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Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Paws in Motion

Vet Assistant

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

$15.15 - $15.50/hr

Previous experience working with animals preferred, especially in a rehabilitation or veterinary ... Previous assistants have successfully gained admission to veterinary school after gaining ...

VetnCare

Veterinary Assistant

Oakland, CA · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Veterinary Assistant Holistic Veterinary Care Oakland, CA | Full-time $23-$27 per hour Holistic ... rehabilitation alongside traditional veterinary medicine. Our team is passionate about providing ...

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Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistant information

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How much do veterinary rehabilitation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary rehabilitation assistant in the United States is $17.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectVeterinary Rehabilitation AssistantVeterinary Technician
CredentialsTypically requires certification or training in rehab techniquesRequires veterinary technician certification (e.g., CVT, RVT)
Work EnvironmentSpecialized clinics focusing on rehab and physical therapyGeneral veterinary clinics, hospitals, or specialty practices
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in clinics offering physical therapy and rehab servicesCommon in various veterinary settings
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for roles in animal rehabBroader veterinary support role

Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistants focus on supporting physical therapy and rehab procedures, often requiring specialized training. Veterinary Technicians have a broader role in general animal healthcare, with certification in veterinary technology. Both roles work closely with veterinarians but differ mainly in scope and specialization.

What is a Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistant?

A Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistant is a trained professional who supports veterinarians and veterinary technicians in providing rehabilitation therapy to animals recovering from injury, surgery, or chronic illness. They assist with therapeutic exercises, hydrotherapy, laser therapy, and other modalities designed to improve mobility and quality of life for pets. Their duties may also include preparing equipment, handling animals safely, maintaining treatment records, and educating pet owners about at-home care routines. This role is vital in ensuring animals receive comprehensive and compassionate rehabilitation care.

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

To thrive as a Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistant, you need knowledge of animal anatomy, basic veterinary care, and a relevant certification or on-the-job training in animal rehabilitation. Familiarity with rehabilitation equipment, therapeutic modalities (like laser or hydrotherapy), and veterinary practice management software is common in this role. Compassion, patience, and strong communication skills are vital for working with both animals and pet owners. These competencies ensure effective treatment, comfort for patients, and support for veterinary teams in achieving optimal animal recovery.

What are some common challenges Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistants face when supporting patients and how can they be addressed?

Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistants often encounter challenges such as handling anxious or uncooperative animals, adapting therapy plans for different species, and communicating progress to pet owners. Building trust with patients through gentle handling and positive reinforcement can ease stress and improve cooperation. Collaborating closely with veterinarians and certified rehabilitation therapists ensures that care plans are properly tailored and adjusted. Strong communication skills are essential for explaining exercises and home care instructions to owners, ensuring the best outcomes for each patient.
More about Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Veterinary Rehabilitation jobs? The most popular types of Veterinary Rehabilitation jobs are:
What states have the most Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistant jobs are:
Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,859 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistant

Alpha Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness

West Caldwell, NJ • On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description




Help Pets Recover. Restore Mobility. Change Lives.
At Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness, we believe every pet deserves the opportunity to move comfortably, recover confidently, and enjoy the highest quality of life possible.
As one of New Jersey's leading companion animal rehabilitation practices, we specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation, post-operative recovery, sports medicine, senior mobility, fitness, and pain management.
We're looking for an energetic, compassionate, and motivated Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistant to join our growing team. This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapists, helping dogs and cats regain strength, mobility, confidence, and independence.
If you're passionate about animal health, love working hands-on with patients, enjoy exercise and movement, and want to be part of an innovative healthcare team, we'd love to meet you.
What You'll Do
As a Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistant, you'll work closely with our rehabilitation therapists to provide exceptional patient care while helping create an outstanding experience for every client and pet.
Patient Care
  • Assist therapists during rehabilitation evaluations and treatment sessions.
  • Safely handle and support canine and feline patients of all sizes.
  • Prepare patients for treatment.
  • Assist with therapeutic exercises and functional activities.
  • Support patients during underwater treadmill therapy.
  • Assist with balance, coordination, gait, and strengthening exercises.
  • Help perform therapeutic stretching and range-of-motion activities under therapist direction.
  • Assist with transfers, standing exercises, gait training, and mobility support for neurological patients.
  • Monitor patient comfort, safety, and fatigue throughout treatment sessions.
  • Help maintain accurate treatment flow between appointments.
Rehabilitation Equipment
Assist therapists with the preparation and use of:
  • Underwater treadmills
  • Therapeutic exercise equipment
  • Balance equipment
  • Cavaletti rails
  • Peanut balls
  • Balance discs and stability equipment
  • Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)
  • TENS units
  • Therapeutic laser
  • Shockwave therapy
  • PEMF therapy
  • Therapeutic braces and mobility devices
(No previous rehabilitation experience is required—we will train the right candidate.)
Facility & Patient Support
  • Prepare treatment areas before each appointment.
  • Clean and sanitize rehabilitation equipment between patients.
  • Maintain a safe, organized, and professional clinic environment.
  • Assist with patient transitions throughout the clinic.
  • Help therapists maintain efficient treatment flow.
  • Assist with laundry, equipment maintenance, and daily clinic preparation.
  • Participate in opening, lunch, and closing responsibilities.
Client Education
Help reinforce therapist recommendations by:
  • Demonstrating prescribed home exercises.
  • Educating pet parents on safe handling techniques.
  • Reviewing home exercise programs under therapist guidance.
  • Encouraging client participation during rehabilitation sessions.
  • Providing exceptional customer service and support.
Who We're Looking For
We're searching for someone who is:
  • Passionate about helping animals.
  • Positive, compassionate, and patient.
  • Energetic and enjoys staying active throughout the day.
  • Comfortable working with dogs and cats of all sizes and temperaments.
  • Dependable and punctual.
  • Detail-oriented and organized.
  • A strong communicator and team player.
  • Calm under pressure.
  • Eager to learn and grow professionally.
  • Comfortable taking initiative and adapting in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in one or more of the following is preferred but not required:
  • Veterinary Assistant
  • Veterinary Technician
  • Animal Hospital
  • Animal Shelter or Rescue
  • Dog Daycare or Boarding Facility
  • Dog Training
  • Grooming
  • Animal Handling
  • Human Physical Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Athletic Training
  • Exercise Science
  • Kinesiology
  • Biology
  • Animal Science
  • Pre-Veterinary Studies
Recent graduates and students pursuing careers in veterinary medicine or rehabilitation are encouraged to apply.
Physical Requirements
This is an active position requiring:
  • Standing and walking for extended periods.
  • Assisting dogs of various sizes with mobility.
  • Lifting and supporting pets when appropriate.
  • Frequent bending, kneeling, squatting, and reaching.
  • Working in and around water during hydrotherapy sessions.
  • Ability to safely manage active, fearful, or mobility-impaired patients.
Professional Growth Opportunities
At Alpha, we believe in investing in our team.
Opportunities may include:
  • Hands-on mentorship from Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapists.
  • Continuing education and in-house training.
  • Learning advanced rehabilitation techniques and therapeutic modalities.
  • Exposure to orthopedic, neurological, sports medicine, and geriatric rehabilitation.
  • Career advancement within a rapidly growing practice.
  • Opportunities to attend educational events, conferences, and workshops.
Why Join Alpha?
Every day is different.
One hour you may help a puppy recover after orthopedic surgery.
The next, you'll assist a senior dog taking its first pain-free steps in months.
Later, you might help a paralyzed dog learn to stand and walk again.
The work is physically active, emotionally rewarding, and deeply meaningful.
At Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness, you'll join a team that values:
  • Compassion
  • Excellence
  • Innovation
  • Teamwork
  • Lifelong learning
  • Integrity
  • A positive, supportive culture
Together, we're changing lives—one patient, one family, and one step at a time.
Position Details
Position: Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistant
Employment: Full-Time
Location: Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness
Fairfield, New Jersey
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you're looking for more than just a job—if you want a career where you can directly improve the lives of animals while growing alongside one of New Jersey's leading rehabilitation teams—we'd love to hear from you.
Please submit:
  • Your resume
  • A brief cover letter telling us why you're interested in veterinary rehabilitation
  • Any relevant experience working with animals, healthcare, rehabilitation, fitness, or customer service
Join us in helping pets move better, recover stronger, and live healthier, happier lives.