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Veterinary Surgical Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Surgery Assistant

Roanoke, VA ยท On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Paid time off Veterinary Surgery Assistant We're growing and increasing the number of daily ... Surgical lights * Wash and put away dishes and equipment throughout the day. * Help maintain an ...

Veterinary Technician

Lewisville, TX ยท On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Monitoring pets while on the recovery floor after surgery. * Assist with any and all vaccine ... Veterinary technician experience in a high volume spay/neuter clinic preferred. * Strong ...

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Veterinary Surgical Assistant information

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$10

$17

$23

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.

$21 - $27.65/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Description


SVSS is currently looking for an experienced full-time Veterinary Technician (CVT strongly preferred) to join our growing privately owned specialty practice.


Because SVSS is a specialty animal hospital, prior work experience at a general practice or in specialty Veterinary Medicine is A MUST! PLEASE NOTE: Initial candidate communication is done through email. Candidates are asked to pay close attention to individual e-mail, spam or junk mail for communication.


About Southwest Veterinary Surgical Service:

SVSS is Arizona's premier veterinary surgical specialty practice. We function as an extension and in partnership with primary care veterinarians to provide consultation, surgical solutions and comprehensive patient care for our patients and their owners. We pride ourselves on providing an exceptional patient and client experience.


As an employer, we recognize the importance of hiring like minded individuals with a passion for what we do and how we do it. We recognize the value and diversity of our team and offer competitive wages, a robust benefit package including company subsidized medical, dental and vision insurance, generous company paid time off, paid sick leave, tuition reimbursement, funding for CE credits, CVT licensing reimbursement, a monthly topic focused learning rounds, an established career path, a retirement program with company match and SO MUCH MORE! Why settle for the rest when you can WORK FOR THE BEST!


Veterinary Technician Job Description:

Veterinary Technicians must have a broad knowledge of animal science, medicine, and husbandry, including a basic knowledge of pharmacology and sufficient mathematical skills to ensure the administration of accurate drug and fluid doses. They must be able to successfully restrain animals, complete clinical laboratory tests, use multiple radiology techniques, administer and monitor animals under anesthesia, and assist in surgery. Technicians must also deliver compassionate patient care and customer service.


At SVSS, the veterinary technicians assist with a variety of specialty surgical procedures. Daily duties include pre and post-surgical diagnostic lab tests, preparing and scrubbing surgical sites for sterile procedures, assisting the veterinarian during surgeries, handing out necessary surgical tools during procedures, bandaging wounds, changing wound dressings as needed, placing catheters, taking radiographs (x-rays) and other functions.


Veterinary Technicians may be required to travel to multiple Phoenix metro locations based on business need. SVSS is a specialty services surgical center which means there is a need to address emergency situations as they arise. Veterinary technicians and doctors are responsible for coverage of on-call shifts which are scheduled on a rotational basis. Because we understand the impact to veterinary technician life while on call, SVSS does offer additional compensation for any on-call hours worked. Any on calls shifts scheduled during the weekends and/or any holidays there would be expected 24x7 on-call availability from the Veterinary Technician.


*** This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other duties as required to meet the ongoing business needs of SVSS ***


We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Requirements

Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift or carry pets or objects weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance. Have the physical strength and ability to stand, walk, sit, kneel, stoop, repeated bending, pushing, pulling, full use of hands/fingers, reach above shoulders and perform each of these functions fully and quickly for an entire shift when needed. Must effectively be able to read, speak, and write in English. Hearing, vision and speech at a functional level are required to meet the essential functions of the job. On occasion patients may bleed, urinate, defecate, vomit, or secrete other glandular fluids on your person, shoes, or uniform.


Working/Environmental Conditions: There is exposure to barking dogs and cleaning chemicals. This is an emotional environment due to death or illness of pets. Flexible work hours and occasional travel within the Phoenix metro area is required. Veterinary Technicians must also be aware of the risks inherent in working with animals and take proper safety precautions to minimize the potential for injury from bites, scratches, or kicks.


Minimum Qualifications:

  • Minimum 1 - 3+ years' professional work experience in clinic or hospital setting as a Veterinary Technician or Technician Assistant with surgical experience will be considered
  • CVT strongly preferred but not required
  • Demonstrated knowledge of and skill in adaptability, change management, decision making, customer service, interpersonal relations, oral communication, problem solving, systems thinking, teamwork, initiative, and detail-oriented
  • Proficiency with computers with Cornerstone and White Board knowledge a PLUS
  • Know and use basic medical abbreviations and medical terminology
  • Proper restraint of animals
  • Anesthesia monitoring
  • General animal anatomy
  • Pain Management with animals
  • OR etiquette
  • Aseptic technique
  • Prior experience with the full functionality of Cornerstone preferred
  • Strong Interpersonal and Communication Skills
  • Exceptional Customer Service Skills
  • Availability to be on-call, work over nights, or weekends
  • Availability to travel based on business need (in-state)
  • Ability to deescalate tense situations and resolve conflict