Veterinary Assistant: What to Study and How Much You Can Earn
A veterinary assistant is the backbone of any well-functioning veterinary clinic. While the veterinarian decides on diagnosis and treatment, the assistant holds the patient, prepares equipment, calms owners and makes the practice truly work. And what do they get in return?
What does a veterinary assistant study?
Unlike a vet: who requires a six-year master's degree programme at VFU Brno or FVL UK: a veterinary assistant has more routes to education:
- Secondary school with a maturity certificate - field of Veterinary Medicine (Secondary School of Agriculture and Veterinary Science) or Agricultural Business with a veterinary focus. Duration 4 years.
- Higher Vocational School (VOŠ) - field of Veterinary Assistant (BSc), duration 3 years. For example, the Higher Vocational School for Veterinary Assistants in Prague or Brno.
- Certified courses - shortened retraining courses for graduates of related fields (biology, agriculture). Duration 3-12 months.
- Practical experience and self-study - some clinics accept assistants without formal education for the position of "veterinary assistant" and train them directly at the practice.
The most valuable combination in the 2026 job market is a graduate of a higher vocational school with at least one year of experience. Certificates from international organisations such as VNCA (Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia) or equivalent British certificates are recognised in the Czech Republic.
Job description: What does an assistant actually do?
The work of a veterinary assistant is diverse. It combines direct work with animals, communication with owners and administration. A typical day looks like this:
- Preparing the surgery - instrument sterilisation, medication preparation, stock control of materials
- Patient reception - dear customers, temperature measurement, basic medical history, calming the animal
- Assistance with investigation patient restraint, instrument handling, assistance with blood draws and irrigations
- Assistance with operations - preparation of the operating field, assistance, monitoring of anaesthesia under veterinary supervision
- Care and treatment of hospitalized animals - feeding, administering medication, monitoring vital functions, cleaning cages
- Laboratory work - microscopy, basic blood tests, sample processing
- Administration and communication with clients - ordering, managing customer records, processing prescriptions
Average salary of a veterinary assistant in the Czech Republic (2026)
| Position / experience | Average salary (gross) |
|---|---|
| Beginner (0-2 years of experience) | 28 000 - 32 000 Kč |
| Experienced assistant (3-5 years of experience) | 32 000 - 38 000 Kč |
| Senior Assistant / Team Leader (5+ years) | 38 000 - 48 000 Kč |
| Prague vs. Other regions | Prague +10-15% above average |
Salaries vary by employer, private clinics generally pay better than the state veterinary administration or rescue stations. Veterinary hospitals with 24-hour operations offer allowances for night and weekend shifts.
Career progression
Where to find work as a veterinary assistant?
The market for veterinary assistants in the Czech Republic is relatively small and vacancies are filled quickly. Where to look:
- mazlic.cz - A specialist portal featuring job listings in animal breeding, the veterinary sector and pet care.
- Direct contact with clinics - send your CV directly to veterinary clinics in your area. Many do not publish job openings publicly.
- Zoos and rescue stations - The Prague Zoo, Liberec, Brno and dozens of rescue stations regularly look for assistants.
- State Veterinary Administration of the Czech Republic - food inspections, cross-border controls, state rescue operations
- LinkedIn - an increasing number of veterinary clinics in Prague and Brno are advertising via LinkedIn
Are you looking for work in the veterinary sector?
On mazlic.cz you can find current job offers for veterinary assistants, technicians and other positions at veterinary clinics, zoos and rescue centres across the Czech Republic.
Search for veterinary positions