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Veterinary Lab Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Village West Veterinary

Veterinary Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Description Veterinary Assistant Village West Veterinary Chicago, IL Part-Time: flexible scheduling ... Process and Submit Lab work, both in-house labs and Laboratory partners * Clean, wrap, and ...

Cary Grove Animal Hospital

Veterinary Assistant

Cary, IL · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Lab sample preparation (fecal, urine, cytology) * Cleaning and maintaining hospital areas What We're Looking For * At least 1 year of veterinary assistant experience in a veterinary hospital * A ...

Hebron Animal Hospital

Veterinary Assistant

Hebron, IN · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Veterinary Assistant Status: Part-time Salary: Negotiable and based on experience Schedule: Three ... Sick Time / Paid Time Off, employee pet discounts, free or discounted lab work for employee pets ...

Vetcor

Veterinary Assistant

Hebron, IN · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Veterinary Assistant Status: Part-time Salary: Negotiable and based on experience Schedule: Three ... Sick Time / Paid Time Off, employee pet discounts, free or discounted lab work for employee pets ...

Hebron Animal Hospital

Veterinary Assistant

Hebron, IN · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Veterinary Assistant Status: Part-time Salary: Negotiable and based on experience Schedule: Three ... Sick Time / Paid Time Off, employee pet discounts, free or discounted lab work for employee pets ...

Thrive Pet Healthcare

Veterinary Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Description Veterinary Assistant Village West Veterinary Chicago, IL Part-Time: flexible scheduling ... Process and Submit Lab work, both in-house labs and Laboratory partners * Clean, wrap, and ...

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Veterinary Lab Assistant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$17

$24

How much do veterinary lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary lab assistant in Chicago, IL is $17.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $19.57 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 Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,940 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Veterinary Assistant

Chicago, IL • On-site

Village West Veterinary
1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Village West Veterinaryexternal

$19 - $21/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Provide patient care under the direction of a DVM or Hospital Leadership.

  • Assist team members with restraining, handling, and lifting animals, and process and submit lab work.

  • Perform tasks such as cleaning and sterilizing surgical instruments, stocking supplies, and supporting hospitalized patients.

Job description

Description

Veterinary Assistant

Village West Veterinary 

Chicago, IL


Part-Time: flexible scheduling including 2 Saturday shifts per month           

Who we are

At Village West Veterinary, a Thrive Pet Healthcare partner, we believe in providing the best veterinary care possible for our patients. We treat each patient as if they were our own giving our clients peace of mind that their pets are receiving not only great care but the love and attention they deserve. We provide The Ukrainian Village, Bucktown, Wicker Park, West Town Logan Square, and the rest of downtown Chicago with high-quality, friendly general practice veterinary medicine, and surgery. Our hospital is equipped with the most cutting-edge technology including ultrasound, dental x-rays, and in-house laboratory equipment.             

Village West Veterinary is looking for an Experienced Veterinary Assistant to join us as part of the Thrive Pet Healthcare community.         

Qualifications: 

  • Previous experience as a Veterinary Assistant-required
  • The ability to maintain a positive work environment
  • The ability to work collectively with team members in a supportive environment
  • Effective interpersonal communication skills.
  • Effective in multi-tasking (prioritizing and accomplishing tasks)
  • Excellent verbal and written communication
  • Bilingual (Spanish) is a plus

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

  • Provide patient care under the direction of a DVM or Hospital Leadership.
  • Assist other members on the medical team with restraining, handling, and lifting of animals
  • Process and Submit Lab work, both in-house labs and Laboratory partners
  • Clean, wrap, and sterilize surgical instruments and surgical supplies (gowns, towels, etc.)
  • Facility maintenance of kennels, floors, trash, restrooms, laundry, etc.)
  • The ability to prepare and explain medications with clients.
  • Stock supplies in treatment area, exam rooms, surgical suite and pharmacy
  • Provide supportive care to hospitalized patients as directed by a veterinary technician or attending veterinarian (such as monitoring patient's vitals, any needed medication administration, Providing clean kennels and litter pans, walking patients as needed)
  • Other duties assigned such as Reception tasks that include answering phones, scheduling appointments, Client check-out process, client communication related to patient follow up or laboratory results.
  • Proficient with blood draws, IV catheter placements, and anesthesia/surgery
  • Review medical records, estimates or discharge instructions with clients
  • Record all pertinent medical, client and case related information in the patient record accurately with appropriate grammar, terms and accurate information. 

You’ll Grow With Us  

Here, you can grow your career as best fits you through access to comprehensive learning and skillset programs. You can build your skills and earn credentials through:

  • Our vast, diverse, and free library of continuing education courses - ThriveU
  • Live, virtual interactive workshops to develop valuable leadership skills 
  • A program designed to teach you the fundamentals of running a pet hospital   

Benefits – Our Care In Action 

Thrive offers a suite of benefits to support team members’ emotional, physical, professional, and financial wellbeing. In addition to our health and life insurance, and short- and long- term disability plans, we offer eligible team members:

  • Competitive compensation:  $19-21/hr
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Mental health resources, including easy access to therapy through Lyra Health
  • Paid parental leave
  • Purr-ental leave for when you adopt a pet
  • Subsidized backup childcare and elder care
  • Expert advice, support and network discounts for fertility and family planning
  • FREE CE courses
  • Pet perks and veterinary service discounts
  • Student loan support tools and assistance

*Some benefits shown are only for full-time team members who work 30 hours or more per week. Certain Benefits may be subject to waiting periods or length of service requirements. 

Compensation is negotiable based on credentials and experience. The actual rate offered will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. 

About Thrive 

Thrive Pet Healthcare creates the future of pet well-being through medical excellence, innovative technology, and a connected community of teams and partners. Today, its network of 360+ primary, emergency, and specialty hospitals across the U.S. cares for pets of all ages and health needs, while portfolio companies provide tools and technology that help veterinary teams work smarter and deliver better care. Thrive invests in its people—through mentorship, leadership programs, continuing education, and well-being initiatives—so teams can grow and feel supported. For pet owners, convenient solutions such as a mobile app, Thrive Plus membership, HereFurYou Helpline, online booking, and flexible financial options make accessing quality care simpler— giving families the peace of mind their pets deserve. Learn more at thrivepetcare.com.

We welcome you to join our story and join where #WeThriveTogether.

 #TPHSJ