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
- 7 days ago
- Scripps Ranch Veterinary Hospital
- San Diego, CA
- 7 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
- 10 days ago
- The Grand Lake Veterinary Hospital
- Oakland, CA
- 10 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 Department of Public Health (DPH), Animal Care Division is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Veterinary Assistant to join our team....
Part Time Veterinary Assistant - Fridays and Saturdays a MUST
- Antioch, CA
- 3 hours ago
- Antioch, CA
- 3 hours ago
The skills that you will be utilizing include, but are not limited to: Physical examinations and patient assessment Anesthesia monitoring Surgical preparation and assisting Dentistry Radiology Laboratory...
VCA Greenback Animal Hospital, in Fair Oaks, CA. is seeking a Full Time Skilled Veterinary Assistant with 1-3 years of experience to join our one-of-a-kind 3-doctor general practice!...
If you are a current associate, you will need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs. SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSE AND...
You will use your technical skills on a daily basis, within state practice acts and as outlined in the NAVTA guidelines for veterinary assistant skills and duties....
Job Overview Collect payment, dispense and label medication, and review discharge paperwork with pet parents Safely restrain / hold pets for wellness procedures including vaccines, nail trims and microchipping...
Wanted: part time veterinary assistant/receptionist to join our family atmosphere practice....
The Department of Public Health (DPH), Animal Care Division is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Veterinary Assistant to join our 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...
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...
Emergency Veterinary Assistant (Relief) - San Jose, CA
- San Jose, CA
- 4 days ago
- San Jose, CA
- 4 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...
We care deeply about the profession, and we are adding skilled Veterinary Assistants to work hand-in-hand with our Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians to deliver phenomenal care to our patients...
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
- 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
- Fluid Therapy
- Patient Recovery
- Digital Radiography
- 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
- 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
- Problem Solving
- Teamwork
- Organization
- Customer Service
- Scheduling
- Computer Skills
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
Other Career Titles
Here are some other career titles that require similar skills
Veterinary Assistant Related Career Advice Articles

Guide to Veterinary Technician Societies
A brief guide to veterinary technician societies approved by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).
Read article »
How to Become a Veterinarian
Thinking about becoming a veterinarian? This rewarding career requires a lot of hard work, learn what is required here.
Read article »
How to Break into Veterinary Telehealth
Considering exploring a career in veterinary telemedicine? Here's what you need to know.
Read article »