Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Assistant

Job Overview

We are seeking a compassionate, dependable, and motivated Veterinary Assistant to join our veterinary hospital team.

The Veterinary Assistant is an important member of the medical team who supports veterinarians and veterinary technicians in providing safe, efficient, and high-quality care to pets. This position helps prepare patients and treatment areas, assists with appointments and procedures, communicates with clients, maintains a clean and organized hospital, and helps ensure continuity of care throughout the day.

The ideal candidate enjoys working with animals, communicates well, pays close attention to detail, and can remain calm and organized in a fast-paced medical environment.

Responsibilities

• Support veterinarians and veterinary technicians during appointments, treatments, and procedures
• Safely handle and restrain dogs and cats using appropriate, compassionate techniques
• Obtain and document patient histories, weights, temperatures, and other information as directed
• Prepare examination rooms, treatment areas, surgery areas, and medical supplies
• Assist with preventive-care, sick-pet, drop-off, and follow-up appointments
• Prepare patients and supplies for diagnostic testing and medical procedures
• Assist with collecting and preparing laboratory samples as permitted
• Help with radiographs, laboratory testing, medication preparation, vaccinations, and treatments as permitted by hospital policy and state law
• Monitor and care for hospitalized, recovering, or surgical patients as directed
• Communicate observations and changes in a pet’s condition promptly to the veterinarian or veterinary technician
• Educate clients on preventive care, medications, discharge instructions, and general pet-health recommendations as directed
• Ensure clients and pets are comfortable and treated with compassion throughout their visit
• Maintain accurate and complete patient records
• Clean and disinfect examination rooms, kennels, treatment areas, instruments, and equipment
• Restock medical supplies and notify leadership when inventory is running low
• Assist with surgery preparation, patient recovery, instrument cleaning, and maintaining proper sanitation
• Follow all hospital safety, infection-control, radiology, anesthesia, and patient-identification procedures
• Work cooperatively with doctors, veterinary technicians, client service coordinators, and hospital leadership
• Assist with additional hospital duties as needed to support patient care and hospital operations

Qualifications and Requirements

• Previous veterinary assistant, animal-care, kennel, shelter, or clinical experience is preferred
• Veterinary assistant certification or related education is a plus but may not be required
• Genuine interest in animal health and client education
• Ability to handle dogs and cats safely and compassionately
• Strong communication, teamwork, and listening skills
• Ability to follow medical instructions and hospital protocols carefully
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to patient safety
• Ability to multitask and shift priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Comfortable working around blood, bodily fluids, medical procedures, anesthesia, medications, and biological hazards
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform physical duties such as bending, kneeling, lifting, and assisting with animal restraint
• Dependable attendance and punctuality
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, which may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to perform only those duties permitted by hospital policy and applicable state veterinary practice laws

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is compassionate, reliable, eager to learn, and comfortable taking initiative while following the direction of the veterinarian and veterinary technician. They understand the importance of patient safety, client communication, teamwork, cleanliness, and maintaining a calm environment for pets.