Animal Hospital is hiring a full time Veterinary Assistant to join our team ... About Us We are a 4-doctor full service veterinary hospital offering primary care, illness care ...

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All JobsVeterinary Care JobsVeterinary Care Assistant JobsVeterinary Care Assistant Jobs in Springfield, MA

Veterinary Care Assistant information

See Springfield, MA salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do veterinary care assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary care 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 a veterinary care assistant?

Veterinary Care Assistants (VCAs) are support staff in veterinary practices who help veterinarians and veterinary nurses care for animals. Their duties typically include feeding and exercising animals, cleaning kennels, assisting with routine procedures, and maintaining equipment and supplies. VCAs play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of animal patients and the smooth operation of the clinic. They do not diagnose or prescribe treatments but are essential team members who assist with day-to-day animal care tasks.

What qualifications do you need to be a veterinary care assistant?

Veterinary care assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue relevant certifications such as a veterinary assistant or animal care certificate. Strong communication skills, basic knowledge of animal health, and the ability to work in a veterinary environment are important qualifications for the role.

Where do veterinary care assistants make the most money?

Veterinary care assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for veterinary services, such as urban areas or states with a strong pet care industry. Salary levels can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the type of veterinary practice, with specialized or emergency clinics often offering higher pay.

What are some common challenges veterinary care assistants face, and how can they effectively manage them?

Veterinary Care Assistants often juggle multiple responsibilities, such as assisting with animal handling, maintaining cleanliness, and supporting veterinary staff during procedures. A common challenge is managing the emotional demands of caring for sick or injured animals while maintaining professionalism with clients. Effective time management, clear communication with team members, and developing coping strategies for emotional stress are key to success in this role. Many clinics also offer mentorship and training to help assistants build resilience and grow their skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a veterinary care assistant?

To thrive as a Veterinary Care Assistant, you need basic animal care knowledge, manual dexterity, and often a relevant qualification such as an animal care certificate. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, animal restraint techniques, and sterilization equipment is commonly required. Compassion, patience, and strong communication skills help you support both animals and their owners effectively. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring animal welfare, smooth clinic operations, and positive client experiences.

What is the difference between Veterinary Care Assistant vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectVeterinary Care AssistantVeterinary Technician
CredentialsTypically no formal certification required, on-the-job trainingRequires certification or associate degree in veterinary technology
Work EnvironmentAssist with basic animal care, cleaning, and client communicationPerform diagnostic tests, administer medications, assist in surgeries
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in clinics, animal hospitals, sheltersOften work alongside veterinarians in similar settings

The main difference between a Veterinary Care Assistant and a Veterinary Technician lies in their qualifications and responsibilities. Veterinary Care Assistants typically have less formal training and focus on basic animal care and support tasks. Veterinary Technicians have specialized training and perform more complex medical procedures. Both roles are essential in veterinary practices, but Veterinary Technicians usually have a broader scope of practice and responsibilities.

How do you become a veterinary care assistant?

To become a veterinary care assistant, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue on-the-job training or certification programs. Relevant skills include animal handling, basic medical knowledge, and good communication, with some employers offering training for specific tasks and procedures.

Can I be a veterinary care assistant with no experience?

Veterinary care assistant roles often do not require prior experience, as on-the-job training is common. Employers typically look for good communication skills, a compassionate attitude, and a willingness to learn, with some positions offering entry-level opportunities for those new to the field.
What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Veterinary Care Assistant jobs? Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Veterinary Care Assistant job openings:
Veterinary Care Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Care Assistant job openings in Springfield, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,734 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Veterinary Technician, Exotics

Ethos Veterinary Health

West Springfield, MA • On-site

$18 - $28/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Veterinary Technician, Exotics | $18–$28/hr

Location: West Springfield, MA

Schedule: Full-Time | Three 10-hour shifts per week

Compensation: $18–$28/hour + Additional Earning Potential for VTS Technicians

Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital (VESH) in West Springfield, MA is hiring an experienced Veterinary Technician to join our Exotics team. This full-time Veterinary Technician opportunity is ideal for a Vet Tech who enjoys working with exotic animal patients while growing advanced anesthesia, specialty medicine, and patient care skills.

Join a collaborative emergency and specialty animal hospital where you’ll provide high-quality care for unique patients including birds, reptiles, rabbits, and other exotic companion animals while working alongside an experienced clinical team.

Compensation

  • Non-Credentialed Veterinary Technician: $18–$22/hour

  • Credentialed Veterinary Technician (CVT/LVT/RVT): $23–$28/hour

  • Compensation may be higher for VTS candidates

Full-Time Benefits:

  • Continuing Education + Free VetBloom access (RACE-approved CE)

  • Paid Shoe Stipend & Scrubs provided (free to you!)

  • CVT/LVT/RVT license reimbursement

  • RECOVER Training for advanced CPR skills

  • Veterinary Technician Education Sponsorships + VTNE reimbursement + VTS Support

  • 16-Week VTNE Study Group

  • Professional Development Assistance

  • PTO + Sick Time

  • Employee Referral Bonuses + Employee Pet Discount + Immediate Family Pet Discount

  • Access exclusive financial benefits to help you save on student loans, mortgages, and personal loans

  • NVA Pet Resort Discount + Pet Insurance Discount

  • Medical, Dental, Vision + HSA/FSA Options

  • Insurance Options: Life and AD&D + Short & Long-Term Disability + Critical Illness + Accident + Hospital Indemnity

  • 401(k) with employer match

  • Employee Assistance Program

Schedule

  • Full-time

  • Three 10-hour shifts weekly

  • Current schedule:

  • Wednesday

  • Friday

  • Saturday

Responsibilities

As an Exotics Veterinary Technician, you’ll play an important role in delivering safe, compassionate, high-quality care to exotic animal patients throughout diagnostics, treatment, anesthesia, and recovery.

  • Assist veterinarians with patient exams, treatments, and diagnostic procedures for exotic species

  • Support anesthesia induction, monitoring, and recovery for surgical and procedural cases

  • Obtain and process laboratory samples

  • Perform patient restraint, treatment support, and nursing care for birds, reptiles, rabbits, and other exotic companion animals

  • Maintain accurate medical records and treatment documentation

  • Communicate with clients regarding patient updates, discharge instructions, and post-operative care

  • Assist with inventory management and stocking of exotics-related supplies and equipment

  • Support advanced technical procedures including catheter placement, advanced monitoring, and specialty treatments

  • Collaborate closely with Emergency, Specialty, and technical teams to deliver exceptional patient care

Qualifications

  • 2+ years of Veterinary Technician experience required

  • Small animal anesthesia experience required

  • Veterinary Technology degree or equivalent training required

  • CVT / LVT / RVT preferred

  • Experience working with exotic animal patients strongly preferred

  • Strong anesthesia monitoring and patient care skills

  • Excellent communication and client service skills

  • Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced emergency and specialty hospital environment

  • Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management

  • Positive, team-oriented mindset with a collaborative approach to patient care

  • Fluent English speaking and reading skills required

About Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital (VESH)

We are a 24-hour, VECCS Level 2 Certified, state-of-the-art Emergency + Specialty veterinary hospital.

Like human medical specialists, VESH supports primary care veterinarians with the evaluation and treatment of pets affected by trauma, chronic issues, serious illness, or unusual disorders requiring advanced training, while also providing critical and emergency veterinary care.

We offer a variety of specialty services including Advanced Imaging (CT), Internal Medicine, Surgery, Medical Oncology, and Emergency and Critical Care.

At VESH, you’ll join a collaborative team committed to exceptional medicine, compassionate care, and continued learning. Every role in our hospital contributes to improving the lives of pets and the families who love them.

Surrounding Areas

Our hospital is located in West Springfield, MA, and draws talented veterinary professionals from throughout the region, including:

  • Springfield, MA & Chicopee, MA

  • Holyoke, MA & Longmeadow, MA

  • Agawam, MA & Northampton, MA

  • Amherst, MA & Enfield, CT

  • Suffield, CT & Hartford, CT

This location offers access to a broad veterinary talent market across Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut.

Know Someone Amazing?

If this role isn’t the right fit but you know a great CVT, send them our way!

Email Katelin.Shephard@ethosvet.com—you could earn a $1,250 referral bonus if they’re hired.

Considering Relocating?

Great talent can come from anywhere, and we welcome candidates who are considering a move. Whether you're relocating from another city, another state, or across the country, our Talent Acquisition team is here to support you throughout the hiring process and answer questions about the role, the hospital, and the surrounding community.

About Ethos Veterinary Health

Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world-class medicine, and help shape what veterinary care becomes next.

Across our network of 140 specialty and emergency hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You’ll work alongside respected veterinary leaders in academic-caliber hospitals designed for learning, teaching, and discovery.

Here, mentorship is a two-way street. You’ll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to grow, clinically, professionally, and personally.

At Ethos, you inspire hope, deliver exceptional care, and pursue veterinary medicine at its highest level, together.

Join Us

At Ethos, this isn’t just a job, it’s an opportunity to practice medicine at the highest level and help shape the future of veterinary care.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.

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