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Petwow

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Veterinary Surgical Assistant

Highland Heights, KY · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

About the Role We are looking for a skilled, compassionate, and dependable Veterinary Surgical Assistant to welcome to our team. This is a hands-on role in a fast-paced veterinary hospital where ...

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How much do veterinary surgical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary surgical 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 a veterinary surgical assistant?

Veterinary surgical assistants are trained professionals who support veterinarians during surgical procedures. Their duties include preparing the operating area, sterilizing equipment, monitoring animals under anesthesia, and assisting with pre- and post-operative care. They work closely with the veterinary team to ensure surgeries are performed safely and efficiently, and they also help maintain records and provide compassionate care to animal patients.

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

To thrive as a Veterinary Surgical Assistant, you need a solid understanding of animal anatomy, surgical procedures, and sterile techniques, often supported by a veterinary technology certificate or diploma. Familiarity with anesthesia machines, surgical instruments, and veterinary practice management software is typically required. Attention to detail, strong teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These abilities ensure the safety of animals during surgery, support efficient surgical teams, and contribute to positive patient outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by veterinary surgical assistants during surgical procedures?

Veterinary Surgical Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict sterility in the operating room, managing anxious or reactive animals, and responding quickly to the changing needs of the surgical team. They must be attentive and proactive, ensuring all instruments and supplies are available and functioning, while also keeping detailed records. Adapting to different veterinarians' preferences and handling emergencies calmly are key aspects that can make the role demanding but rewarding.

Where do veterinary surgical assistants make the most money?

Veterinary surgical assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for specialized veterinary services. States or areas with a strong presence of veterinary teaching hospitals or specialty clinics often offer higher wages due to increased complexity of procedures and required skills. Certification and experience can also influence earning potential regardless of location.
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Veterinary Surgical Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Surgical Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% 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 Surgical Assistant

Highland Heights, KY • On-site

PetWow
Veterinary Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about PetWowexternal

$20 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Make an impact by joining our team and caring for the pets and people who love them!
Over 30,000 pet owners in the Northern Kentucky - Greater Cincinnati area trust their pet's healthcare to PetWow!
Who We Are:
PetWow is a family-owned veterinary company founded in 1971. We operate two Northern Kentucky hospitals and a fleet of mobile wellness vehicles serving the Greater Cincinnati area.
Our mission is simple: strengthen people and pets by making pet care easy.
We work hard, move quickly, and care deeply about our team, clients, and patients. We believe great pet care starts with great people, which is why we focus on creating a supportive and team-oriented workplace with opportunities to grow, regular recognition for strong performance, and a servant leadership approach.
About the Role
We are looking for a skilled, compassionate, and dependable Veterinary Surgical Assistant to welcome to our team.
This is a hands-on role in a fast-paced veterinary hospital where advanced technical skills, teamwork, and attention to detail are essential and utilized daily. Veterinary Surgical Assistants play a critical role in induction/anesthesia, surgery, dentistry, diagnostics, and patient recovery while partnering closely with our veterinarians to deliver exceptional medical care.
To provide the best possible care for our patients, team members should be comfortable working within our operating hours and maintaining flexibility as scheduling needs arise. While this position is primarily based at one hospital location, occasional coverage at our nearby hospitals (all within a 15-mile radius) may be requested to support our teams and patients. Because schedules are built around patient care needs, some week-to-week variation may occur. Candidates with reliable availability, adaptability, and a collaborative, team-focused approach will be especially successful in this role.
Responsibilities
• Prepare patients for surgery, including catheter placement, anesthesia induction, and surgical setup
• Intubate canine and feline patients and monitor anesthesia throughout procedures
• Perform dental procedures
• Take digital radiographs and collect laboratory samples for diagnostic testing
• Administer medications, vaccines, and treatments as directed
• Monitor hospitalized patients and provide nursing care
What Success Looks Like:
Successful team members in this role:
• Stay calm, positive, and dependable in a fast-paced environment
• Handle pets safely, confidently, and compassionately
• Communicate professionally with clients and coworkers
• Multitask effectively while maintaining attention to detail
• Take initiative and work well as part of a team
• Adapt quickly to changing patient and hospital needs
• Take pride in providing excellent patient and client care
Requirements
Must have prior experience working in a veterinary clinic or animal hospital with a demonstrable skill set.
• Ability to handle and restrain animals safely and compassionately.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to multitask.
• Effective and professional communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to participate in our team-based schedule with fair rotations.
• Physical fitness: this role is very demanding. You must be able to help restrain large animals, help carry heavy loads,
and be on your feet for extended periods.
Benefits
Compensation and Benefits
$2000.00 onboarding signing bonus paid in three installments:
$500.00 on 1st paycheck/$500.00 upon completion of training/ $1000.00 6 months post-training
Annual Salary Range: $41,600 - $43,680. Hourly is $20.00/hr - $21.00/hr.
Placement within range is determined by experience.
Free In-House Veterinary Services
At cost third-party veterinary services and products
Paid Vacation and Holidays
Health Insurance
Dental and Vision Insurance
Short-Term (Maternity Leave) and Long-Term Disability
Retirement
Uniform and Shoe Benefits
PWVT

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