Entry Level Veterinary Assistant Jobs
New grad veterinary assistant jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where hands-on internship work or a strong clinical portfolio can matter more than a lengthy resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Animal Care & Pet Services, Education, and Consumer Goods, with employers like Vetcor, Carevet, and VCA Animal Hospitals hiring at this level now.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 14+ Entry Level Veterinary Assistant jobs








Job Summary
Join our dynamic veterinary team as a Veterinary Assistant and Technician, where your passion for animal care and hands-on skills will make a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and their owners. This paid position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced, compassionate environment, supporting veterinary professionals with a wide range of clinical and administrative duties. Your energy, attention to detail, and love for animals will help ensure exceptional care and smooth clinic operations every day.
Duties
- Assist veterinarians during examinations, surgeries, and procedures by preparing animals, handling restraint, and providing necessary support.
- Perform animal husbandry tasks including feeding, bathing, cleaning enclosures, and maintaining a clean and safe clinic environment.
- Handle animal restraint and behavior management to ensure safety for both animals and staff during treatments.
- Administer medications, IV insertions, catheterizations, and injections following veterinary protocols while maintaining strict record keeping.
- Support client communication by explaining procedures, answering questions, and providing pet care advice with professionalism and empathy.
- Maintain accurate records of treatments, medications administered, and patient histories in compliance with clinic policies.
- Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during all procedures to uphold safety standards for staff and animals.
Requirements
- Prior kennel experience or animal handling experience with dogs, cats, or equine is highly desirable.
- Experience working as a veterinary technician or in a veterinary clinic setting is preferred.
- Knowledge of veterinary terminology, animal anatomy, physiology, and animal behavior is essential.
- Ability to perform animal restraint effectively while demonstrating compassion and patience.
- Skilled in medication administration, IV insertion, catheterization, and record keeping related to veterinary care.
- Strong communication skills for client interaction and team collaboration.
- Capable of performing cleaning duties to maintain hygiene standards within the clinic environment.
- Familiarity with front desk operations such as appointment scheduling or client check-in is a plus.
Join us to be part of a dedicated team committed to animal welfare! This paid role offers valuable hands-on experience in veterinary medicine while supporting the health and happiness of animals across various species. We value energetic individuals eager to grow their skills in a supportive setting that prioritizes compassionate care and professional development.
Pay: $24.00 - $35.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid parental leave
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Uniform allowance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
See All 14 Entry Level Veterinary Assistant Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsEntry Level Veterinary Assistant Job Market
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Animal Care & Pet Services
- Education
- Consumer Goods
- Food & Beverage
- Healthcare & Medical Services
Entry Level Veterinary Assistant Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level veterinary assistant job?
Start by highlighting any hands-on animal experience you have, whether from a veterinary internship, volunteer work at a shelter, or a veterinary assistant program. Entry level employers at this stage look for candidates who are comfortable restraining animals, assisting with basic procedures, and following clinic protocols. Earning a certificate from the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America can also strengthen an application from a new candidate.
Which companies hire entry level veterinary assistants?
Companies hiring entry level veterinary assistants right now include Vetcor, Carevet, and VCA Animal Hospitals, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. At this level, hiring comes from a mix of independent veterinary practices, emergency animal hospitals, and large multi-location veterinary chains that often build their teams by bringing on entry level candidates and training them on the job.
Are there remote entry level veterinary assistant jobs?
Yes, though most veterinary assistant work is hands-on and requires being present with patients. About 0% of entry level veterinary assistant openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to involve client communication, appointment scheduling, or telehealth support roles rather than direct animal care.
Are these new grad veterinary assistant jobs?
Yes, these include new grad, recent graduate, and junior veterinary assistant roles. A posting is new-grad friendly when it welcomes zero to two years of experience, accepts internship hours or volunteer work in lieu of paid employment, or values a portfolio of clinical training over a long work history. Listings that mention on-the-job training or mentorship are also strong signals for entry level candidates.
Which industries hire the most entry level veterinary assistants?
Entry Level veterinary assistant roles concentrate in Animal Care & Pet Services, Education, and Consumer Goods, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because they maintain high patient volume and ongoing staffing needs, making them well-suited to bringing on new grad candidates and developing their clinical skills through structured in-clinic experience.