Veterinary Assistant Overview

Required Education and Training To Become a Veterinary Assistant

Best Schools to become a Veterinary Assistant in U.S. 2024

Dallas College

Dallas, TX

In-State Tuition:$4,050
Out-of-State Tuition:$6,000
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:35%
Total Enrollment:64,156

Southern Technical College

Orlando, FL

In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$N/A
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:51%
Total Enrollment:1,521

San Juan College

Farmington, NM

In-State Tuition:$1,344
Out-of-State Tuition:$4,272
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:23%
Total Enrollment:5,454

Platt College-Los Angeles

Alhambra, CA

In-State Tuition:$14,519
Out-of-State Tuition:$14,519
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:67%
Total Enrollment:667

Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista

Chula Vista, CA

In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$N/A
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:57%
Total Enrollment:684

Pima Medical Institute-Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ

In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$N/A
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:47%
Total Enrollment:879
Veterinary Assistant Job Description:
  • Feed, water, groom, bathe, exercise, or otherwise provide care to promote and maintain the well-being of pets and other animals that are not raised for consumption, such as dogs, cats, race horses, ornamental fish or birds, zoo animals, and mice.
  • Work in settings such as kennels, animal shelters, zoos, circuses, and aquariums.
  • May keep records of feedings, treatments, and animals received or discharged.
  • May clean, disinfect, and repair cages, pens, or fish tanks.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become a Veterinary Assistant

Job Duties for Veterinary Assistants

  • Examine and observe animals to detect signs of illness, disease, or injury.

  • Feed and water animals according to schedules and feeding instructions.

  • Provide treatment to sick or injured animals, or contact veterinarians to secure treatment.

Technologies and Skills Used by Veterinary Assistants

Calendar and scheduling software

  • DaySmart Software Appointment-Plus
  • Petschedule

Data base user interface and query software

  • CEEJS The Pet Groomer's Secretary
  • Microsoft Access

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Skills

  • Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Current Job Market and Opportunites for a Veterinary Assistant

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Veterinary Assistant

FAQs About Becoming a Veterinary Assistant