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)
- 3 days ago
- Scripps Ranch Veterinary Hospital
- San Diego, CA (14 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 3 days ago
We have a RARE opening for a friendly Basic Veterinary Assistant to join our fun and dedicated team....
VCA Capital Area Veterinary Emergency and Specialty (CAVES) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Overnight Veterinary Assistant to join our dynamic team....
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...
Experience & Skills Requirements: Previous veterinary technician/assistant experience is ideal Maintenance and cleaning of rooms as needed Maintenance and cleaning of office and kennels Animal restraint...
Emergency Veterinary Assistant (Overnights) - Encinitas, CA
- Encinitas, CA (22 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 20 days ago
- Encinitas, CA (22 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 20 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...
- Santee, CA (14 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 26 days ago
- Santee, CA (14 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 26 days ago
BANFIELD PET HOSPITAL VETERINARY ASSISTANT CA Effective: 9/8/2024 For those who want to put their love of pets into action, there are few jobs more rewarding than that of Veterinary Assistant....
Veterinary Assistant - Emergency Exam Room
- Chula Vista, CA (7 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 27 days ago
- Chula Vista, CA (7 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 27 days ago
Position at Thrive Pet Healthcare ER Exam Room/Veterinary Assistant The ER Exam Room/Veterinary Assistant performs a vital role in our practice, is responsible for assisting the Technicians and Client...
Travel Cardiovascular Technologist (CVT) - $2195/wk gross
- National City, CA (6 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 30+ days ago
- National City, CA (6 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 30+ days ago
Job Number Job Number 868545 Description Cardiovascular Technologist (CVT) Location: National City, CA Start Date: 02/17/2025 Shift: 4x10 Days Setting: Hospital Apply online or contact us ASAP for...
Travel Cardiovascular Technologist (CVT) - 868545
- National City, CA (6 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 30+ days ago
- National City, CA (6 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 30+ days ago
Cardiovascular Technologist (CVT) Location: National City, CA Start Date: 02/17/2025 Shift: 4x10 Days Setting: Hospital Apply online or contact us ASAP for more information on this great...
- Poway, CA (21 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 45+ days ago
- Poway, CA (21 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 45+ days ago
The Veterinary Assistant represents the mission and values to all clients....
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
- Client Education
- Nail Trimming
- Veterinary Assisting
- Small Animal Care
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Restraint
- Kennel Duties
- Surgical Preparation
- Anesthesia Monitoring
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
- Microchipping
- Patient Recovery
- Fluid Therapy
- Surgical Monitoring
- Preventive Care
- Fecal Flotation
- Kennel Cleaning
- IV Catheterization
- Dental Prophylaxis
- Filling Prescriptions
- Animal Care
- Blood Transfusion
- Central Line Placement
- Reptiles
- Blood Work
- Catheterization
- Animal Handling
- Anesthesia
- Sample Collection
- Surgical Assisting
- Medication Administration
- Learning and Development
- Surgery
- Discharge Planning
- Sterilization
- Triage
- X-Rays
- Wellness
- Patient Care
- Scheduling Appointments
- Medical Records
- Diagnostic
- Nursing
- Educating
- Health Care
- Referrals
- Networking
- Customer Relations
- High School Diploma
- Friendliness
- Mentoring
- Events
- Employee Development
- Inventory Management
- Multitasking
- Teamwork
- 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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