ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Veterinary Nurse Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsVeterinary Nurse JobsVeterinary Nurse Jobs in Riverside, CA

Veterinary Nurse information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$5

$18

$23

How much do veterinary nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary nurse in Riverside, CA is $18.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $20.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a veterinary nurse?

A veterinary nurse assists licensed veterinarians in caring for pets and other animals. Job duties include treating sick or injured animals, doing preliminary examinations of pets during well visits, running diagnostic tests and administering vaccinations, educating pet owners about preventive and aftercare, and helping the attending veterinarian with complex procedures. A veterinary nurse may encounter a wide variety of animals in their work depending on their employer.

What are some common challenges veterinary nurses face when working in busy animal hospitals?

Veterinary Nurses in busy animal hospitals often encounter challenges such as managing multiple urgent cases simultaneously, communicating effectively with both pet owners and veterinary teams, and keeping up with the physical demands of the job, like lifting animals and standing for extended periods. Adapting quickly to changing situations and prioritizing tasks are key skills in this environment. Despite these challenges, the role offers a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference in animal health and client satisfaction.

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

To thrive as a Veterinary Nurse, you need a solid background in animal care, medical knowledge, and a recognized veterinary nursing qualification or certification. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, diagnostic equipment, and laboratory procedures is typically required. Compassion, strong communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills for supporting both animals and their owners. These skills ensure high standards of animal care, efficient clinic operations, and positive client experiences.

What is the difference between Veterinary Nurse vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectVeterinary NurseVeterinary Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a veterinary nursing diploma or certificationOften holds a veterinary technician or technologist credential
Work EnvironmentClinics, hospitals, animal shelters, and private practicesSimilar settings, including clinics and research facilities
Job RoleAssists veterinarians, provides patient care, educates pet ownersPerforms diagnostic tests, assists in surgeries, manages patient records

Veterinary Nurses and Veterinary Technicians often share similar roles, work environments, and credentials. The main difference lies in regional terminology and specific certification requirements, but both are essential in supporting veterinary care and animal health.

How much money do veterinary nurses earn?

Veterinary nurses typically earn between $25,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, advanced certifications, and working in high-demand areas or emergency clinics.

Is veterinary nursing a good career choice?

Veterinary nursing is a rewarding career for those interested in animal care, requiring skills in medical procedures, patient handling, and client communication. It offers job stability, opportunities for specialization, and typically requires certification or licensing. The role involves working in veterinary clinics or hospitals and often includes shift work and physical activity.

Where do veterinary nurses make the most money?

Veterinary nurses tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for veterinary services, such as urban areas or regions with a strong pet care industry. Salaries can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the type of practice, with specialized or emergency clinics often offering higher pay.
More about Veterinary Nurse jobs

What are popular job titles related to Veterinary Nurse jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Veterinary Nurse jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Veterinary Nurse jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Veterinary Nurse jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Veterinary Nurse jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Veterinary Nurse job openings:

Veterinary Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Nurse job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,427 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Surgical Veterinary Technician

Ethos Veterinary Health

Irvine, CA • On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Surgery Veterinary Technician
$27.00-$33.00/hour (DOE) + Sign-On Bonus
Full-time opportunity at Pacific Care Pet Emergency & Specialty
Schedule: Sunday-Thursday
Advance your surgical veterinary nursing career at Pacific Care Pet Emergency & Specialty. As a Surgery Veterinary Technician, you'll work alongside experienced veterinary surgeons and a highly skilled specialty team providing advanced anesthesia, perioperative nursing, surgical assistance, and post-operative patient care.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Veterinary Technician, Surgery Veterinary Technician, or Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) with strong anesthesia skills who wants to expand their experience in specialty veterinary surgery.
Why Join Pacific Care Pet Emergency & Specialty
Pacific Care Pet Emergency & Specialty is a specialty and emergency veterinary hospital where care, collaboration, and comprehensive expertise drive everything we do. Our multidisciplinary team provides advanced Surgery, Internal Medicine, Oncology, Emergency, and Critical Care services while partnering closely with primary care veterinarians.
You'll have the opportunity to work with complex surgical cases, advanced veterinary medicine, and a collaborative clinical team committed to exceptional patient care, continuing education, and professional development.
In Your Day-to-Day, You Will
  • Prepare patients, surgical suites, instruments, and equipment for specialty surgical procedures.
  • Assist veterinarians during surgery while maintaining sterile technique and anticipating procedural needs.
  • Support anesthesia induction, monitoring, and recovery while closely evaluating patient vital signs and safety.
  • Provide pre-operative assessments, perioperative nursing care, and post-operative patient monitoring.
  • Administer medications and treatments as directed and maintain accurate medical records.
  • Clean, sterilize, and maintain surgical instruments, anesthesia equipment, and procedural areas.
  • Provide compassionate client communication, including post-operative care and discharge instructions.
  • Maintain surgical inventory and ensure necessary supplies and equipment are readily available.
  • Follow hospital safety, infection control, anesthesia, and surgical protocols.

What You Bring
  • One to two years of veterinary surgery experience.
  • Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) credential preferred.
  • Experience with veterinary anesthesia, anesthetic monitoring, and surgical patient care.
  • Strong knowledge of sterile technique, surgical preparation, patient monitoring, and post-operative recovery.
  • Strong technical, organizational, and critical-thinking skills.
  • Ability to remain calm and focused in a fast-paced specialty veterinary environment.
  • Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.
  • Commitment to exceptional patient care and continued professional development.

Perks & Benefits
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and 401(k)
  • Three weeks of accrued paid time off and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Annual Veterinary Assistant and RVT Continuing Education (CE) allowance
  • VetBloom access with RACE-approved continuing education, training, and professional development
  • RVT license application and renewal reimbursement
  • Uniforms provided
  • Career growth and advancement opportunities throughout Ethos Veterinary Health

About Ethos Veterinary Health
Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world-class veterinary medicine and help shape what veterinary care becomes next.
Across our network of specialty and emergency veterinary hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You'll work alongside respected veterinary professionals in hospitals designed for learning, collaboration, and clinical excellence.
Here, mentorship is a two-way street. You'll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to grow clinically, professionally, and personally.
At Ethos, you inspire hope, deliver exceptional care, and help advance veterinary medicine-together.
Join Us
If you're a Veterinary Technician, Surgery Veterinary Technician, Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), or experienced veterinary nurse with a background in anesthesia monitoring, surgical assisting, perioperative nursing, or specialty veterinary medicine, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and join the Surgery team at Pacific Care Pet Emergency & Specialty.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Ethos Veterinary Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by applicable law. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.

Apply