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Veterinary Helper Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Veterinary Helper information

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$19

$25

How much do veterinary helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary helper in Washington is $19.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $19.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are veterinary helpers?

Veterinary helpers, also known as veterinary assistants, support veterinarians and veterinary technicians in animal clinics, hospitals, and shelters. They are responsible for tasks such as feeding and bathing animals, cleaning cages, sterilizing equipment, and assisting with basic animal care under supervision. Their work ensures that animals are comfortable and that medical procedures run smoothly. Veterinary helpers play a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness and efficiency of veterinary facilities, allowing veterinarians to focus on diagnosing and treating animals. They may also interact with pet owners, providing information and reassurance as needed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Veterinary Helper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Veterinary Helper, you need a basic understanding of animal care, handling techniques, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, basic lab equipment, and animal restraint tools is commonly required. Compassion, attention to detail, and strong teamwork skills help you support veterinarians and reassure pet owners. These skills ensure safe, efficient animal care and contribute to a positive environment for both animals and staff.

What are some common challenges Veterinary Helpers face when assisting with animal care and clinic operations?

Veterinary Helpers often encounter challenges such as handling anxious or aggressive animals, maintaining a clean and sanitized environment, and managing multiple tasks during busy appointment times. They must be prepared for physically demanding work, including lifting animals and standing for extended periods. Additionally, Veterinary Helpers work closely with veterinarians and technicians, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to follow detailed instructions to ensure the well-being of both patients and staff.

What is the difference between Veterinary Helper vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectVeterinary HelperVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in veterinary technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentAnimal clinics, shelters, kennels, farmsVeterinary clinics, hospitals, specialty practices
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with animal care, cleaning, feeding, basic restraintPerform diagnostic tests, administer medications, assist during surgeries

Veterinary Helpers typically have minimal formal education and focus on basic animal care tasks, working under supervision. Veterinary Technicians have specialized training and perform more complex medical procedures, often working more independently. Both roles are essential in animal healthcare but differ in education, responsibilities, and scope of practice.

What are the most commonly searched types of Veterinary jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Veterinary jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Veterinary Helper jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Veterinary Helper job openings:
Veterinary Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Helper job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 77% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,013 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Fairfax Animal Hospital - Licensed Veterinary Technician

Fairfax Animal Hospital

Falls Church, VA • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Fairfax Animal Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia (a Washington D.C. suburb), was the first animal hospital in Fairfax County when beloved Dr. Jerry Goldfarb opened the doors in 1945, and proudly continue to be repeat winners of Angie's list service awards! Our team provides full-service animal care for companion animals, and recently added urgent care services to further assist the community. We are able to offer high-quality mentorship from experienced veterinarians with special areas of interest in exotics, soft tissue surgery, wellness care, and basic orthopedic surgery, and welcome both new and experienced veterinary professionals to join our team!
Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT)
Use Your License. Love Your Team. Practice Great Medicine.
At Fairfax Animal Hospital, we believe Licensed Veterinary Technicians should be trusted, respected, and utilized to the full extent of their training, not just asked to "help hold."
We're a busy, high-performing 2.5 doctor general practice/urgent care hospital that practices high-quality medicine while still managing to laugh, support each other, and keep the day moving when things get a little chaotic (because, well, veterinary med).
We're looking for an LVT who is skilled, collaborative, adaptable, and enjoys being part of a genuinely supportive team. Someone who loves patient care, communicates well, and can balance professionalism with personality.
If you're searching for a clinic where:
  • your skills are valued,
  • your input matters,
  • your coworkers actually help each other,
  • and the culture is positive without being overly corporate...

...you may fit in very well here.
We are currently hiring for full-time or part-time positions with competitive pay based on experience and opportunities for growth.
What You'll Do:
Actually Practice Like an LVT
As an LVT at Fairfax Animal Hospital, you'll be a true clinical partner to our veterinarians, helping deliver excellent patient care while utilizing your full technical skillset.
Clinical & Patient Care
  • Induce and monitor anesthesia and perform endotracheal intubation
  • Perform dental prophylaxis and obtain dental radiographs
  • Administer injectable, oral, and topical medications
  • Collect and process laboratory samples
  • Place IV catheters and administer fluid therapy
  • Assist in surgical prep, monitoring, and recovery
  • Manage hospitalized patients and treatment protocols
Diagnostics & Imaging
  • Capture high-quality radiographs
  • Perform in-house lab testing including hematology, urinalysis, and cytology
  • Assist with advanced diagnostics and specialty referrals
Client Communication & Education
  • Educate clients on medications, treatments, and preventive care
  • Provide discharge instructions and follow-up recommendations
  • Build strong relationships with clients through compassion and communication
Leadership & Teamwork
  • Support and mentor assistants and newer team members
  • Help improve workflow and patient care processes
  • Be part of a collaborative, fast-paced environment where everyone jumps in to help

What Our Team Is Like
We work hard, move fast, and genuinely care about doing good medicine and each other. We also believe:
  • good teams communicate well
  • kindness matters
  • Inclusivity is important
  • humor helps
  • and nobody should dread coming to work every day

We are proud of the culture we've built and are intentional about hiring people who contribute positively to it.
Our ideal candidate is someone who:
  • enjoys staying busy
  • keeps a sense of humor on tough days
  • treats coworkers with respect
  • understands that veterinary medicine works best when the whole team supports each other

Bonus points if you can place a catheter while answering questions and mentally planning your lunch order.
Benefits for Full-Time Team Members
  • Competitive compensation based on experience
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Supplemental insurance options
  • 401(k) eligibility with employer contribution
  • Continuing education allowance
  • LVT tuition reimbursement
  • Paid holidays and paid time off
  • Scrub allowance
  • Employee pet discounts
  • Training and professional growth opportunities
  • Employee referral bonus program
  • Wellness resources

What You Bring to the Team
Required Qualifications
  • Active Virginia LVT license
  • Minimum of two years of clinical veterinary experience
  • Proficiency in anesthesia, dentistry, radiology, and surgical assistance
Preferred Qualities
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills
  • Reliability and adaptability
  • Ability to multitask in a high-volume environment
  • Passion for patient care and continued learning
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to frequently lift and/or carry up to 50 lbs
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the workday
  • Ability to safely handle animals, equipment, and materials

Veterinary medicine is demanding, rewarding, unpredictable, and occasionally powered entirely by caffeine and teamwork.
We're looking for someone who wants to practice great medicine, continue growing their skills, and be part of a team that genuinely enjoys working together.
If that sounds like your kind of environment, we'd love to meet you.

Apply