Veterinary Assistant Resume examples & templates
Copyable Veterinary Assistant Resume examples
Ever wonder what it takes to be the person who calms the nervous puppy before her first shots, or who helps a veterinarian during a life-saving surgery? Veterinary assistants are the backbone of animal healthcare facilities—part caretaker, part medical support, and full-time animal advocate. They're the first friendly face pet owners see at appointments and the steady hands that help vets perform everything from routine check-ups to emergency procedures. With pet ownership reaching record highs (nearly 70% of U.S. households now have at least one pet!), the demand for compassionate, skilled vet assistants continues to grow.
The field has evolved dramatically over the past decade. What was once considered mainly a stepping stone to becoming a vet tech has emerged as a rewarding career path in its own right. Today's veterinary assistants work with sophisticated diagnostic equipment, assist with specialized treatments, and often develop expertise in specific areas like dental care or physical rehabilitation. As veterinary medicine becomes increasingly specialized—with new treatments for previously untreatable conditions emerging yearly—vet assistants who combine technical skills with genuine empathy for animals and their humans will find themselves at the center of this rapidly changing field.
Junior Veterinary Assistant Resume Example
SARAH MATTHEWS
Portland, OR 97214 • (503) 555-7219 • smatthews.vetassist@gmail.com
linkedin.com/in/sarahmatthews • Available for weekend on-call rotation
Detail-oriented Veterinary Assistant with 1+ year experience supporting small animal practice. Skilled in animal restraint, medication administration, and client communication. Currently pursuing Veterinary Technician certification while maintaining excellent care standards. Known for remaining calm during emergency situations and building rapport with anxious pets and their owners.
EXPERIENCE
Veterinary Assistant – Hawthorne Animal Clinic, Portland, OR
June 2022 – Present
- Assist 4 veterinarians with examination procedures and treatments for 25+ companion animals daily
- Monitor vital signs and document patient information accurately in electronic medical records
- Prepare surgical packs and sterilize instruments according to clinic protocols
- Collect and process blood, urine, and fecal samples for in-house laboratory testing
- Comfort and restrain animals during examinations, ensuring safety of both patients and staff
Veterinary Assistant Intern – Foster Road Veterinary Hospital, Portland, OR
January 2022 – May 2022
- Completed 240-hour internship assisting with routine wellness exams and vaccinations
- Learned proper animal restraint techniques for cats, dogs, and small mammals
- Maintained clean and sanitary kennels, exam rooms, and surgical areas
- Observed and assisted with basic laboratory procedures including fecal flotations and heartworm tests
Pet Care Attendant – Happy Tails Boarding Facility, Beaverton, OR
May 2021 – December 2021
- Provided care for up to 17 boarding animals per shift, including feeding, walking, and playtime
- Administered oral medications to pets according to owner instructions
- Identified and reported changes in animal behavior or health concerns to supervisor
- Cleaned and disinfected kennels, play areas, and common spaces to maintain facility hygiene
EDUCATION
Veterinary Assistant Certificate
Portland Community College, Portland, OR
Completed December 2021
Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology (In Progress)
Portland Community College, Portland, OR
Expected Graduation: June 2024
Current GPA: 3.76
CERTIFICATIONS
Pet First Aid and CPR Certification – American Red Cross (2022)
Fear Free Certification – Level 1 (2023)
SKILLS
- Animal restraint techniques
- Basic laboratory procedures
- Surgical instrument preparation
- Medication administration (oral, topical, injectable)
- Electronic medical records (Cornerstone, eVetPractice)
- Client communication
- Dental prophylaxis assistance
- Radiography positioning
- Inventory management
- Wound care and bandaging
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Volunteer, Oregon Humane Society (2021-Present) – 6 hours monthly
Member, National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
Bilingual: English and conversational Spanish
Mid-level Veterinary Assistant Resume Example
Samantha (Sam) Reeves
Boise, ID 83702 • (208) 555-4187 • samreeves.vet@email.com • linkedin.com/in/samanthareeves
Dedicated Veterinary Assistant with 5+ years of hands-on experience in small animal practices. Known for calm handling of distressed animals, exceptional client communication, and efficient clinic operations. Skilled in performing routine lab tests, monitoring anesthesia, and assisting in surgical procedures. Previously worked as a dog trainer, which helps me understand animal behavior during treatment.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Veterinary Assistant – Foothills Veterinary Clinic, Boise, ID
March 2021 – Present
- Serve as lead vet assistant during surgical procedures, maintaining sterile field and monitoring vital signs for 8-12 daily patients
- Train and mentor 3 new vet assistants on clinic protocols, patient restraint, and medication administration
- Coordinate treatment schedules for 25+ daily appointments, reducing wait times by 17%
- Implemented new inventory tracking system that cut supply costs by $743 per month
- Manage post-op care including wound cleaning, bandage changes, and medication administration
Veterinary Assistant – Idaho Pet Care Center, Meridian, ID
June 2019 – February 2021
- Assisted veterinarians with examinations and treatments for 15-20 pets daily
- Collected and processed laboratory samples including blood, urine, and fecal specimens
- Maintained detailed patient records and communicated treatment plans to pet owners
- Calculated and administered medications under veterinarian supervision
- Cleaned and sterilized surgical instruments, exam rooms, and kennels (my least favorite task, but crucial for patient safety!)
Kennel Attendant / Veterinary Assistant Trainee – Happy Tails Animal Hospital, Nampa, ID
August 2018 – May 2019
- Provided basic care for boarding animals including feeding, walking, and administering medications
- Cleaned and sanitized kennels, runs, and common areas according to clinic protocols
- Observed and assisted with routine examinations to build clinical skills
- Restocked exam rooms and monitored inventory levels
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION
Veterinary Assistant Certificate
College of Western Idaho, Nampa, ID – 2018
Associate of Applied Science, Animal Science
College of Western Idaho, Nampa, ID – 2018
GPA: 3.7/4.0
Certifications:
- Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) – National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), 2020
- Pet CPR & First Aid Certification – PetTech, 2019 (renewed 2022)
- Fear Free Certified Professional – Level 2, 2021
SKILLS
- Animal restraint & handling techniques
- Surgical prep & assistance
- Laboratory procedures (blood draws, urinalysis)
- Medication administration (PO, SC, IM, IV)
- Radiography assistance
- Anesthesia monitoring
- Dental prophylaxis
- Electronic medical records (Cornerstone, eVetPractice)
- Client communication & education
- Inventory management
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Volunteer at Boise Animal Shelter once monthly for vaccination clinics (2020-Present)
Member, Idaho Veterinary Assistants Association
Fluent in basic Spanish medical terminology
Senior / Experienced Veterinary Assistant Resume Example
Jessica Morales
San Diego, CA | (619) 555-8947 | jmorales.vetasst@email.com | linkedin.com/in/jessicamorales-vetasst
Dedicated Veterinary Assistant with 8+ years of hands-on experience in fast-paced animal hospitals and specialty clinics. Known for exceptional patient care, owner communication skills, and ability to handle emergency situations with composure. Specialized training in exotic animal care and dental procedures. Consistently praised for intuitive understanding of animal behavior that helps reduce stress during exams and treatments.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Lead Veterinary Assistant | Pacific Coast Veterinary Hospital | San Diego, CA | 01/2020 – Present
- Supervise team of 4 veterinary assistants and coordinate daily workflow in a busy 5-doctor practice handling 35+ appointments daily
- Serve as primary surgical assistant for orthopedic procedures, monitoring anesthesia and preparing surgical instruments for 8-12 surgeries weekly
- Established new training protocol for restraint techniques that reduced workplace injuries by 37% over 18 months
- Manage inventory of medical supplies and medications, maintaining par levels and reducing emergency orders by 82%
- Coordinate and assist with emergency cases, including triage, IV catheter placement, and diagnostic sample collection
Veterinary Assistant | Exotic Animal Care Center | La Jolla, CA | 06/2017 – 12/2019
- Assisted veterinarians with examination and treatment of exotic pets including birds, reptiles, small mammals, and amphibians
- Developed specialized restraint skills for handling sensitive species like bearded dragons and sugar gliders
- Performed blood draws, nail trims, and administered medications to variety of exotic species
- Created visual care guides for exotic pet owners that increased compliance with at-home treatment plans by 43%
- Maintained detailed medical records for 500+ active patients using Cornerstone practice management software
Veterinary Assistant | North County Animal Hospital | Carlsbad, CA | 03/2015 – 06/2017
- Assisted with routine wellness exams, vaccinations, and diagnostic procedures for dogs and cats
- Prepared lab samples including fecal, blood, and urine for in-house testing and reference lab submission
- Restrained animals during examinations and procedures while ensuring comfort and safety
- Cleaned and sanitized kennels, treatment areas, and equipment according to hospital protocols
- Communicated post-op care instructions to pet owners and responded to follow-up questions
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Veterinary Assistant, Level II | National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America | 2018
Associate of Science, Veterinary Technology | San Diego Mesa College | 2016
CPR & First Aid for Pets Certification | American Red Cross | Renewed 2022 Fear Free Certified Professional | Fear Free, LLC | 2019
SPECIALIZED SKILLS
- Exotic animal handling & restraint
- Dental prophylaxis assistance
- IV catheter placement
- Anesthesia monitoring
- Laboratory sample collection & processing
- Digital radiography positioning
- Surgical prep & assistance
- Cornerstone & ezyVet software proficiency
- Client education & communication
- Inventory management
- Team leadership & training
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Advanced Dental Techniques for Veterinary Support Staff Workshop (2022)
- Emergency & Critical Care Symposium, San Diego Veterinary Conference (2021)
- Exotic Animal Nutrition Seminar, Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (2019)
- Wound Management Workshop, Western Veterinary Conference (2018)
How to Write a Veterinary Assistant Resume
Introduction
Landing that perfect Veterinary Assistant job starts with a resume that showcases your animal care skills, medical knowledge, and compassion for furry (and not-so-furry) patients. Having reviewed hundreds of vet assistant resumes over the years, I've seen what works—and what doesn't. This guide will walk you through creating a resume that catches the attention of veterinary practice managers and gets you in the door for an interview.
Resume Structure and Format
Keep your resume clean and readable—just like you'd keep an exam room! Veterinary practices are busy places, and hiring managers often spend less than 30 seconds scanning each resume.
- Stick to 1-2 pages (one page is perfect for those with less than 5 years of experience)
- Use a clean, professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in 11-12pt size
- Include clear section headings to guide the reader's eye
- Incorporate white space to prevent a cluttered appearance
- Save your file as a PDF (unless specifically asked for another format) to preserve formatting
Profile/Summary Section
Your profile should quickly communicate your experience level, key skills, and what makes you a great fit. Think of it as your "30-second commercial" at the top of your resume.
Don't use generic statements that could apply to anyone! Instead, highlight specific skills like "experienced in venipuncture and laboratory procedures" or "proficient in restraint techniques for dogs, cats, and exotic pets."
For example: "Compassionate Veterinary Assistant with 3+ years' experience in small animal practice. Skilled in animal restraint, medication administration, and client communication. Known for remaining calm during emergencies and maintaining accurate medical records."
Professional Experience
This is where you really shine! List your experience in reverse chronological order, focusing on accomplishments rather than just duties.
- Start each bullet with an action verb (administered, assisted, maintained)
- Include numbers when possible (cared for 25+ animals daily, assisted with 8-12 surgeries weekly)
- Highlight technical skills like venipuncture, catheter placement, or dental prophylaxis
- Mention client interaction experience—explaining discharge instructions or discussing nutrition
- Note any specialized experience (exotic pets, emergency care, geriatric medicine)
Education and Certifications
Include your formal education and any specialized training or certifications. Even if you learned on the job, highlight relevant coursework or continuing education.
- Veterinary Assistant Certificate/Diploma (mention NAVTA approval if applicable)
- Related degrees (Biology, Animal Science, etc.)
- CPR/First Aid certifications
- Software training (Cornerstone, AVImark, ezyVet, etc.)
- Fear Free certification levels
Keywords and ATS Tips
Many vet practices, especially larger ones, use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. To get past these digital gatekeepers:
- Include keywords from the job description (phlebotomy, anesthesia monitoring, client education)
- Avoid images, headers/footers, and text boxes that might confuse the ATS
- Spell out acronyms at least once (CBC, TPR, IV catheter)
- Name your file professionally (FirstName_LastName_VetAssistant.pdf)
Industry-specific Terms
Show you speak "vet language" by naturally incorporating relevant terminology:
- Clinical procedures: venipuncture, cystocentesis, radiographs, TPR monitoring
- Equipment: autoclaves, centrifuges, microscopes, ultrasonic scalers
- Software: practice management systems you're familiar with
- Medical terminology: subcutaneous, intramuscular, oral administration
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using pet-related clipart or unprofessional email addresses (fluffylover@email.com)
- Focusing only on how much you "love animals" without showing technical skills
- Listing every CE seminar you've attended (focus on the most relevant ones)
- Forgetting to proofread (misspelling "feline" or "canine" is a quick way to get rejected)
- Being vague about your exact role in procedures ("assisted with" everything)
Before/After Example
Before: "Helped with animals and cleaned cages."
After: "Monitored vital signs for 10-15 post-surgical patients daily, administered prescribed medications via multiple routes (PO, SQ, IM), and maintained clean recovery areas according to hospital protocols."
Your resume is often your first impression—make it count! Tailor it to each position, focusing on the skills that particular practice needs most. Good luck on your veterinary assistant journey!
Related Resume Examples
Soft skills for your Veterinary Assistant resume
- Animal handling patience – calm under pressure when working with stressed or aggressive animals (cats that hate carriers, dogs that hate nail trims, you name it)
- Owner communication – explaining medical situations to worried pet parents without medical jargon
- Team coordination during emergencies – knowing when to grab meds, when to restrain, when to step back
- Emotional resilience – bouncing back after difficult cases while maintaining compassion
- Multitasking in chaotic environments – juggling phone calls, walk-ins, and treatment room duties
- Attention to subtle behavioral changes in animals that can’t verbalize pain or discomfort
Hard skills for your Veterinary Assistant resume
- Animal restraint techniques (large & small animals)
- Laboratory procedures (urinalysis, blood work, fecal testing)
- Surgical prep and monitoring
- Medication administration (IV, IM, SQ, PO routes)
- Dental prophylaxis and radiography
- Avimark/Cornerstone practice management software
- Emergency triage assessment
- Venipuncture and catheterization
- Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) preparation