Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Tacoma, WA

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.

1-15 of 20 Jobs

Seasonal Veterinary Assistant 1 (Exempt) - PART-TIME, NON-PERMANENT, MULTIPLE POSITIONS

  • State of Washington
  • Auburn, WA (9 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 16 hours ago
  • Auburn, WA (9 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 16 hours ago

Seasonal Veterinary Assistant 1 - PART-TIME, NON-PERMANENT (Exempt) Note: This recruitment will be used to fill multiple positions....

In Person Part Time

Travel Cardiovascular Technologist (CVT) - $3,220 to $3,414 per week in Puyallup, WA

  • Aya Healthcare
  • Puyallup, WA (6 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 1 day ago
  • Puyallup, WA (6 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 1 day ago

Aya Healthcare has an immediate opening for the following position: CV Tech in Puyallup, WA. Well work with you to build the healthcare career of your dreams. Whether you want a job close to home...

In Person

Veterinary Assistant - MRI

  • BluePearl Vet, LLC
  • Tacoma, WA
  • 5 days ago
  • Tacoma, WA
  • 5 days ago

Our BluePearl Pet Hospital in Tacoma, WA is seeking a knowledgeable and skilled Veterinary Assistant to join our Team!...

In Person

Veterinary Assistant

  • Reber Ranch Veterinary Hospital
  • Kent, WA (13 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 10 days ago
  • Kent, WA (13 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 10 days ago

Your Impact as a Veterinary Assistant Provide Essential Patient Care: You'll be a key player in the health of our patients, assisting the medical team with hands-on care and ensuring every animal is...

In Person

Veterinary Assistant - 001276

  • Banfield Pet Hospital
  • Renton, WA (17 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 15 days ago
  • Renton, WA (17 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 15 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....

In Person

Veterinary Assistant - ER

  • National Veterinary Associates
  • Sumner, WA (10 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 18 days ago
  • Sumner, WA (10 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 18 days ago

We're looking for a compassionate, motivated Veterinary Assistant to support our Emergency department....

In Person

Veterinary Assistant - Des Moines Veterinary Hospital

  • PetVet Care Centers
  • Des Moines, WA (14 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 18 days ago
  • Des Moines, WA (14 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 18 days ago

Qualifications (Required) Prior veterinary assistant experience....

In Person

Veterinary Assistant - Renton Veterinary Hospital

  • 136620 Renton Veterinary Hospital
  • Renton, WA (17 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 23 days ago
  • Renton, WA (17 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 23 days ago

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Veterinary Assistant to join our dynamic team at Renton Veterinary Hospital....

In Person

Veterinary Assistant in Federal Way, WA

  • Booster Pet
  • Federal Way, WA (9 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 26 days ago
  • Federal Way, WA (9 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 26 days ago

Experienced Veterinary Assistants Wanted!...

In Person

Pet Care Attendant

  • Vetcor
  • Lacey, WA (22 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 27 days ago
  • Lacey, WA (22 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 27 days ago

Who we are Hawks Prairie Veterinary Hospital is Hiring a Pet Care Attendant! Position Details Role: Pet Care Attendant Status: Part-time Salary: From $17.13 per hour Schedule: Monday 9:30-6:30 pm,...

In Person

Veterinary Assistant

  • Wellhaven Pet Health
  • Renton, WA (17 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 30+ days ago
  • Renton, WA (17 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 30+ days ago

Job Summary The Veterinary Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting veterinarians and veterinary technicians, ensuring the well-being of pets, educating clients, and maintaining the highest standards...

Remote

Overnight Veterinary Assistant

  • BluePearl Vet, LLC
  • Tacoma, WA
  • 30+ days ago
  • Tacoma, WA
  • 30+ days ago

BluePearl Pet Hospital is seeking a knowledgeable and skilled Overnight Veterinary Assistant....

In Person

Veterinary Assistant

  • Banfield Pet Hospital
  • Puyallup, WA (6 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 45+ days ago
  • Puyallup, WA (6 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 45+ 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....

In Person

Veterinary Assistant

  • Mission Pet Health
  • Lacey, WA (22 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 45+ days ago
  • Lacey, WA (22 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 45+ days ago

Job Description Your Impact as a Veterinary Assistant Provide Essential Patient Care: You'll be a key player in the health of our patients, assisting the medical team with hands-on care and ensuring...

In Person

Veterinary Assistant - Surgery

  • BluePearl Vet, LLC
  • Tacoma, WA
  • 45+ days ago
  • Tacoma, WA
  • 45+ days ago

Ability to monitor patient response to fluid therapy including signs of overload. Scrub in for surgical procedures with boarded surgeons....

In Person

Demographic Data for Tacoma, WA

Moving to Tacoma, WA? Find some basic demographic data about Tacoma, WA below.


Local
National
352,224
7,865
Large

Veterinary Assistant Online Courses and Training Opportunities

iHireVeterinary curates thousands of courses in order to recommend the best ones to help further your career. If you register for a course using the links on our site, we may receive a small commission.
Antimicrobial Stewardship in Veterinary Practice
Vets and human health professionals both have a responsibility to address the challenge of antimicrobial stewardship. Veterinary nurses, surgeons and pharmacists need the skills to prescribe...
Veterinary Support Assistant Training
As an essential member of the veterinary team, a veterinary support assistant (VSA) helps veterinarians and other veterinary professionals with their daily duties. They handle administrative...
Virtual Work Experience and Exploring the Veterinary Profession
The COVID-19 pandemic means that many potential vet students cannot undertake animal handling work experience. On this course, youll get insight into the reality of life as a vet so that you can...

Salary for Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Tacoma, WA

Estimated salary range based on data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and iHireVeterinary research efforts.

Licensing / Certification

Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Veterinary Assistant positions.



Highest Education Level

Veterinary Assistants in Tacoma, WA offer the following education background
Bachelor's Degree
31.3%
High School or GED
25.1%
Associate's Degree
19.7%
Vocational Degree or Certification
12.6%
Master's Degree
3.5%
Some College
3.3%
Doctorate Degree
2.8%
Some High School
1.8%

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Veterinary Assistants in Tacoma, WA
Less than 1 year
43.4%
None
35.2%
4-6 years
9.7%
2-4 years
8.8%
1-2 years
2.9%


Other Career Titles

Here are some other career titles that require similar skills



Veterinary Assistant Related Career Advice Articles

vet team members examining a rabbit
Vet Tech vs. Vet Assistant: What’s the Difference?

Learn the difference between a vet tech and a vet assistant, including their education, salary, and job duties, to find the right career path for you.

Read article »
Veterinary technician examining cat
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
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 »