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Veterinary Lab Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Innovetive PetCare

Veterinary Assistant

Crozet, VA · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Veterinary Assistants Employment Type: Full Time Location: Crozet, Virginia Compensation: $15.00 ... Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records. (Log patient weights, process lab specimens, and ...

Innovetive Petcare

Veterinary Assistant

Crozet, VA · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Join our amazing team as our newest Veterinary Assistant. Our focus is on being a place of comfort ... Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records. (Log patient weights, process lab specimens, and ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

Veterinary Assistant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Seeking a Veterinary Assistant! VCA University Veterinary Clinic is seeking a full time Veterinary ... Lab sample collection and processing * Diagnostic imaging * Surgical preparation and assisting

VCA Animal Hospitals

Veterinary Assistant

Fairfax, VA

$22/hr

Seeking a Veterinary Assistant! VCA University Veterinary Clinic is seeking a full time Veterinary ... Lab sample collection and processing * Diagnostic imaging * Surgical preparation and assisting

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Veterinary Lab Assistant information

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How much do veterinary lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary lab assistant in Virginia is $15.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.12 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a veterinary lab assistant?

Veterinary Lab Assistants are professionals who support veterinarians and veterinary technicians by performing laboratory tasks such as preparing samples, running basic diagnostic tests, maintaining lab equipment, and ensuring a clean and safe work environment. They play a vital role in helping to diagnose and treat animal illnesses by handling blood, urine, and tissue samples. Their work helps ensure accurate test results and efficient clinic operations.

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

To thrive as a Veterinary Lab Assistant, you need a solid understanding of animal biology, laboratory procedures, and basic veterinary terminology, often supported by a high school diploma or associate degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, safety protocols, and data entry systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective teamwork help you stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate test results, maintaining a safe lab environment, and supporting veterinarians in providing quality animal care.

What are some typical challenges veterinary lab assistants face when balancing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment?

Veterinary Lab Assistants often juggle responsibilities such as preparing samples, maintaining lab equipment, and assisting veterinarians with diagnostic procedures, all while ensuring accuracy and efficiency. A common challenge is managing time effectively to prioritize urgent tasks, especially during busy periods or emergencies. Clear communication with veterinarians and fellow lab staff is essential to avoid errors and ensure smooth workflow. Developing strong organizational and multitasking skills can help new assistants adapt to the dynamic nature of the lab environment.

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

AspectVeterinary Lab AssistantVeterinary Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in veterinary technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, assisting with sample processingClinics, hospitals, performing exams, assisting veterinarians
Job ResponsibilitiesPreparing samples, maintaining lab equipment, basic testingPerforming diagnostic tests, assisting in surgeries, client communication

Veterinary Lab Assistants primarily work in laboratories supporting sample processing and basic testing, requiring minimal formal education. Veterinary Technicians have more advanced training, perform diagnostic and clinical tasks, and often work directly with animals and clients. Both roles are essential in veterinary settings but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

Infographic showing various Veterinary Lab Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,397 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Bay Beach Veterinary Hospital - Veterinary Assistant

Virginia Beach, VA

Bay Beach Veterinary Hospital
Veterinary Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Bay Beach Veterinary Hospitalexternal

$15 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Key responsibilities

  • Assist the veterinarian during outpatient exams, diagnostics, treatments, and surgical procedures.

  • Handle animal restraint, administer medications, draw vaccines, collect lab samples, and perform basic lab tests as directed.

  • Communicate with clients, answer inquiries, educate clients on care plans, and maintain organized medical records.

Job description

Bay Beach Veterinary Hospital - Veterinary Assistant

Position Summary: 

The Veterinary Assistant provides essential support to the veterinarian during outpatient exams and throughout the diagnosis and treatment of patients. They care for all patients, assist with medical procedures, and help ensure each patient receives high-quality, compassionate care. In this role, the Veterinary Assistant also serves as a key connection between the veterinarian and clients. Through exceptional service and communication, the Veterinary Assistant helps build trust and foster lasting relationships with clients and their pets. 

Primary Responsibilities: 

  • Provides compassionate, professional care to patients and clients at all times. 
  • Communicates clearly and respectfully with clients, doctors, and team members, including answering phones and routing inquiries as needed. 
  • Handles sensitive client situations with empathy and discretion, escalating medical questions appropriately. 
  • Assists the veterinarian during exams, diagnostics, treatments, and surgical procedures. 
  • Safely restrains animals of varying sizes and temperaments using low-stress handling techniques. 
  • Administers medications, draws up vaccines, collects lab samples, and performs basic lab tests as directed. 
  • Creates, reviews, and enters treatment plans accurately in the medical record system. 
  • Educates clients on common vaccinations, medications, and treatment protocols to ensure understanding of care plans and follow-up recommendations. 
  • Accurately records patient information and maintains organized, up-to-date medical records. 
  • Enters charges accurately and assists with the client check-out process, including processing payments when needed. 
  • Ensures exam rooms, treatment areas, and hospital spaces are clean, stocked, and well maintained. 
  • Demonstrates consistent reliability, punctuality, and commitment to supporting patients, clients, and hospital operations. 
  • Performs all other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications: 

  • 2-3 years experience in a veterinary or animal care setting is preferred.
  • High school diploma or equivalent required. 
  • Basic computer proficiency, including the ability to use practice management software and Microsoft Office applications. 
  • Previous experience working with animals preferred; veterinary or animal care background strongly valued. 
  • Able to work safely around cleaning chemicals, anesthetic gases, radiation, zoonotic diseases, and animal bodily fluids. 
  • Maintains composure and professionalism in emotionally challenging or high-stress situations. 
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and safely handle animals up to 130 pounds. 
  • Comfortable sitting, standing, walking, bending, and kneeling for extended periods throughout the workday.  
  • Professional, neat appearance consistent with hospital standards. 

Hours:  

  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule and be available for scheduling during all hours the practice is open to support hospital operations. 

Compensation and Benefits: 

  • We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage. In addition, employees are eligible to participate in our 401(k) retirement plan. Other benefits include paid time off, paid holidays and access to employee assistance program. 

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