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.
