Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Palo Alto, CA
A Veterinary Assistant plays an integral role in the veterinary industry by providing essential support to Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians. They are responsible for a wide range of tasks including maintaining medical records, cleaning and sanitizing animal cages, providing post-operative care, preparing samples for laboratory examinations, feeding and bathing animals, and assisting during patient examinations. Veterinarian Assistants often communicate with pet owners, so strong interpersonal and communication skills are paramount. Knowledge of animal behavior and medical terminology is also vital.
Before becoming a Veterinary Assistant, a person could have roles such as an Animal Caretaker, Pet Groomer, or Kennel Attendant. These roles provide valuable experience in handling and caring for animals. It's not mandatory, but advantageous to have a certificate or diploma in Veterinary Assistance. These programs usually cover anatomy, animal behavior, and veterinary office practices, and are typically completed in a year or less. A certification like the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) designation is recognized by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), and can enhance employment prospects.

- Tama Veterinary Hospital
- Milpitas, CA (18 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 5 days ago
- Tama Veterinary Hospital
- Milpitas, CA (18 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 5 days ago
We are looking to add a full-time Veterinary Assistant/Technician to our team. All positions are required to be available weekends and holidays as we are open every day of the year!...
Experienced Full Time Veterinary Assistant VCA Almaden Valley
- San Jose, CA (15 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 5 days ago
- San Jose, CA (15 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 5 days ago
VCA Almaden Valley Animal hospital is seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our team....
- Redwood City, CA (5 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 5 days ago
- Redwood City, CA (5 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 5 days ago
Pets In Need is looking for a skilled and compassionate Veterinary Assistant to join our team....
- Hillsborough, CA (14 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 6 days ago
- Hillsborough, CA (14 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 6 days ago
Responsible for surgical preparation of patients including, sterilization, and administration of pre-surgical injections. Perform admitting and discharge duties for public and shelter animals....
Veterinary Assistant For Weekend Wellness Clinic in Campbell, CA
- Campbell, CA (15 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 9 days ago
- Campbell, CA (15 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 9 days ago
BoosterPet Assistants Wanted BoosterPet is looking for passionate and experienced Veterinary Assistants to share our vision of providing healthy work spaces....
Sign-on Bonus Available At Modern Animal, we know vet med is more than a job-it's a calling. You're not just caring for pets; you're holding space for families, supporting your team, and showing...
VCA Palo Alto Animal Hospital** Location: 3944 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306 We are seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our team....
Experienced Veterinary Assistant
- Oakland, CA (23 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 28 days ago
- Oakland, CA (23 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 28 days ago
Location: 4501 Shattuck Ave., Oakland, CA 94609 Website: VCA Bay Area Animal Hospital is seeking a full-time Experienced Veterinary Assistants to join the team at AAHA 7-Doctor GP and exotics practice...
- San Jose, CA (15 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 29 days ago
- San Jose, CA (15 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 29 days ago
The Veterinary Assistant represents the mission and values to all clients....
- San Leandro, CA (18 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 30+ days ago
- San Leandro, CA (18 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 30+ days ago
Veterinary Assistant Live and exemplify the Five Principles of Mars, Inc. within self and team....
Animal Care Asst II (Saturday - Wednesday)
- Stanford, CA (1 mile from Palo Alto, CA)
- 45+ days ago
- Stanford, CA (1 mile from Palo Alto, CA)
- 45+ days ago
addition to the qualifications described for the Animal Care Assistant I level the Animal Care Assistant IIs should have: Familiarity with NIH guidelines, Stanford animal care and use policies, and...
- Pacifica, CA (21 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 60+ days ago
- Pacifica, CA (21 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 60+ days ago
Veterinary Assistant Careers at Banfield Pet Hospital For those who want to put their love of pets into action, there are few jobs more rewarding than that of Vet Assistant....
- San Jose, CA (15 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 60+ days ago
- San Jose, CA (15 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 60+ days ago
Position Overview: The veterinary assistant provides support to the veterinarians and technicians in their daily tasks by cleaning and maintaining equipment, feeding, exercising and grooming patients...
- Dublin, CA (22 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 90+ days ago
- Dublin, CA (22 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 90+ days ago
Preferred Education/Licenses: Certificate of completion from a NAVTA-approved veterinary assistant program or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required...
Veterinary Assistant - ER/ICU Swing Shift
- San Leandro, CA (18 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 90+ days ago
- San Leandro, CA (18 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 90+ days ago
VCA Bay Area Veterinary Specialist is seeking a Veterinary Assistant for an Emergency (ER) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Swing Shift position. JOIN OUR FAMILY!...
Demographic Data for Palo Alto, CA
Moving to Palo Alto, CA? Find some basic demographic data about Palo Alto, CA below.
Veterinary Assistant Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Salary for Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Palo Alto, CA
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Veterinary Assistant positions.
Highest Education Level
Veterinary Assistants in Palo Alto, CA offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Veterinary Assistant position
- Surgical Preparation
- Veterinary Assisting
- Kennel Duties
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Restraint
- Patient Recovery
- Small Animal Care
- Client Education
- Anesthesia Monitoring
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
- Surgical Monitoring
- Exotics
- Fluid Therapy
- AVImark
- Digital Radiography
- Cystocentesis
- Preventive Care
- Fecal Flotation
- Blood Transfusion
- Kennel Cleaning
- Animal Care
- Laser Therapy
- IV Catheterization
- Reptiles
- Dental Prophylaxis
- Central Line Placement
- Anesthesia
- Animal Handling
- Catheterization
- Blood Work
- Sample Collection
- Surgical Assisting
- Medication Administration
- Learning and Development
- Surgery
- Discharge Planning
- X-Rays
- Patient Care
- Scheduling Appointments
- Diagnostic
- Medical Records
- Wellness
- Educating
- Nursing
- Health Care
- Referrals
- Friendliness
- Prioritizing
- Customer Relations
- High School Diploma
- Events
- Employee Development
- Mentoring
- Collaboration
- Inventory Management
- Multitasking
- Teamwork
- Organization
- Customer Service
- Scheduling
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
Other Career Titles
Here are some other career titles that require similar skills
Veterinary Assistant Related Career Advice Articles

Guide to Veterinary Technician Societies
A brief guide to veterinary technician societies approved by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).
Read article »
How to Become a Veterinarian
Thinking about becoming a veterinarian? This rewarding career requires a lot of hard work, learn what is required here.
Read article »
How to Break into Veterinary Telehealth
Considering exploring a career in veterinary telemedicine? Here's what you need to know.
Read article »