Becoming an Veterinary Assistant in California
Veterinary assistants work with veterinarians and veterinary technicians to care for animals. They feed, bathe and exercise animals. They help restrain the animals while they’re being treated and help with their aftercare. Veterinary assistants also sanitize and sterilize surgical equipment and exam rooms, clean cages, and collect lab samples. Additionally, some clerical duties may be required, such as taking calls, managing appointments and records, and discharging clients.
While most employers may prefer to hire veterinary assistants who have at least a high school diploma or GED, there are no specific educational requirements for becoming a veterinary assistant in the state of California. However, completing a veterinary assisting program may work to your advantage, as employers are more likely to hire someone with at least some veterinary awareness and experience. Experience may also be preferred.
Veterinary Assistant Programs in California
There are several California colleges that offer veterinary assistant programs, both online and on campus. The Chula Vista campus of PIMA Medical Institute in San Diego has a veterinary assistant program that can be completed in nine months. In this program students will learn how to provide animals with preventative healthcare, collect lab samples, administer medication, assist with surgeries, record medical information and much more. The program consists of 30 credit hours including a clinical externship.
Yuba College has a veterinary assistant certificate program that can be taken completely online. Through online discussions, video presentations and textbooks, students will learn veterinary terminology, animal behavior, restraint and grooming, bookkeeping skills and medical assisting. The Yuba veterinary assistant program can be completed in one year. Tuition is free for residents of California. Other fees may apply, including the cost of textbooks. Textbooks can be purchased used or even rented.
OC Veterinary Assistant School (OCVAS) in Orange County is committed to educating aspiring and current veterinary professionals. This school is owned and operated by veterinarians and registered vet techs. There are three levels of classes at OCVAS: veterinary attendant, veterinary assistant and the alternate route.
The veterinary attendant program is for entry-level students who have little to no experience working with animals. They will be taught the basic skills of working with animals and complete an internship at a local veterinary hospital while taking classes. Graduates of this program are also given job placement assistance.
The veterinary assistant classes are for students who are currently working in a veterinary office but have not completed any other certificate programs. There are six classes in this program.
The last program, referred to as the alternate route, is for students who are planning on becoming a veterinary technician. Students must take this program before applying to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). More advanced veterinary medicine classes are taught in this program.
To find out more about these programs, including cost and duration, prospective students can fill out a contact form on the school’s website or schedule an admissions appointment.
National Certification for Veterinary Assistants
Just like it is not required for veterinary assistants in California to complete any specific educational training or certificate programs, national certification is not a requirement to find work, either. However, becoming nationally certified as an approved veterinary assistant (AVA) may increase one’s chances of becoming employed.
To become certified as an AVA in the state of California, one must first complete a veterinary assistant program that is approved by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), complete an internship or externship at a veterinary practice, or be employed at least 20 hours a week by a licensed veterinarian. Once a student has done any of these, they will then pay a $100 fee to take the certification test. If they pass the test, they will receive national certification as an AVA.
There are no campuses that offer NAVTA approved veterinary assistant programs in California. However, Penn Foster Career School has an outstanding online program that is NAVTA approved. Coursework includes animal behavior, handling and restraint, body systems and terminology, and veterinary practice administration and procedures. The Penn Foster program can be completed in seven months and ends with an eight-week externship at a local veterinary practice. This program costs approximately $900. Tuition can be made in monthly payments, but if it is paid in full at the time of enrollment a discount will be applied.
Once someone becomes an AVA, they need to renew their certification every two years by paying a $10 renewal fee and taking at least 10 continuing education credits.
Veterinary Assistant Certification California
Veterinary assistants In California may be able to find work in many environments, such as private veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, animal shelters and zoos. The Veterinary Centers of America (VCA) and Banfield Pet Hospitals are nationally known veterinary establishments with hundreds of hospitals and clinics throughout the United States. There are over 100 VCA clinics in California, and Banfield Pet Hospitals are located in the cities of Bakersfield, Clovis and Fresno. Most PETCO stores have animal wellness and vaccination clinics inside of them called VETCO clinics. There are VETCOs in over 150 California cities, including Bakersfield, Claremont, Fresno, Hollywood, Modesto and Sacramento.
The mean hourly wage for veterinary assistants in California is $13.59, and the mean annual salary is $28,260. However, more than 80 California cities have veterinary assistants that reported average annual salaries of more than $29,000. The cities of Fresno, Visalia, Chico and Lompoc, you’ll find average salaries of $29,000 – $30,000 yearly. Veterinary assistants in Fremont, Santa Clara and San Francisco report average annual salaries between $35,000 and $36,000.
Veterinary Assistant Salaries in California by Region
| Area | Total Employed | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA | 190 | $13.79 | $28,680 |
| Chico, CA | 130 | $12.35 | $25,690 |
| Fresno, CA | ** | $13.85 | $28,800 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 3,900 | $13.91 | $28,940 |
| Merced, CA | 70 | $13.10 | $27,250 |
| Modesto, CA | 160 | $11.77 | $24,480 |
| Napa, CA | 90 | $14.10 | $29,320 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 210 | $16.35 | $34,000 |
| Redding, CA | 60 | $13.19 | $27,440 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 970 | $13.77 | $28,640 |
| Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA | 660 | $13.48 | $28,030 |
| Salinas, CA | 110 | $13.80 | $28,710 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad, CA | 1,460 | $14.60 | $30,370 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | 1,700 | $16.73 | $34,790 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 550 | $14.98 | $31,160 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA | 230 | $14.27 | $29,680 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | 80 | $14.97 | $31,140 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | 190 | $14.21 | $29,560 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | 200 | $14.39 | $29,930 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | 70 | $13.78 | $28,670 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | 100 | $15.54 | $32,320 |
| Visalia-Porterville, CA | 70 | $13.04 | $27,120 |
| Yuba City, CA | 40 | $13.05 | $27,130 |
There are currently more than 11,000 veterinary assistants employed in the state of California. That number is expected to increase by 19 percent over the next six years.
A veterinary assistant is a rewarding job for someone who enjoys working with animals. Little training or experience is required, but certified veterinary assistants with at least some experience working with animals may find more options available to them when looking for employment.
College and University Listings
- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA Metropolitan Division
- Salinas, CA
- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA Metropolitan Division Area
California Healing Arts College
do not remove this text500 East Carson Plaza Drive, Suite 103, Carson, California 90746-7323
iVeterinary Assistant – Certificate Program
California Healing Arts College’s Certificate-level Veterinary Assistant program is offered at their campus in the city of Carson, CA. Most of the school’s 44 students are on diploma programs of under two years. Tuition fees for the Vet Tech program are around $16,910 for each academic year. Typically, the program is completed in 8 months.
Salinas, CA Area
Central Coast College
do not remove this text480 S Main Street, Salinas, California 93901-3301
iVeterinary Assistant – Certificate Program
Central Coast College’s Certificate program is taught at their campus in the city of Salinas. The college has round 276 students in total, with the majority of students on programs that last under 2 years. Tuition fees for the Vet Tech program are around $12,800 for each academic year. The typical program completion time is 9 months.
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Area
Foothill College
do not remove this text12345 El Monte Rd, Los Altos Hills, California 94022
iVeterinary Assisting – Associate Program
The Veterinary Assisting Associate’s degree program at Foothill College can be taken at their campus in Los Altos Hills in Santa Clara County, CA. The majority of of the school’s 15,030 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. The cost of tuition for in-state students is usually in the order of $1,551 and for students from outside the state in the order of $8,391 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $1,764, although this will vary with the program.
* Tuition fees and accredition status are correct at the time of writing, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Confirm with college before applying.
Other Options
See also the neighbor states of Arizona, Nevada and Oregon. You can find vet technician programs in California here.
What vet assistants do in California
California has more licensed veterinarians than any other state, which means there are more clinics, animal hospitals, and specialty practices hiring support staff. As a vet assistant, you work directly alongside veterinarians and vet technicians every day. Your job is to keep the clinic running smoothly so the licensed staff can focus on medical decisions.
Day-to-day tasks include restraining animals during exams, taking weight and temperature readings, cleaning and sterilizing equipment, preparing exam rooms, and updating patient records. Some clinics also ask vet assistants to help with client communication, explaining discharge instructions or follow-up care to pet owners.
You do not diagnose animals or administer medications independently. Those tasks belong to licensed vet technicians and veterinarians. Your role is hands-on support work, and it is the foundation that most vet tech careers are built on.
How California’s vet assistant role differs from a vet technician
This distinction matters before you pick a program. California licenses vet technicians through the California Veterinary Medical Board. To become a licensed vet tech in the state, you need an accredited two-year associate degree and must pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination, known as the VTNE.
Vet assistants are not licensed by the state. There is no state exam and no mandatory credential. That means you can start working sooner, often after a short certificate program or even on-the-job training. The trade-off is that your scope of practice is narrower and your pay ceiling is lower than a licensed vet tech’s.
If your long-term goal is to become a licensed vet tech, starting as a vet assistant is a practical path. You build clinic experience while you decide whether to continue into a full vet tech program.
Training options available to you in California
Certificate programs at community colleges
Many California community colleges have veterinary programs that include a vet assistant certificate track. These programs typically run from a few months to one year. You take courses in animal handling, basic anatomy, clinic procedures, and sometimes medical terminology. Clinical hours at a local facility are usually part of the requirement.
Community college tuition in California is among the lowest in the country for state residents. If you qualify for the California College Promise Grant (formerly known as the Board of Governors Fee Waiver), your enrollment fees may be reduced significantly. Check with the financial aid office at any college you are considering.
Vocational school and private career college programs
Private career schools also run vet assistant programs across California. These programs tend to move faster than community college courses, sometimes completing in as little as 12 to 16 weeks. The trade-off is that private school tuition is usually higher. Look carefully at what is included: some programs bundle externship placement, exam prep, or job placement assistance into the cost.
On-the-job training
Some clinics hire people with no formal training and teach them directly. This is more common at smaller general practice clinics than at specialty or emergency hospitals. If you go this route, you may want to pursue a voluntary certification later to make your resume more competitive.
Voluntary certification for vet assistants
California does not require vet assistants to hold a certification, but earning one can help you stand out. The most recognized voluntary credential is the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) credential offered by the California Veterinary Medical Association, often called the CVMA. This is specific to California and is widely recognized by employers in the state.
To earn the AVA credential, you complete a skills checklist signed off by a supervising veterinarian, pass a written exam, and meet minimum hour requirements working in a clinic. The process verifies that you have real, supervised practice under your belt.
A second option is the Veterinary Assistant certification from the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, known as NAVTA. The NAVTA credential is recognized across the country and can be useful if you plan to move out of California later in your career.
Neither credential is required by law. Both can help when you are applying to competitive positions at specialty clinics, emergency hospitals, or corporate veterinary chains.
What to look for in a California vet assistant program
Externship or clinical hours
Classroom knowledge alone will not prepare you for clinic work. Look for programs that include hands-on time at a real veterinary facility. Some programs arrange this for you; others expect you to find your own externship site. Ask before you enroll.
Instructor background
Find out whether your instructors are licensed vet technicians or veterinarians with current or recent clinic experience. Instructors who have worked in California clinics understand the local job market and can give you practical advice.
Job placement support
Some programs have relationships with local clinics and can refer graduates directly to open positions. Ask what percentage of recent graduates found work in the field within six months of completing the program. If a school cannot give you a clear answer, that tells you something.
Schedule flexibility
Many people who enter vet assistant programs are already working or have other responsibilities. Check whether the program has evening, weekend, or online coursework options. Clinical hours will almost always need to be done in person, but some lecture content can be completed on your own schedule.
Where vet assistants work in California
General practice clinics are the most common employer. These are neighborhood animal hospitals that see dogs, cats, and sometimes small mammals or birds. You will also find openings at specialty hospitals that focus on areas like oncology, orthopedics, or cardiology. Emergency and critical care hospitals often hire vet assistants for overnight and weekend shifts.
California also has a significant number of animal shelters, humane societies, and rescue organizations. These settings often hire vet assistants, though the pace and type of work differs from a private clinic. Research institutions and zoological facilities are less common entry points but worth knowing about if you have an interest in wildlife or exotic species.
The greater Los Angeles area, the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Sacramento have the highest concentration of veterinary employers in the state. If you live in a rural part of California, mixed-animal or large-animal practices are more common, and experience with livestock or horses can set you apart.
Moving from vet assistant to licensed vet technician in California
If you decide to advance your career, the next step is a California Veterinary Medical Board-approved vet technician program. These are two-year associate degree programs accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, often called the AVMA. After you graduate, you sit for the VTNE.
Your time as a vet assistant will give you a practical advantage going into a vet tech program. You will already know how a clinic runs, how to handle animals safely, and what the job actually looks like day to day. Some community colleges allow vet assistant coursework to count toward vet tech program prerequisites, though this varies by school.
Talk to the program advisor at any vet tech program you are considering. Ask directly whether your prior coursework or work experience can reduce the time or cost of completing the degree.
Steps to take now
Start by making a list of programs within a reasonable distance from where you live or work. Contact each program’s admissions office and ask about enrollment dates, clinical hour requirements, and any financial aid they administer directly to students. Visit in person if you can, and ask to speak with a current student or recent graduate.
If you want to start working before completing a program, look for clinics that hire entry-level kennel staff or veterinary receptionists. These roles give you exposure to clinic life and make you a stronger applicant when you are ready to move into an assistant role.
Explore the vet assistant programs listed on this site to compare your options and find a program that fits your schedule and budget.
What vet assistants do in California
California has more licensed veterinarians than any other state, which means vet assistant jobs here are tied to one of the busiest veterinary markets in the country. If you are thinking about this career, you are looking at hands-on work inside clinics, animal hospitals, and shelters every day.
Your job as a vet assistant centers on keeping the clinic running smoothly so the veterinarian and vet technician can focus on medical tasks. You restrain animals during exams, prepare exam rooms, clean equipment, update patient records, and help comfort nervous pets and their owners. Some vet assistants also draw blood, prepare medication labels, or assist during minor procedures under direct supervision.
You do not diagnose conditions or prescribe treatments. That line belongs to licensed veterinarians and registered vet technicians. But you are the person in the room most of the time, which makes your work essential.
How California’s vet assistant role differs from a vet tech role
Many people confuse vet assistants and vet technicians. In California, the distinction matters legally.
A registered veterinary technician (RVT) in California holds a state license issued by the California Veterinary Medical Board. To earn that license, a person must complete an accredited two-year program and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), a standardized licensing test used across the country. An RVT can perform a wider range of clinical tasks independently.
A vet assistant does not hold a state license. There is no mandatory certification exam required to work as a vet assistant in California right now. Training programs exist and employers value them, but the state does not require you to pass a licensing test before you can work. This makes the vet assistant path a faster entry point into veterinary medicine.
If you later decide to become an RVT, your time as a vet assistant gives you practical experience that can help you in an accredited vet tech program.
Training options available to you in California
You have several ways to train for this role in California. The right path depends on how fast you want to start working and how much time you can commit.
On-the-job training
Some California clinics hire entry-level candidates with no formal training and teach them on the job. This approach works if you already have some experience with animals, strong communication skills, and a reliable work history. The downside is that you compete against candidates who do have formal credentials, and on-the-job training does not give you a certificate to show future employers.
Certificate programs at community colleges
California community colleges in several regions run short vet assistant certificate programs. These programs typically run from a few months to one year. You take courses in animal handling, clinical procedures, medical terminology, and basic pharmacology (the study of how drugs work in animals). Many programs include a hands-on externship at a local clinic.
Community college programs are often the most affordable option. Costs vary by district, so contact the admissions office of any program you are considering to get current figures.
Approved veterinary assistant programs (AVAPs)
The California Veterinary Medical Board recognizes a category called Approved Veterinary Assistant Programs (AVAPs). Completing one of these programs lets you perform certain tasks that unlicensed assistants cannot legally do in California, such as administering oral medications or applying bandages. This is an important distinction in California that does not exist in most other states.
If a clinic wants you to handle those expanded tasks, you may need AVAP completion on your record. Ask any program you research whether it holds AVAP status from the California Veterinary Medical Board before you enroll.
Nationally recognized credentials
The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) oversees the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) credential. This is a voluntary national certification. To earn it, you complete a NAVTA-approved program and pass a written exam. Holding the AVA credential signals to employers that you met a national standard, which can help when you apply for jobs in California or in another state later.
What to look for in a California vet assistant program
Not every program gives you the same preparation. Here are the things worth checking before you commit.
Externship placement
A program that places you in a working clinic for a set number of hours gives you real experience. Ask how many externship hours are required and whether the program helps you find a placement site near you.
AVAP status
As explained above, this California-specific status determines whether you can legally perform a broader set of tasks on the job. Programs with AVAP status are regulated by the California Veterinary Medical Board and must meet defined curriculum standards.
NAVTA approval
If earning the national AVA credential matters to you, confirm the program is listed as NAVTA-approved before you enroll. Not all California programs hold this approval.
Schedule and format
Some programs run in the evenings or on weekends to fit working students. Others are full-time daytime programs. Online coursework is available for the lecture portions at some schools, though hands-on labs must happen in person. Confirm the format works with your current schedule before you apply.
Cost and financial aid
Community college programs are generally less expensive than private school programs. If you qualify for financial aid under the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), federal funds may cover part of the cost. Private programs may have payment plans or institutional scholarships. Compare the total cost, not just the tuition listed on the website.
Day-to-day work environment
Most vet assistants in California work in private veterinary practices. You will also find positions at animal shelters, humane societies, emergency animal hospitals, and specialty veterinary centers that focus on areas like oncology (cancer care) or cardiology.
The work is physical. You spend much of the day on your feet, lifting animals, and moving between exam rooms. You will work with animals that are in pain or frightened, which means occasional scratches and bites are part of the job. Proper animal restraint technique reduces this risk, and good programs teach it in detail.
Schedules vary. Emergency animal hospitals operate around the clock, so if you work in one, you may have evening, overnight, or weekend shifts. Private practices usually follow daytime business hours, though many are open on Saturdays.
Building your career after your first vet assistant job
Starting as a vet assistant in California can lead in several directions.
Many vet assistants move into RVT roles after completing an accredited program and passing the VTNE. The clinical experience you build as an assistant gives you a practical foundation before you sit the exam. Some California RVT programs give credit for documented work experience, though requirements vary by school.
Others stay in the assistant role and advance by specializing. Working in a specialty practice, such as an exotic animal clinic or a veterinary dental practice, often comes with higher pay and a more focused skill set.
Supervisory roles exist at larger clinics and animal hospitals. A lead vet assistant or kennel supervisor position usually requires several years of experience and a proven track record with both animals and clinic operations.
Finding open positions in California
Job listings for vet assistants in California appear on general job boards, but the most targeted listings often show up through the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and through veterinary school career boards. If you complete an externship during your training, the clinic where you work is a natural first place to ask about open positions. Many vet assistants get hired directly out of their externship placements.
Volunteering at an animal shelter before or during training is another way to build experience and professional contacts. Shelter staff often know which local clinics are hiring.
Steps to take now
If you are ready to move forward, start by making a list of programs in your area. Confirm whether each program holds AVAP status with the California Veterinary Medical Board and whether it carries NAVTA approval if the national credential matters to your goals. Contact the admissions office of any program that looks like a fit, ask about externship placements, and request information on total program cost and any financial aid options available to you.
Explore the program listings on this site to compare California vet assistant training options and find a program close to where you live.
