All Careers › Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary assistants care for animals and support vets and vet techs at clinics and shelters. If you love animals, it's an accessible first job with a clear path toward becoming a vet tech.

Median Salary
$38,150/yr
Typical Range
$30,120 – $49,150
Job Outlook
Faster than average

What does a Veterinary Assistant do?

  • Feed, bathe, and comfort animals
  • Hold and calm pets during exams
  • Clean cages, kennels, and exam rooms
  • Help with basic lab and front-desk tasks

Education & training

High school diploma; most training happens on the job

How to become a Veterinary Assistant

  1. Graduate high school
  2. Volunteer or work at a shelter or clinic to get experience
  3. Consider an Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) credential
  4. Apply at vet clinics, shelters, and animal hospitals

Skills that help

Love of animalsPatienceReliabilityPhysical stamina

Want to land a Veterinary Assistant job?

Build a résumé, cover letter, and interview prep tailored to Veterinary Assistant — free, in minutes.

Build My Free Career Kit →

National wage figures via O*NET Web Services. This application incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Figures are national estimates and vary by state, employer, and experience.

← Explore more careers