Veterinary Assistant Jobs in California
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
- 3 days ago
- Scripps Ranch Veterinary Hospital
- San Diego, CA
- 3 days ago
We have a RARE opening for a friendly Basic Veterinary Assistant to join our fun and dedicated team....
We are seeking a full-time veterinary assistant to join our compassionate and dedicated crew. Prior veterinary experience is preferred, however other relevant work experience may be considered....

- The Grand Lake Veterinary Hospital
- Oakland, CA
- 6 days ago
- The Grand Lake Veterinary Hospital
- Oakland, CA
- 6 days ago
JOB DESCRIPTION Veterinary Assistant REPORTS TO: Lead Veterinary Assistant, Head RVT, Team Development Manager, Assistant Manager, Hospital Administrator, or Owner(s) POSITION OVERVIEW The Veterinary...
The veterinary assistant is the entire team's primary support. Every department relies on their significant role in aiding with a variety of services to provide excellent client and patient care....
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...
VCA Bay Area Veterinary Specialist is seeking a Veterinary Assistant for an Emergency (ER) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) position. JOIN OUR FAMILY!...
VCA Cottage located in Walnut Creek near Rossmoor and down town Walnut Creek We are seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our team....
We are seeking an experienced Part Time Veterinary Assistant to join our team....
Veterinary Assistant - Emergency Day Shift Long Beach, CA More than a word, care is present in everything you do....
Veterinary Assistant - Emergency Relief Long Beach, CA More than a word, care is present in everything you do....
About the role: A Surgical Veterinary Assistant will assist in providing exceptional care for our surgical patients....
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...
VCA Capital Area Veterinary Emergency and Specialty (CAVES) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Overnight Veterinary Assistant to join our dynamic team....
Position Overview: The veterinary assistant provides support to the veterinarians and technicians in their daily tasks by cleaning and maintaining equipment, feeding, exercising and grooming patients...
Utilize technical skills to the fullest, within state practice acts and as outlined in the NAVTA guidelines for veterinary assistant skills and duties....
Demographic Data for California
Moving to California? Find some basic demographic data about California below.
Veterinary Assistant Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Salary for Veterinary Assistant Jobs in California
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Veterinary Assistant positions.
Highest Education Level
Veterinary Assistants in California 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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