Veterinary Assistant Jobs in La Mesa, CA
A Veterinary Assistant plays an integral role in the veterinary industry by providing essential support to Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians. They are responsible for a wide range of tasks including maintaining medical records, cleaning and sanitizing animal cages, providing post-operative care, preparing samples for laboratory examinations, feeding and bathing animals, and assisting during patient examinations. Veterinarian Assistants often communicate with pet owners, so strong interpersonal and communication skills are paramount. Knowledge of animal behavior and medical terminology is also vital.
Before becoming a Veterinary Assistant, a person could have roles such as an Animal Caretaker, Pet Groomer, or Kennel Attendant. These roles provide valuable experience in handling and caring for animals. It's not mandatory, but advantageous to have a certificate or diploma in Veterinary Assistance. These programs usually cover anatomy, animal behavior, and veterinary office practices, and are typically completed in a year or less. A certification like the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) designation is recognized by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), and can enhance employment prospects.

Basic Veterinary Assistant / Kennel Assistant
- Scripps Ranch Veterinary Hospital
- San Diego, CA (11 miles from La Mesa, CA)
- 10 days ago
- Scripps Ranch Veterinary Hospital
- San Diego, CA (11 miles from La Mesa, CA)
- 10 days ago
We have a RARE opening for a friendly Basic Veterinary Assistant to join our fun and dedicated team....
Summer Experience Veterinary Assistant
- San Diego, CA (10 miles from La Mesa, CA)
- 1 day ago
- San Diego, CA (10 miles from La Mesa, CA)
- 1 day ago
Duties will include: Assist with physical examination and patient assessments Venipuncture and catheter placement Surgical preparation and anesthesia monitoring Laboratory work and prescription refills...
- San Diego, CA (10 miles from La Mesa, CA)
- 2 days ago
- San Diego, CA (10 miles from La Mesa, CA)
- 2 days ago
We are seeking a veterinary assistant to join our team at Shelter Island Veterinary Hospital! The right candidate must be friendly, outgoing and people oriented....
- San Diego, CA (10 miles from La Mesa, CA)
- 2 days ago
- San Diego, CA (10 miles from La Mesa, CA)
- 2 days ago
Description SAIC is looking for a Marine Mammal Assistant for our San Diego, CA location. In this role, the successful candidate will be required to perform preparation of rations, cleaning of...
As a Veterinary Assistant, you will play an important role in pets lives by providing care for our patients in need....
- Chula Vista, CA (9 miles from La Mesa, CA)
- 13 days ago
- Chula Vista, CA (9 miles from La Mesa, CA)
- 13 days ago
Utilize technical skills to the fullest, within state practice acts and as outlined in the NAVTA guidelines for veterinary assistant skills and duties....
Vetco Veterinary Assistant - Training Provided (Driving Role)
- El Cajon, CA (7 miles from La Mesa, CA)
- 25 days ago
- El Cajon, CA (7 miles from La Mesa, CA)
- 25 days ago
The Veterinary Assistant will assist the Veterinarian so the services can be administered and thank the pet parent for protecting their pet!...
- Ramona, CA (22 miles from La Mesa, CA)
- 30+ days ago
- Ramona, CA (22 miles from La Mesa, CA)
- 30+ days ago
Veterinary Assistant Wanted VCA Adobe Animal Hospital is looking for a dedicated individual that has an upbeat friendly attitude, is able to handle multiple tasks at a time, and has outstanding technical...
Veterinary Assistant- Emergency & Specialty Hospital
- San Diego, CA (10 miles from La Mesa, CA)
- 90+ days ago
- San Diego, CA (10 miles from La Mesa, CA)
- 90+ days ago
VCA Animal Specialty Group located at 5610 Kearny Mesa Road, in beautiful San Diego is seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistants to join our team of emergency & specialty technicians....
Demographic Data for La Mesa, CA
Moving to La Mesa, CA? Find some basic demographic data about La Mesa, CA below.
Veterinary Assistant Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Salary for Veterinary Assistant Jobs in La Mesa, CA
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Veterinary Assistant positions.
Highest Education Level
Veterinary Assistants in La Mesa, CA offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Veterinary Assistant position
- Surgical Preparation
- Veterinary Assisting
- Small Animal Care
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Restraint
- Kennel Duties
- Client Education
- Anesthesia Monitoring
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
- Laser Therapy
- Microchipping
- Surgical Monitoring
- Fluid Therapy
- Patient Recovery
- Digital Radiography
- AVImark
- Fecal Flotation
- ezyVet
- Kennel Cleaning
- Preventive Care
- IV Catheterization
- Exotics
- Dental Prophylaxis
- Animal Care
- Drug Calculations
- Blood Transfusion
- Central Line Placement
- Reptiles
- Animal Handling
- Catheterization
- Anesthesia
- Sample Collection
- Surgical Assisting
- Medication Administration
- Surgery
- Learning and Development
- Discharge Planning
- Triage
- X-Rays
- Wellness
- Medical Records
- Patient Care
- Scheduling Appointments
- Diagnostic
- Nursing
- Educating
- Health Care
- Referrals
- Networking
- Customer Relations
- High School Diploma
- Friendliness
- Mentoring
- Events
- Employee Development
- Inventory Management
- Multitasking
- Problem Solving
- Organization
- Customer Service
- Scheduling
- Computer Skills
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
Other Career Titles
Here are some other career titles that require similar skills
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