Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Merrifield, VA
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.
Veterinary Assistant / Front Desk
- Cherrydale Vet Clinic
- Arlington, VA (6 miles from Merrifield, VA)
- 10 days ago
- Cherrydale Vet Clinic
- Arlington, VA (6 miles from Merrifield, VA)
- 10 days ago
Full time Veterinary Assistant/Front Desk needed in our busy full service small animal practice in Arlington, VA....
- Arlington, VA (7 miles from Merrifield, VA)
- 1 hour ago
- Arlington, VA (7 miles from Merrifield, VA)
- 1 hour ago
We are seeking a Veterinary Assistant to join our growing hospital to provide exceptional care to our patients!...
Outpatient Cardiac, Vascular, and Thoracic (CVT) Surgery Nurse
- Arlington, VA (7 miles from Merrifield, VA)
- 2 days ago
- Arlington, VA (7 miles from Merrifield, VA)
- 2 days ago
Responsibilities Provide outpatient care and follow-up for cardiac, vascular, and thoracic surgery patients at VHC Perform patient assessments, develop care plans, and provide patient education...
PRN Cardiac, Vascular and Thoracic (CVT) Surgeon - weekend call
- Arlington, VA (7 miles from Merrifield, VA)
- 2 days ago
- Arlington, VA (7 miles from Merrifield, VA)
- 2 days ago
Responsibilities Provide on-call, as-needed coverage for cardiac, vascular, and thoracic surgery services at VHC, Inpatient and ER. Manage a limited number of inpatient cases, with a focus on...
- Washington, DC (10 miles from Merrifield, VA)
- 2 days ago
- Washington, DC (10 miles from Merrifield, VA)
- 2 days ago
Start your Banfield Career as a Veterinary Assistant Learn more about the impact you can make as...
Full-Time Cardiac, Vascular, and Thoracic (CVT) Surgeon
- Arlington, VA (7 miles from Merrifield, VA)
- 3 days ago
- Arlington, VA (7 miles from Merrifield, VA)
- 3 days ago
Responsibilities Exclusive provider of cardiac, vascular, and thoracic surgery for VHC Practice the full spectrum of adult Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery Have a verifiable track record of quality...
Veterinary Assistant -Chantilly Metrotech
- Chantilly, VA (11 miles from Merrifield, VA)
- 8 days ago
- Chantilly, VA (11 miles from Merrifield, VA)
- 8 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....
- Temple Hills, MD (16 miles from Merrifield, VA)
- 9 days ago
- Temple Hills, MD (16 miles from Merrifield, VA)
- 9 days ago
preparation and assisting Anesthesia monitoring Dentistry Medical recordkeeping Ready to grow with a collaborative and supportive team?...
- Washington, DC (10 miles from Merrifield, VA)
- 10 days ago
- Washington, DC (10 miles from Merrifield, VA)
- 10 days ago
assistant Availability to work weekends (Saturday or Sunday) Comfortable with computers and online tools Strong enough to lift 50 lbs A thoughtful and fearless team player A go-getter who thrives in...
- Camp Springs, MD (17 miles from Merrifield, VA)
- 10 days ago
- Camp Springs, MD (17 miles from Merrifield, VA)
- 10 days ago
preparation and assisting Anesthesia monitoring Dentistry Medical recordkeeping Ready to grow with a collaborative and supportive team?...
- Manassas, VA (15 miles from Merrifield, VA)
- 11 days ago
- Manassas, VA (15 miles from Merrifield, VA)
- 11 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....
Pet Care Assistant- Reston 1650
- Reston, VA (8 miles from Merrifield, VA)
- 11 days ago
- Reston, VA (8 miles from Merrifield, VA)
- 11 days ago
If you are a current associate, you will need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs. Ability to stand, walk,...
- Rockville, MD (15 miles from Merrifield, VA)
- 12 days ago
- Rockville, MD (15 miles from Merrifield, VA)
- 12 days ago
We are seeking a Veterinary Assistant to join our growing hospital to provide exceptional care to our patients!...
- Ashburn, VA (18 miles from Merrifield, VA)
- 18 days ago
- Ashburn, VA (18 miles from Merrifield, VA)
- 18 days ago
If you are enthusiastic, reliable, and excited about helping us maintain our high standards of animal care and customer service, we would love to hear from you!...
- Leesburg, VA (23 miles from Merrifield, VA)
- 18 days ago
- Leesburg, VA (23 miles from Merrifield, VA)
- 18 days ago
Veterinary Surgical Center at The LifeCentre is looking to add compassionate and skilled Veterinary Assistants to our certified boarded-surgeon practice....
Veterinary Assistant Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Salary for Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Merrifield, VA
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Veterinary Assistant positions.
Highest Education Level
Veterinary Assistants in Merrifield, VA 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
- 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
- Venipuncture
- Surgery
- Discharge Planning
- Learning and Development
- X-Rays
- Wellness
- Patient Care
- Diagnostic
- Medical Records
- Scheduling Appointments
- Educating
- Nursing
- Health Care
- Referrals
- Networking
- Customer Relations
- High School Diploma
- Prioritizing
- Friendliness
- Mentoring
- Employee Development
- Events
- Inventory Management
- Multitasking
- Problem Solving
- 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 »