Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Assistant – St. Louis Park / West Minneapolis / West Metro

Summary of job purpose and function: The Veterinary Assistant supports the veterinarians and veterinary technicians in ensuring quality veterinary care for all pets, advocates for pets, educates clients on all aspects of pet health, and maintains a safe and effective hospital environment.

Essential Responsibilities and Tasks

• Live and exemplify the Five Principles of Mars, Inc. within self and team.
• Act as the extra eyes, ears, and hands for the veterinarian and veterinary technician to ensure the best quality pet care and maximize productivity.
• Communicate with veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and other associates to maintain patient flow.
• Provide professional, efficient, and exceptional service at all times, including performing or preparing procedures that do not require veterinary or technician assistance and completing preparatory work for other procedures.
• Ensure clients and pets are comfortable in the hospital, and monitor hospitalized or surgical pets as allowed by state practice acts.
• Educate clients about Optimum Wellness Plans, preventive care, pet health needs, hospital services, and other issues.
• Obtain relevant information and history from clients and maintain proper and complete medical charts.
• Ensure the safety of pets, clients, and associates by utilizing safe restraining techniques, following standard protocols, and maintaining clean, sterile, and organized treatment areas, exam rooms, and labs.
• Assist with surgery as applicable.
• Utilize technical skills to the fullest within state practice acts and as outlined in NAVTA guidelines for veterinary assistant skills and duties.
• Mentor other paraprofessionals in the hospital.
• Other job duties as assigned.

Five Principles

• Quality – The consumer is our boss; quality is our work and value for money is our goal.
• Responsibility – Demand total responsibility from ourselves and support the responsibility of others.
• Mutuality – A shared benefit is a shared benefit that endures.
• Efficiency – Use resources fully, waste nothing, and do only what we do best.
• Freedom – Shape our future with freedom and profit to remain free.

Hiring Qualifications & Competencies

• Action Oriented
• Customer Focus
• Listening
• Peer Relationships
• Personal Learning
  • Ensure medical quality
  • Effective communication
  • Drive for results
• Functional Skills
  • Priority setting

Capabilities and Experience (Can-Do)

• Ability to multi-task; manage multiple tasks quickly and accurately.
• Excellent communication skills; reads, writes, and speaks fluent English.
• Strong organizational ability and systematic approach.
• Problem solving skills; identifies, analyzes, and solves problems with practical solutions.
• Client service skills; provides attentive, courteous, and informative service.
• Intellectual ability; follows instructions and provides directions.
• Mathematical ability; performs basic calculations and conversions.
• Computer skills; uses medical software, Outlook, Word, and Excel confidently.

Special Working Conditions

• Prolonged computer use.
• Confidence around a variety of pets.
• Work hours may exceed 40 per week, including weekends and evenings.
• Reasoning, remembering, mathematics, and language ability required.
• Moderately high noise level.
• Ambulatory skills to perform duties while moving in the hospital.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Exposure to pets that may bite or scratch, anesthesia, radiation, biological hazards, and medication or controlled substances.

Education / Experience

• Preferably a Certificate of completion from a NAVTA approved Veterinary Assistant program or equivalent.
• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• At least 18 years old to perform duties involving radiography.
• One year related experience is ideal; customer service experience preferred.

EEO Statement

Banfield is a drug‑free, smoke‑free, equal‑opportunity employer. Company policy, federal and state laws forbid discrimination because of age, color, race, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin. We are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plan (401(k) and Roth) with company match
• Paid Time Off and Holidays
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Short‑ and Long‑Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave for both birth and adoption
• Continuing Education Allowance (eligible positions)
• Identity Protection and Legal Plan
• Commuter Benefits
• Family Support Resources (e.g., backup child and elder care)