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Veterinary Care Assistant Jobs in Springfield, MA

VCA Animal Hospitals

Veterinary Assistant

Palmer, MA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Simsbury Veterinary Hospital

Veterinary Assistant

Simsbury, CT · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Support preventative care services, including vaccines * Practice low-stress handling techniques for patient comfort and safety What Our Veterinary Assistants Bring * Previous veterinary assistant ...

Simsbury Veterinary Hospital

Veterinary Assistant

Simsbury, CT

$16 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Support preventative care services, including vaccines * Practice low-stress handling techniques for patient comfort and safety What Our Veterinary Assistants Bring * Previous veterinary assistant ...

Hometown Veterinary Partners

Veterinary Assistant

Charlton, MA · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You will provide client care in your location while earning a competitive wage and a full suite of benefits. Your experience, background, and unique viewpoints are valued here. At Hometown Veterinary ...

Hometown Veterinary Partners

Veterinary Assistant

Charlton, MA · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You will provide client care in your location while earning a competitive wage and a full suite of benefits. Your experience, background, and unique viewpoints are valued here. At Hometown Veterinary ...

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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

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$23

How much do veterinary care assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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 at Town and Country Veterinary Associates

Heartland Veterinary Partners LLC

Vernon Rockville, CT • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Heartland Veterinary Partners rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 52 rated veterinary

Job description

Practice

Town and Country Veterinary Associates is a well-established, full-service, small animal veterinary hospital providing affordable, comprehensive medical, surgical and dental care to Vernon, Manchester, South Windsor, Tolland and all surrounding communities.

More About The Role

The Veterinary Technician assists the veterinarians and other technicians with patient care and treatment, monitors hospitalized pets, maintains inventory, prepares prescriptions, performs routine in-house laboratory work, educates clients regarding veterinary care and procedures, and assists with surgical procedures.

Competencies
  • Patience & Compassion: Remaining professional while still making teammates, clients, and patients feel as comfortable as possible regardless of the situation or challenges presented. Responding quickly and calmly to crisis while maintaining a high standard of patient care.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Carefully coordinating actions with veterinarians and practice team members. Providing feedback appropriately and in a timely manner. Quickly incorporating feedback to ensure positive results. Sharing ideas and being open to other's ideas.
  • Communicating: Conveying instructions to clients and teammates to ensure successful patient care.
  • Active Listening: Following the instructions of veterinarians and sometimes patient owners. Picking up the needs of veterinarians and teammates based on prior experiences and feedback.
  • Organization Skills: Clear tracking of lab specimens, medications, patient instructions, workflow, and other job-related items while managing multiple patients and clients.
  • Client Satisfaction: Ensuring all activities and interactions result in the highest level of client satisfaction.
Essential Responsibilities
  • Assist veterinarians in the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery and other tasks as needed.
  • Assist veterinarians in outpatient exams by taking histories, vital signs, and weights, as well as providing client education.
  • Prepare patients for surgery and monitor vital signs of the patient during surgery.
  • Obtain blood, stool, and other samples; perform in-hospital laboratory testing and prepare specimens for outside laboratories.
  • Take, develop, and maintain radiographs following proper safety procedures.
  • Provide basic animal handling and restrain animals during exams.
  • Administer and monitor medications, anesthesia, vaccines, and treatments at the discretion of the veterinarian.
  • Clean and straighten exam rooms, treatment, and lab areas; restock exam rooms with supplies. Assist other team members to keep the public areas of the practice clean; clean and maintain all medical equipment.
  • Demonstrate warmth, courtesy and professionalism in all interactions with clients; exercise compassion and care in all interactions with patients.
  • Communicate with veterinarians and practice team members including client discussions, patient plans, client concerns, etc.
  • Any other duties as assigned.
Requirements/Qualifications
  • Ability to work on weekends as required
  • Previous veterinary experience preferred
  • Ability to lift patients and carry equipment up to 25 pounds; ability to lift patients or carry equipment over 25 pounds with assistance
  • Practice OSHA safety techniques including proper PPE
  • Basic math and the ability to calculate medication dosages
  • Basic computer skills, familiarity with MS office applications, etc.
  • Strong communication skills to ensure patient safety
Benefits Offered
  • Paid time off
  • Health insurance; dental insurance; vision insurance
  • Retirement benefits or accounts
  • Bonus incentive
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Career and professional development
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Referral Program

Benefits offered may vary depending on full or part time employment status according to company policy.

Pay Range

USD $20.00 - USD $25.00 /Hr.

What Heartland Veterinary Partners employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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