Pay Scale
Veterinary Assistant Pay Scale
Our pay scale is based on experience and ability. Employees with prior experience will be started at higher pay rate depending on capabilities and knowledge. We appreciate employees that take the initiative to learn, advance quickly, and we adjust the pay accordingly.
$17.00 if no experience.
$18.00 if level 1 skills achieved reliably.
$19.00 per hour level 2a OR b skills achieved reliably.
$20.00 per hour when both Level 2a and b skills achieved reliably.
$21.00 to 22.00 per hour when Level 3 skills achieved reliably.
$23.00 to 25.00 per hour when level 4 skills achieved reliably.
Level 1
Preparing and stocking the exam rooms
Making up blood draw kits, b 12 kits
Cutting medications
Learning how to decrease stress during veterinary visit (AAFP video)
Cleaning treatment room and clinic
Opening and closing the clinic
Level 2a (Front Desk)
Checking clients into the exam room
Taking accurate weights
Entering new client forms, new patient forms, and SOAPS
Discerning emergencies from non-emergencies
Promptly answering phone calls and returning phone calls
Operating the phone properly (How to turn the ringer off and on, how to check voice mail, how to call missed calls back, how to check the text messages)
Recording phone messages accurately on the message log
Learning how to navigate the computer efficiently
Answering emails
Sending faxes
Receiving faxes and records and placing them into the chart
Schedule appointments
Writing reminders
Emailing clients
How to complete paperwork for microchips
Finances
Backing up the computer
Level 2 b (Back)
Filling medication accurately
Basic cat handling and holding for exams, cystos, and blood draws
Wrapping surgery packs and autoclaving
Paw Prints for euthanasias
Filling out lab sheets
Collecting free catch urine samples
Setting up urine samples
Nail Trims
Administer SQ injections and fluids
Administer oral medications
Applying ear medication
Applying flea control
Performing giardia test and BNP tests
Blood pressure measurement
Taking temperature
Packing house call bag (if going on house calls)
Holding difficult cats and reading feline body language
Microscopic examinations for ear mites
Setting up kennel for urine collection and hospitalizing a patient
How to give SQ fluid, B12, and pill pocket demo.
Level 3
Drawing blood from the medial saphenous using a 25 gauge butterfly catheter
Dental scaling/polishing
Taking blood pressure
• Running i-stat
Assisting in surgery
Talks: How to treat fleas, arthritis, diet, etc.
Ordering medication
Receiving packages
Level 4
Training and managing new employees
Managing the clinic
Performing eye stains
Administering IM Injections
Anesthesia monitoring
IV Catheter placement
Skin scrapes
Expressing anal glands
Fine needle aspirates
Please note that these guidelines can be changed at any time.