Veterinary Assistant Jobs in San Diego, 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.
Basic Veterinary Assistant / Kennel Assistant
- Scripps Ranch Veterinary Hospital
- San Diego, CA (14 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 13 days ago
- Scripps Ranch Veterinary Hospital
- San Diego, CA (14 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 13 days ago
We have a RARE opening for a friendly Basic Veterinary Assistant to join our fun and dedicated team....
As a Veterinary Assistant in Urgent Care you will be responsible for: Triaging patients Must be skilled in catheter placement and venipuncture....
- La Mesa, CA (10 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 2 days ago
- La Mesa, CA (10 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 2 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...
- Poway, CA (21 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 4 days ago
- Poway, CA (21 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 4 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....
Cardiovascular Technology (Cvt) Faculty, Tenure Track
- El Cajon, CA (18 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 9 days ago
- El Cajon, CA (18 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 9 days ago
Transforming lives through learning isn't just the vision of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District. It happens every day with our 30,000 students who take the first step in their...
Veterinary Assistant Encinitas
- Encinitas, CA (22 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 10 days ago
- Encinitas, CA (22 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 10 days ago
You will use your technical skills on a daily basis, within state practice acts and as outlined in the NAVTA guidelines for veterinary assistant skills and duties....
- La Jolla, CA (10 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 10 days ago
- La Jolla, CA (10 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 10 days ago
Responsibilities may include but are not limited to: admitting patients for procedures and exams, animal restraint, maintaining animal records and documenting conditions and updates, venipuncture including...
Emergency Veterinary Assistant (Day shift)
- Poway, CA (21 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 10 days ago
- Poway, CA (21 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 10 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...
Cardiovascular Technology (Cvt) Faculty, Tenure Track Grossmont/Cuyamaca Community College District
- El Cajon, CA (18 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 10 days ago
- El Cajon, CA (18 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 10 days ago
Cardiovascular Technology (Cvt) Faculty, Tenure Track R-02414 San Diego County - Grossmont College Transforming lives through learning isn't just the vision of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community...
Cardiovascular Technology (Cvt) Faculty, Tenure Track
- San Diego, CA
- 10 days ago
- San Diego, CA
- 10 days ago
Transforming lives through learning isnt just the vision of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District. It happens every day with our 30,000 students who take the first step in their higher...
- La Mesa, CA (10 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 12 days ago
- La Mesa, CA (10 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 12 days ago
Pet Urgent Carel is looking for a Veterinary Assistant to join us as part of the Thrive Pet Healthcare community....
Vetco Veterinary Assistant - Training Provided (Driving Role)
- El Cajon, CA (18 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 18 days ago
- El Cajon, CA (18 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 18 days ago
The Veterinary Assistant will assist the Veterinarian so the services can be administered and thank the pet parent for protecting their pet!...
Emergency Veterinary Assistant (Relief) - Otay Ranch, CA
- San Diego, CA
- 24 days ago
- San Diego, CA
- 24 days ago
Veterinary Assistants can additionally (where permitted by law): Administer, monitor, and maintain patients under general anesthesia with or without mechanical ventilation for patients with varied levels...
Veterinary Assistant- Full Time
- Chula Vista, CA (7 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 30+ days ago
- Chula Vista, CA (7 miles from San Diego, CA)
- 30+ days ago
We are seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our team....
We are currently looking for an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our Neurology team....
Demographic Data for San Diego, CA
Moving to San Diego, CA? Find some basic demographic data about San Diego, CA below.
Veterinary Assistant Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Salary for Veterinary Assistant Jobs in San Diego, CA
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Veterinary Assistant positions.
Highest Education Level
Veterinary Assistants in San Diego, 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
- Small Animal Care
- Client Education
- Anesthesia Monitoring
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
- Exotics
- Microchipping
- Surgical Monitoring
- Fluid Therapy
- Patient Recovery
- Digital Radiography
- Cystocentesis
- ImproMed
- Blood Transfusion
- Kennel Cleaning
- Animal Care
- Laser Therapy
- Preventive Care
- IV Catheterization
- Reptiles
- Dental Prophylaxis
- Central Line Placement
- Anesthesia
- Catheterization
- Blood Work
- Animal Handling
- Sample Collection
- Surgical Assisting
- Medication Administration
- Surgery
- Discharge Planning
- Learning and Development
- X-Rays
- Triage
- Wellness
- Diagnostic
- Patient Care
- Medical Records
- Scheduling Appointments
- Educating
- Nursing
- Referrals
- Health Care
- Networking
- Customer Relations
- High School Diploma
- Prioritizing
- Friendliness
- Mentoring
- Employee Development
- Events
- Inventory Management
- Multitasking
- Teamwork
- Organization
- Customer Service
- Scheduling
- Computer Skills
- 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 »