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How to Become a Veterinary Assistant
Quick answer: how to become a Veterinary assistant
Complete a veterinary assistant training program (6-12 months for certificate), earn voluntary certification (AVA through NAVTA), and apply for positions in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, or shelters. Most veterinary assistants can start working within 6-12 months of beginning their training, with some entry-level positions offering on-the-job training.
What does a Veterinary assistant do?
Veterinary assistants provide hands-on support to veterinarians and veterinary technicians in animal healthcare settings. They handle basic patient care, assist with procedures, and help keep veterinary facilities running smoothly. Unlike veterinary technicians, assistants typically don’t perform diagnostic tests or administer medications without direct supervision.
Primary Responsibilities
Patient Care:
- Feed, water, and exercise animals in the facility
- Bathe and groom animals as needed
- Walk dogs and clean up after animals
- Comfort and calm nervous or frightened animals
- Restrain animals during examinations and procedures
- Monitor animals recovering from procedures
Clinical Support:
- Prepare examination rooms for appointments
- Hold and position animals during exams
- Assist veterinarians during minor procedures
- Clean and sterilize surgical instruments
- Collect and label specimens for testing
- Maintain clean, organized treatment areas
Facility Maintenance:
- Clean and disinfect cages, kennels, and runs
- Launder bedding and towels
- Maintain inventory of supplies
- Dispose of waste properly
- Keep facility clean and sanitary
- Stock examination rooms
Administrative Duties:
- Greet clients and check in patients
- Answer phones and schedule appointments
- Update patient records
- Process payments and handle billing
- Communicate with pet owners about care instructions
- Maintain patient files and documentation
Work Environment
Veterinary assistants work in various settings:
- Private veterinary clinics and practices
- Animal hospitals (general and emergency)
- Animal shelters and humane societies
- Animal rescue organizations
- Boarding kennels and pet resorts
- Zoos and wildlife facilities
- Research laboratories
Certification types for Veterinary assistants
While certification is voluntary, it demonstrates competence and can improve job prospects.
Approved Veterinary assistant (AVA)
Issuing Organization: NAVTA (National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America)
Requirements:
- Complete a NAVTA-approved training program
- Programs must include specified hours of instruction
- Clinical experience component required
Program Levels:
- AVA Level I: Basic veterinary assistant skills
- AVA Level II: Advanced clinical skills
- AVA Level III: Specialty skills
Benefits:
- National recognition
- Demonstrates commitment to profession
- May qualify for higher pay
State Veterinary assistant certifications
Some states offer their own certifications:
California Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) Assistant:
- State-specific training requirements
- Overseen by Veterinary Medical Board
Other State Programs:
- Requirements vary by state
- Some require specific training hours
- Check with state veterinary board
Additional Credentials
| Certification | Focus | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| Fear Free Certified | Low-stress animal handling | Fear Free |
| Pet First Aid | Emergency care | American Red Cross |
| Animal CPR | Resuscitation techniques | Various providers |
Step-by-step path to becoming a Veterinary assistant
Step 1: meet basic requirements
Education: High school diploma or GED required
Recommended Preparation:
- Biology and science courses
- Animal science or agriculture classes
- Computer skills
- Communication courses
Personal Qualities:
- Love of animals
- Patience and compassion
- Physical stamina
- Ability to handle emotional situations
- Strong communication skills
- Attention to detail
Step 2: complete training
Certificate Programs (6-12 months)
- Focused veterinary assistant training
- Classroom and hands-on instruction
- Often includes externship
- Fastest path to employment
Associate Degree (2 years)
- More comprehensive education
- Additional general education courses
- Better foundation for advancement
- May qualify for vet tech programs later
On-the-Job Training
- Some employers train new hires
- Learn while earning
- Common for entry-level positions
- May take longer than formal programs
Core Curriculum:
- Animal anatomy and physiology
- Veterinary medical terminology
- Animal handling and restraint
- Basic animal nutrition
- Sanitation and infection control
- Office procedures and recordkeeping
- Client communication
- First aid for animals
Step 3: gain hands-on experience
Build experience through:
- Externships during training programs
- Volunteer work at shelters
- Pet sitting or dog walking
- Working at boarding facilities
- Entry-level kennel positions
Step 4: obtain certification (optional but recommended)
- Complete a NAVTA-approved training program
- Apply for AVA certification
- Receive credential upon program completion
- Maintain certification through continuing education
Step 5: begin your career
Entry-Level Positions:
- Veterinary assistant
- Kennel assistant
- Animal caretaker
- Veterinary receptionist
- Shelter assistant
Common First Employers:
- Small animal veterinary clinics
- Animal hospitals
- Humane societies and shelters
- Pet boarding facilities
- Veterinary specialty practices
Training programs and education options
Program types comparison
| Program Type | Duration | Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Certificate | 4-6 months | $1,500-$3,500 | Quick entry |
| Extended Certificate | 6-12 months | $3,000-$6,000 | Comprehensive preparation |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | $8,000-$18,000 | Career advancement |
| On-the-Job Training | Varies | Free (with employment) | Career changers |
What to look for in a program
NAVTA Approval: Programs approved for AVA certification
Hands-On Training: Live animal handling experience
Externship: Clinical experience at veterinary facilities
Job Placement: Career services and employer connections
Flexibility: Online options for working students
Online vs. in-person training
Online Programs:
- Flexible scheduling
- Learn from home
- Must supplement with hands-on practice
- Good for theory and terminology
In-Person Programs:
- Direct animal handling experience
- Immediate feedback from instructors
- Better skill development
- Preferred by many employers
Cost breakdown: Veterinary assistant training
Tuition and Fees
| Program Type | Tuition Range | Additional Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | $1,500-$6,000 | $100-$300 |
| Community College | $3,000-$8,000 | $200-$400 |
| Associate Degree | $8,000-$18,000 | $300-$600 |
Additional Expenses
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Scrubs/uniform | $50-$100 |
| Textbooks | $100-$300 |
| Stethoscope | $25-$75 |
| Pet first aid kit | $30-$60 |
| Background check | $30-$50 |
| Vaccinations (rabies pre-exposure) | $300-$500 (optional) |
Financial aid options
- Workforce Development: WIOA funding for career training
- Payment Plans: Many schools offer installment options
- Veterans Benefits: GI Bill covers approved programs
- Employer Sponsorship: Some veterinary practices pay for training
- Scholarships: Animal care organizations offer scholarships
Veterinary assistant salary and job outlook
National salary data
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Typical Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0-1 year) | $26,000-$31,000 |
| Early Career (1-3 years) | $31,000-$36,000 |
| Mid-Career (4-7 years) | $36,000-$42,000 |
| Experienced (8+ years) | $42,000-$50,000 |
Salary by Work Setting
| Setting | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Specialty Animal Hospitals | $38,000-$45,000 |
| Research Laboratories | $36,000-$44,000 |
| Government Facilities | $35,000-$42,000 |
| Private Veterinary Clinics | $32,000-$38,000 |
| Animal Shelters | $30,000-$36,000 |
Job Outlook
- Current Employment: 107,700 veterinary assistants nationwide
- Projected Growth (2022-2032): 20% (much faster than average)
- Annual Job Openings: 24,200 positions
- Growth Factors: Increased pet ownership, expanded veterinary services, aging pet population
Salary by State
Career advancement opportunities
Specialization Options
Clinical Focuses:
- Emergency and critical care
- Dental care
- Surgical assistance
- Exotic animal care
- Large animal (equine, farm)
Advanced Roles:
- Lead veterinary assistant
- Kennel manager
- Veterinary receptionist supervisor
- Client service coordinator
- Inventory manager
Educational Advancement
| Path | Requirements | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Technician | Associate degree + VTNE | Licensed/Registered Vet Tech |
| Veterinary Technologist | Bachelor’s degree + VTNE | Advanced clinical roles |
| Veterinary Technician Specialist | Experience + specialty exam | VTS credential |
Career Paths
| Role | Additional Requirements | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Technician | Associate degree + license | $41,000-$55,000 |
| Kennel Manager | Experience + management skills | $35,000-$45,000 |
| Veterinary Practice Manager | Experience + business training | $45,000-$65,000 |
| Animal Control Officer | Training + certification | $38,000-$52,000 |
Related career transitions
- Veterinary Technician: Most common advancement path
- Animal Control Officer: Enforcement and rescue roles
- Pet Groomer: Animal care without medical focus
- Veterinary Receptionist: Administrative focus
Pros and challenges of this career
Benefits
- Work directly with animals every day
- Exceptional job growth (20% - much faster than average)
- Short training timeline (6-12 months)
- Multiple workplace options
- Stepping stone to veterinary technician career
- Rewarding work helping animals
- Diverse daily tasks
- Strong demand across all regions
Challenges
- Entry-level pay is modest ($34,440 median)
- Physically demanding work (lifting, standing)
- Emotional challenges with sick or injured animals
- Risk of bites, scratches, and allergies
- Some weekend and evening shifts
- Exposure to animal waste and cleaning chemicals
- Dealing with grieving pet owners
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a veterinary assistant?
Certificate programs take 6-12 months, while associate degrees take 2 years. Some employers hire entry-level workers and provide on-the-job training, allowing you to start working immediately while learning.
How much does veterinary assistant training cost?
Certificate programs typically cost $1,500-$6,000. Associate degree programs range from $8,000-$18,000. Some employers offer free training for new hires who commit to working for them.
Is veterinary assistant a good career choice?
Veterinary assistant offers exceptional job growth (20% - much faster than average) with 24,200 annual openings. While entry-level pay is modest ($34,440 median), it provides a direct path into animal healthcare with opportunities to advance to veterinary technician.
Do veterinary assistants need to be certified?
Certification is voluntary but recommended. The AVA (Approved Veterinary Assistant) credential from NAVTA demonstrates competence and may lead to higher pay. Some employers prefer or require certification.
What is the difference between a veterinary assistant and veterinary technician?
Veterinary technicians have more education (associate degree), pass a national licensing exam (VTNE), and perform clinical tasks like drawing blood, administering medications, and taking X-rays. Veterinary assistants provide support services and basic patient care under supervision.
Can veterinary assistants give shots or medications?
This varies by state and employer. Generally, veterinary assistants can assist with medication administration but cannot independently give injections or prescribe treatments. Veterinary technicians have broader scope of practice.
Where do veterinary assistants work?
Veterinary assistants work in private clinics, animal hospitals, shelters, boarding facilities, zoos, research laboratories, and specialty practices. Private veterinary clinics employ the largest number.
How much do veterinary assistants make per hour?
Based on national averages, veterinary assistants earn approximately $16-$18 per hour at the median level. Entry-level positions start around $12-$15 per hour, while experienced assistants in specialty practices can earn $20-$24 per hour.
Is veterinary assistant work emotionally difficult?
Yes, working with sick, injured, and dying animals can be emotionally challenging. You’ll need to help pet owners through difficult decisions and cope with animal deaths. Many find the rewarding aspects outweigh these challenges.
Can I become a veterinary assistant with no experience?
Yes, many training programs accept students with no prior animal care experience. Volunteer work at shelters, pet sitting, or pet ownership helps but is not required.
What is the job outlook for veterinary assistants?
The BLS projects 20% growth for veterinary assistants through 2032, with 24,200 annual job openings. This is much faster than average for all occupations, driven by increasing pet ownership and veterinary service demand.
How do I become a veterinary technician after working as an assistant?
Complete an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology associate degree program (2 years), then pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). Your experience as an assistant provides valuable background for the program.
How to get started today
Ready to begin your veterinary assistant career? Follow these steps:
- Research Programs: Use the search tool below to find veterinary assistant training programs in your area
- Check NAVTA Approval: Ensure programs are approved for AVA certification
- Explore Hands-On Options: Prioritize programs with externship components
- Plan for Certification: Consider pursuing AVA credentials
- Apply and Enroll: Start your training program
Additional Resources
Certification Organizations
- NAVTA: navta.net – AVA certification and veterinary assistant resources
- AAVSB: aavsb.org – Veterinary regulatory information
Professional Organizations
- National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA): Professional development and advocacy
- Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA): Career advancement resources
Educational Resources
- AVMA: avma.org – Career information and program listings
- Fear Free: fearfreepets.com – Low-stress handling certification
Career Development
- Continuing Education: Many online CE courses available
- Specialty Training: Fear Free, dental, surgical assisting
- Advancement Path: Veterinary technician degree programs