Veterinary Assistant Jobs in San Francisco, 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.

- The Grand Lake Veterinary Hospital
- Oakland, CA (10 miles from San Francisco, CA)
- 11 days ago
- The Grand Lake Veterinary Hospital
- Oakland, CA (10 miles from San Francisco, CA)
- 11 days ago
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Previous animal care background is desirable, but not required PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS The veterinary assistant must be able to: Minimum of 18 years old....
- Concord, CA (24 miles from San Francisco, CA)
- 3 days ago
- Concord, CA (24 miles from San Francisco, CA)
- 3 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...
Veterinary Assistant or RVT Needed for Busy 2 Doctor Practice
- San Rafael, CA (14 miles from San Francisco, CA)
- 9 days ago
- San Rafael, CA (14 miles from San Francisco, CA)
- 9 days ago
Anesthesia and dentistry would be ideal, but is not required RVT's are expected to be proficient in the above skills, plus: Anesthesia monitoring Surgical preparation and assisting Dentistry Catheter...
- San Mateo, CA (15 miles from San Francisco, CA)
- 16 days ago
- San Mateo, CA (15 miles from San Francisco, CA)
- 16 days ago
Veterinary Assistant Regular Full-Time San Mateo, CA, US Yesterday Requisition ID: 1219 Salary Range: $24.00 To $24.00 Hourly Title: Veterinary Assistant FLSA Status: Full Time, Non-Exempt; Non-Union...
Per Diem Veterinary Assistant, CCU
- Concord, CA (24 miles from San Francisco, CA)
- 23 days ago
- Concord, CA (24 miles from San Francisco, CA)
- 23 days ago
We are on the hunt for a Per Diem Veterinary Assistant to join our CCU team!...
- Walnut Creek, CA (19 miles from San Francisco, CA)
- 26 days ago
- Walnut Creek, CA (19 miles from San Francisco, CA)
- 26 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....
Experienced Veterinary Assistant
- San Carlos, CA (21 miles from San Francisco, CA)
- 26 days ago
- San Carlos, CA (21 miles from San Francisco, CA)
- 26 days ago
We are seeking a dedicated Veterinary Assistant (VA) with a minimum of 1 year experience to join our team....
ER Veterinary Assistant, Swing Shift
- Concord, CA (24 miles from San Francisco, CA)
- 28 days ago
- Concord, CA (24 miles from San Francisco, CA)
- 28 days ago
Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our Emergency Department Swing Shift team....
Experienced Veterinary Assistant Needed
- Corte Madera, CA (11 miles from San Francisco, CA)
- 30+ days ago
- Corte Madera, CA (11 miles from San Francisco, CA)
- 30+ days ago
VCA Madera Pet Hospital is looking for experienced Veterinary Assistant / Veterinary Technician to join our team! We are a multi doctor practice located in Corte Madera (Marin County, CA)....
Veterinary Assistant - Mill Valley
- Mill Valley, CA (11 miles from San Francisco, CA)
- 30+ days ago
- Mill Valley, CA (11 miles from San Francisco, CA)
- 30+ days ago
Sign-on Bonus Available up to $3,000 At Modern Animal, we know that exceptional veterinary assistants deserve more than just a job-they deserve a career with growth, support, and recognition....
Seasonal Animal Care Assistant
- Burlingame, CA (14 miles from San Francisco, CA)
- 45+ days ago
- Burlingame, CA (14 miles from San Francisco, CA)
- 45+ days ago
Seasonal Animal Care Assistant Other Full-Time San Mateo, CA, US Yesterday Requisition ID: 1210 Salary Range: $21.00 To $21.00 Hourly Job Title: Seasonal Animal Care Assistant (6 Months) FLSA Status...
Experienced Veterinary Assistant for outpatient/emergency department
- Walnut Creek, CA (19 miles from San Francisco, CA)
- 45+ days ago
- Walnut Creek, CA (19 miles from San Francisco, CA)
- 45+ days ago
We are currently seeking experienced Veterinary Assistants to join our fast-paced team!...
Senior Veterinary Assistant, ECC
- Redwood City, CA (23 miles from San Francisco, CA)
- 45+ days ago
- Redwood City, CA (23 miles from San Francisco, CA)
- 45+ days ago
Requirements: High school diploma or GED Veterinary Assistant Certificate or completion of a veterinary assistant program preferred Minimum of 5+ years in emergency and critical care veterinary medicine...
As a Veterinary Assistant, you'll play an important role in pets' lives by providing end-to-end care for our precious patients....
Advanced Surgical Veterinary Assistant
- Berkeley, CA (10 miles from San Francisco, CA)
- 60+ days ago
- Berkeley, CA (10 miles from San Francisco, 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...
Demographic Data for San Francisco, CA
Moving to San Francisco, CA? Find some basic demographic data about San Francisco, CA below.
Veterinary Assistant Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Salary for Veterinary Assistant Jobs in San Francisco, CA
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Veterinary Assistant positions.
Highest Education Level
Veterinary Assistants in San Francisco, 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
- Nail Trimming
- Veterinary Assisting
- Kennel Duties
- Small Animal Care
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Restraint
- Client Education
- Anesthesia Monitoring
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
- Microchipping
- Exotics
- Surgical Monitoring
- Fluid Therapy
- Patient Recovery
- AVImark
- Cystocentesis
- Blood Transfusion
- ezyVet
- Kennel Cleaning
- Animal Care
- Laser Therapy
- Preventive Care
- IV Catheterization
- Reptiles
- Dental Prophylaxis
- Central Line Placement
- Anesthesia
- Catheterization
- Animal Handling
- Sample Collection
- Surgical Assisting
- Medication Administration
- Surgery
- Discharge Planning
- Learning and Development
- Lab Experience
- X-Rays
- Wellness
- Patient Care
- Diagnostic
- Medical Records
- Scheduling Appointments
- Educating
- Nursing
- Health Care
- Referrals
- Networking
- Customer Relations
- Prioritizing
- High School Diploma
- Friendliness
- Mentoring
- Events
- Employee Development
- Inventory Management
- Multitasking
- Problem Solving
- 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 »