Healthcare Support
Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary assistants support vets and vet techs in clinics, shelters, and hospitals. Training can take under a year — or you can learn on the job — and it's a great fit for people who want hands-on work helping animals and their owners.
What They Do
Restraining and comforting animals, prepping exam rooms, feeding and walking patients, assisting the vet team.
Work Environment
The Basics
Training time
0–12 months
Training cost
Information pending verification
Education commonly associated with entry
High school diploma; on-the-job or short certificate program
Certification / licensing
Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) certificate optional
Physical demand
Moderate
People interaction
High
Remote potential
Low
Self-employment potential
Low
Certification & licensing note: Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) certificate optional
A course certificate, a professional certification, and a state license are three different things — completing training alone never makes you licensed or certified.
Last verified: September 26, 2026
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Career requirements, licensing rules, education requirements, costs, and employment conditions can change. Verify official requirements with the appropriate licensing agency, credentialing body, employer, or educational institution. Lucky Finds does not guarantee admission, certification, licensure, employment, salary, or career outcomes.