Veterinary Assistant Jobs in San Diego, 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 (14 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 6 days ago
- Scripps Ranch Veterinary Hospital
- San Diego, CA (14 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 6 days ago
We have a RARE opening for a friendly Basic Veterinary Assistant to join our fun and dedicated team....
Veterinary Assistant - Avian and Exotics
- La Mesa, CA (10 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 6 days ago
- La Mesa, CA (10 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 6 days ago
As a Veterinary Assistant, you will play an important role in pets lives by providing care for our patients in need....
- Chula Vista, CA (7 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 8 days ago
- Chula Vista, CA (7 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 8 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....
- Encinitas, CA (22 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 90+ days ago
- Encinitas, CA (22 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 90+ days ago
The Veterinary Assistant represents the mission and values to all clients....
- Rancho Santa Fe, CA (21 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 90+ days ago
- Rancho Santa Fe, CA (21 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 90+ days ago
Benefits VETERINARY ASSISTANT (Companion Animal Hospital) Full Time (Various days/hours, weekends and holidays as needed) Hourly Pay Range Based on Experience ($18.75 to $23.00/hour) As a Veterinary...
Vetco Veterinary Assistant - Training Provided (Driving Role)
- El Cajon, CA (18 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 21 days ago
- El Cajon, CA (18 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 21 days ago
The Veterinary Assistant will assist the Veterinarian so the services can be administered and thank the pet parent for protecting their pet!...
Emergency Veterinary Assistant (Overnights) - Encinitas, CA
- Encinitas, CA (22 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 45+ days ago
- Encinitas, CA (22 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 45+ days ago
Veterinary Assistants can additionally (where permitted by law): Administer, monitor, and maintain patients under general anesthesia with or without mechanical ventilation for patients with varied levels...
Veterinary Assistant- Emergency & Specialty Hospital
- San Diego, CA
- 90+ days ago
- San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA
Moving to San Diego, CA? Find some basic demographic data about San Diego, CA below.
Veterinary Assistant Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Salary for Veterinary Assistant Jobs in San Diego, CA
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Veterinary Assistant positions.
Highest Education Level
Veterinary Assistants in San Diego, 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
- Anesthesia Monitoring
- Client Education
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
- Laser Therapy
- Microchipping
- Surgical Monitoring
- Patient Recovery
- Fluid Therapy
- Digital Radiography
- Fecal Flotation
- ezyVet
- Kennel Cleaning
- Preventive Care
- IV Catheterization
- Exotics
- Dental Prophylaxis
- Animal Care
- Blood Transfusion
- Central Line Placement
- Reptiles
- Animal Handling
- Catheterization
- Anesthesia
- Sample Collection
- Surgical Assisting
- Medication Administration
- Surgery
- Learning and Development
- Discharge Planning
- Sterilization
- Triage
- X-Rays
- Scheduling Appointments
- Wellness
- Medical Records
- Patient Care
- Diagnostic
- Nursing
- Educating
- Health Care
- Referrals
- Networking
- Customer Relations
- High School Diploma
- Friendliness
- Mentoring
- Events
- Employee Development
- Inventory Management
- Multitasking
- Teamwork
- 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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