Job description template
Veterinary Assistant Job Description Template
A copy-ready veterinary assistant job description with responsibilities, qualifications, skills and pay guidance: customize it for your company in minutes.
Copy the template below, replace the bracketed fields and tailor duties to your workplace. For pay, national BLS data shows veterinary assistants earn a median of $38,150 ($18.34/hour); the middle 50% earn $35,660–$45,710.
Job title
Veterinary Assistant
Job summary
[Company name] is seeking a dependable veterinary assistant to join our team in [city, state]. In this role, you will restrain animals for exams and procedures, clean kennels and exam rooms and support our team’s commitment to safety, quality and service.
Responsibilities
- Restrain animals for exams and procedures
- Clean kennels and exam rooms
- Feed, water and walk animals
- Sterilize instruments
- Help with admissions and discharges
- Monitor hospitalized patients
- Assist with basic care
- Follow company policies, safety procedures and applicable regulations
Required qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Working knowledge of animal restraint and kennel sanitation
- Compassion and reliability
- [Add role-specific requirements, such as driver’s license or ability to pass a background check, if job-related]
Preferred qualifications
- NAVTA Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA)
- Fear Free certification
- Pet CPR and first aid
- Experience with leashes and muzzles
Skills
- Instrument sterilization
- Basic animal care
- Patient monitoring
- Client service
- Teamwork
- Calmness
Work environment and schedule
Assistants work in clinics, hospitals, shelters and research labs. The work is physical and messy. Shifts include weekends, evenings and holidays.
Pay and benefits
$[min]–$[max] per [hour/year], depending on experience. [List benefits: health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, training and certification support.]
Equal opportunity
[Company name] is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law, and we provide reasonable accommodations upon request.
Tips for a veterinary assistant job posting that attracts applicants
- Use the title candidates search for. “Veterinary Assistant” is the clearest; alternates include Animal Care Assistant, Kennel Technician, Lab Animal Caretaker.
- Show the pay range. Postings with pay get more qualified applicants, and a growing number of states and cities require pay ranges in job postings.
- Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves. Long requirement lists discourage qualified candidates, especially career changers.
- Describe a real day. Borrow from our day in the life of a veterinary assistant so applicants self-select accurately.
- Mention training. Highlighting structured onboarding: such as Veterinary Assistant training: widens your applicant pool.
Next steps
Screen and interview with our Veterinary Assistant hiring guide, then onboard with the 30-60-90 day plan.