Veterinary Assistant Jobs in San Marcos, 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 (19 miles from San Marcos, CA)
- 9 days ago
- Scripps Ranch Veterinary Hospital
- San Diego, CA (19 miles from San Marcos, CA)
- 9 days ago
We have a RARE opening for a friendly Basic Veterinary Assistant to join our fun and dedicated team....
- Encinitas, CA (12 miles from San Marcos, CA)
- 2 days ago
- Encinitas, CA (12 miles from San Marcos, CA)
- 2 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....
Veterinary Assistant Encinitas
- Encinitas, CA (12 miles from San Marcos, CA)
- 5 days ago
- Encinitas, CA (12 miles from San Marcos, CA)
- 5 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 (22 miles from San Marcos, CA)
- 6 days ago
- La Jolla, CA (22 miles from San Marcos, CA)
- 6 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 (15 miles from San Marcos, CA)
- 6 days ago
- Poway, CA (15 miles from San Marcos, CA)
- 6 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...
- Oceanside, CA (12 miles from San Marcos, CA)
- 18 days ago
- Oceanside, CA (12 miles from San Marcos, CA)
- 18 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...
- Temecula, CA (21 miles from San Marcos, CA)
- 19 days ago
- Temecula, CA (21 miles from San Marcos, CA)
- 19 days ago
The skills that you will be utilizing include, but are not limited to: Physical examinations and patient assessment Anesthesia monitoring Surgical preparation and assisting Dentistry Radiology Laboratory...
CVT Interventional Cardiovascular Technologist - Days
- Oceanside, CA (12 miles from San Marcos, CA)
- 23 days ago
- Oceanside, CA (12 miles from San Marcos, CA)
- 23 days ago
CVT Interventional Cardiovascular Technologist - Days Job details Salary $3,315 Weekly Gross Pay type Location Oceanside, California Employment type Contract Estimated Start Date 06-23-2025...
Veterinary Assistant - Adoptions/Shelter
- Rancho Santa Fe, CA (11 miles from San Marcos, CA)
- 27 days ago
- Rancho Santa Fe, CA (11 miles from San Marcos, CA)
- 27 days ago
care....
- Rancho Santa Fe, CA (11 miles from San Marcos, CA)
- 27 days ago
- Rancho Santa Fe, CA (11 miles from San Marcos, CA)
- 27 days ago
The Veterinary Assistant will work with horses in a veterinary setting assisting with various equine veterinary medical procedures/tasks....
- Oceanside, CA (12 miles from San Marcos, CA)
- 27 days ago
- Oceanside, CA (12 miles from San Marcos, CA)
- 27 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....
The Veterinary Assistant represents the mission and values to all clients....
Emergency Veterinary Assistant - Oceanside, CA
- Oceanside, CA (12 miles from San Marcos, CA)
- 90+ days ago
- Oceanside, CA (12 miles from San Marcos, CA)
- 90+ 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...
- Ramona, CA (21 miles from San Marcos, CA)
- 90+ days ago
- Ramona, CA (21 miles from San Marcos, CA)
- 90+ days ago
Veterinary Assistant Wanted VCA Adobe Animal Hospital is looking for a dedicated individual that has an upbeat friendly attitude, is able to handle multiple tasks at a time, and has outstanding technical...
Veterinary Assistant - Oncology
- Carlsbad, CA (7 miles from San Marcos, CA)
- 90+ days ago
- Carlsbad, CA (7 miles from San Marcos, CA)
- 90+ days ago
Strong knowledge of veterinary procedures, medical terminology, and animal care....
Demographic Data for San Marcos, CA
Moving to San Marcos, CA? Find some basic demographic data about San Marcos, CA below.
Veterinary Assistant Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Salary for Veterinary Assistant Jobs in San Marcos, CA
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Veterinary Assistant positions.
Highest Education Level
Veterinary Assistants in San Marcos, 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
- Animal Handling
- Sample Collection
- Surgical Assisting
- Medication Administration
- Surgery
- Discharge Planning
- Lab Experience
- Learning and Development
- Triage
- X-Rays
- Wellness
- Patient Care
- Diagnostic
- Medical Records
- Scheduling Appointments
- Educating
- Nursing
- Health Care
- Referrals
- Networking
- Customer Relations
- High School Diploma
- Prioritizing
- Mentoring
- Employee Development
- Events
- 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
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