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Veterinary Lab Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Assistant

Herndon, VA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

We are eager to welcome a Experienced Veterinary Assistant (full time) who is passionate about ... Lab sample collection and processing * Diagnostic imaging * Dentistry * Medical recordkeeping We ...

Veterinary Assistant

Herndon, VA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

We are eager to welcome a Experienced Veterinary Assistant (full time) who is passionate about ... Lab sample collection and processing * Diagnostic imaging * Dentistry * Medical recordkeeping We ...

Showing results 41-60

Veterinary Lab Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do veterinary lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 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.

Veterinary Assistant

Abingdon, VA • On-site

VCA Animal Hospitals
Veterinary Services • 10K+ employees

$15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


VCA Animal Hospitals rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 662 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Join the VCA Highlands Team!

VCA Highlands Animal Hospital is seeking a part time Veterinary Assistant to join our AAHA accredited, full service, 9-doctor, GP hospital in Abingdon, VA! We work hard to deliver the best medical care to each patient, and we are excited to welcome a likeminded professional to the team! We have a unique culture in our hospital that values each person's individual skill and personality, and we truly support your desire to grow medically. There's something special about you and we are excited to learn more!

Why join the VCA Highlands Family?

We are passionate about supporting our veterinary assistants and technicians and are committed to your continuing education and personal career development. At VCA Animal Hospitals, we are committed to equity, inclusion, and diversity and strive to be a place where a talented mix of people want to come, stay, and do their best work. We support a work environment where you can focus on your career, happiness, and the patients you serve.

Some of the benefits we offer:

  • Access to the people and financial resources of a large veterinary community
  • Growth & leadership opportunities
  • Career development programs
  • Veterinary Technology degree tuition support and scholarships
  • Veterinary Technician license reimbursement
  • Medical, dental & vision insurance
  • Generous hospital discounts and product discounts
  • Employer-paid life, long- and short-term disability insurance
  • Paid vacation and sick time
  • Paid parental leave
  • 401(k)
  • Free mental health resources and wellness subscriptions (Headspace)
  • Referral bonuses
  • Competitive wage
  • Opportunities to give back through strong Shelter partnerships and VCA Charities
  • Full-time and Part-time positions available

Why We Want You

As a member of the VCA team, you will help create and maintain a positive, low-stress atmosphere for our clients and patients. Your mission will be to win the confidence of every pet parent-by delivering an outstanding client experience-so we can provide exceptional care to every patient.

Whether you are a seasoned Veterinary Assistant or a Technician in training, we want you to use the knowledge that you've invested your time and talent in. The skills that will be utilized include, but are not limited to:

  • Compassionate patient care
  • Client education and care
  • Pharmacy and medication administration
  • Lab sample collection and processing
  • Diagnostic imaging
  • Surgical preparation and assisting
  • Anesthesia monitoring
  • Dentistry
  • Medical recordkeeping

The salary range for this position starts at $15 / hr.

Ready to grow with a collaborative and supportive team? Apply now- We look forward to hearing from you!

If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.

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