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Veterinary Surgical Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Assistant

Cincinnati, OH ยท On-site

$16.50/hr

Overview Full-Time Veterinary Assistant | Cincinnati Veterinary Surgical and Wellness Center Cincinnati, OH Care for Animals. Support Your Team. Make a Difference Every Single Shift. Here is what a ...

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Veterinary Surgical Assistant information

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How much do veterinary surgical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 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 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.

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 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.
More about Veterinary Surgical Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Veterinary Surgical Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Veterinary Surgical Assistant job openings:
What states have the most Veterinary Surgical Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Veterinary Surgical Assistant jobs include:
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, 75% Full Time, 21% 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 Surgical Doctor's Assistant

Cerro Alto Veterinary Hospital

San Luis Obispo, CA โ€ข On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Description:

About Cerro Alto

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital is a privately owned, doctor-led specialty and emergency hospital on California’s Central Coast. Built by specialists who believe great medicine starts with great people, we’re committed to collaboration, mentorship, and delivering exceptional, patient-centered care across surgery, emergency, internal medicine, oncology, cardiology, and advanced imaging.

Our surgery service works alongside emergency, internal medicine, radiology, oncology, and cardiology in a fast-growing, high-energy hospital environment.


Why This Role Is Special

This is a true case management and clinical care role, not just a “treatment floor” position.

As part of our Surgery Service Inpatient Team, you’ll help guide complex cases from admission through recovery and discharge.

You’ll work directly with board-certified surgeons, anesthesia professionals, and specialty teams to coordinate diagnostics, monitor post-operative patients, manage complications, and serve as a clinical anchor for both patients and clients during some of the most critical moments in their care.


What You’ll Do

You’ll be trusted with both patient care and case coordination, playing a central role in outcomes and client experience.

Core Responsibilities:

  • Lead daily surgery-service flow: patient prep, anesthetic monitoring, scrub-in, recovery, and post-op care.
  • Imaging & Scrub-Tech Duties: assist with radiographs, CT, fluoroscopy, and sterile instrument management.
  • Generate and review surgical estimates, SOPs; communicate clearly with clients and referring veterinarians.
  • Schedule procedures, diagnostics, and follow-ups; maintain accurate records and prescription refills.
  • Mentor and cross-train Doctor’s Assistants and support staff; foster a positive, collaborative culture.
  • Adapt to service and hospital needs—including occasional cross-coverage for other departments.
  • Uphold a clean, safe, organized treatment environment and model our standards of patient care.
  • Cross training within the surgery department and across services is expected.
  • During slower periods within the surgery service it is expected that other services will be assisted.

Why Cerro Alto

Cerro Alto is privately owned and purpose-built to nurture staff growth. We encourage self-directed learning, inter-departmental cross-training, and open communication. A willingness to help colleagues, maintain optimism under pressure, and uphold our standard of kindness is essential.

If you’re looking for a place where you can grow, be challenged, and be part of a genuinely supportive team, we’d love to connect.


Shift Differentials

We recognize the value of overnight and weekend coverage and offer additional compensation for eligible hours worked:

  • Overnight Differential: +$3.00/hour for hours worked between 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM
  • Weekend Differential: +$3.00/hour for hours worked between Friday at 8:00 PM and Monday at 6:00 AM

These differentials are separate and cumulative. Team members working eligible overnight hours during the weekend differential period may earn both differentials, providing the opportunity to earn up to an additional $6.00/hour above their base rate.

Requirements:

Full-time, four 10-hour shifts per week. Your position’s duties and scheduled work hours may be adjusted from time to time based on the operational needs of Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital. This may include working hours outside of your regular schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.


We appreciate your flexibility and commitment to supporting the hospital’s success.


Cerro Alto is privately owned and purpose-built to nurture staff growth. We encourage self-directed learning, inter-departmental cross-training, and open communication. A willingness to help colleagues, maintain optimism under pressure, and uphold our standard of kindness is essential.