Veterinary Assistant

Your Fit

Income

$37K

Preparation

Some

Growth

20.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Veterinary Assistant?

A Veterinary Assistant provides care for animals under the supervision of a veterinarian or veterinary technician. They perform various tasks to support animal healthcare, including routine animal care, assisting with procedures, and maintaining clinic cleanliness.

Sample job titles:

Animal Care Provider, Animal Caregiver, Certified Veterinary Assistant, Veterinarian Assistant (Vet Assistant)

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Veterinary Assistant.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Veterinary Assistant earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$29K per year	$34K per year	$37K per year	$45K per year	$48K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $12K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Veterinary Assistant do?

Work environment

Veterinary Assistants typically work in animal clinics and hospitals, zoos, animal shelters, and laboratories. The job can be physically demanding and sometimes emotionally challenging, often involving irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays to accommodate emergency situations.

Quick task list

Feeds, bathes, and exercises animals.
Cleans and disinfects cages, kennels, and examination and operation rooms.
Restrains animals during examinations and procedures.
Provides basic care, such as administering medication as directed.
Assists with collecting samples for laboratory tests.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Small Animal Care: Specializing in the care of common household pets, such as dogs and cats.
Large Animal Care: Working primarily with livestock or large animals, often in farm settings.
Emergency and Critical Care: Assisting in urgent care situations, requiring quick thinking and stress management.
Laboratory Animal Care: Focusing on animals used in research settings, requiring knowledge of laboratory procedures.
Exotic Animal Care: Specializing in non-traditional pets like reptiles, birds, or exotic mammals.

Description

Veterinary Assistants play a crucial role in animal healthcare teams. They provide essential support to veterinarians and veterinary technicians, ensuring that animals receive the best possible care. The role requires a strong love for animals, patience, and the ability to handle pets of various sizes and temperaments. Veterinary Assistants must be able to follow instructions accurately and be comfortable performing a range of tasks, from administrative duties to basic medical care.

This occupation is ideal for individuals who are passionate about animal welfare and are looking for an entry-level position in the veterinary field. While the job can be physically and emotionally demanding, it offers the rewarding experience of working closely with animals and contributing to their health and well-being. Assistants also get the opportunity to interact with pet owners, providing information and support on animal care.

The demand for Veterinary Assistants is expected to grow, reflecting the increasing need for animal healthcare services. This role can serve as a stepping stone for those interested in advancing their career in veterinary medicine, potentially leading to roles such as a veterinary technician or technologist with further education and training.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Directly contributing to the health and welfare of animals.
Working in a team-oriented environment with other animal care professionals.
Varied daily tasks and interactions with different types of animals.

You might make a good Veterinary Assistant if you are...

Passionate about animal care and welfare.
Able to handle physically demanding tasks.
Comfortable with various medical procedures and handling different animal species.
Organized and able to follow detailed instructions.
Interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine or animal care.

Pros:

Rewarding work in caring for and helping animals.
Opportunities for on-the-job training and career advancement.
Diverse work environment with a variety of tasks.

Cons:

Physically demanding and potentially stressful.
Exposure to sick or aggressive animals.
Often requires working outside of standard business hours.

How to become a Veterinary Assistant

Typical education

Most Veterinary Assistants have a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training. Some choose to complete a certificate program, which can take several months to a year.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and life sciences to understand animal anatomy and physiology.
Health or veterinary science classes, if available.
Physical education for physical stamina.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering at animal shelters, zoos, or veterinary clinics.
Joining animal welfare or 4-H clubs.
Participating in relevant internships or job shadowing opportunities.

Preparation after high school

Consider completing a veterinary assistant certificate program.
Gain experience through internships or entry-level positions in veterinary settings.
Pursue additional certifications like the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) designation offered by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).

More resources

National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) - Provides resources and certification information for veterinary assistants.
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) - Offers a wealth of information on veterinary careers and education.
Veterinary Career Network
A platform for job listings and career resources in the veterinary field.
VetMedTeam - Offers online courses and resources for veterinary support staff, including assistants.
Occupational Information Network (O*NET Online) - Detailed information about the role of veterinary assistants, including skills and education requirements.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.