Veterinary Assistant

Job Description

Position Title: Veterinary Assistant
Reports To: Lead Veterinary Technician / Hospital Manager / Veterinarian
Department: Medical Team
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt


Pay: Hourly $15-$18.50


5750 N Lilley Rd, Canton Mi 48187


Part-Time

Position Summary


The Veterinary Assistant (Non-Certified is okay) supports veterinarians and licensed technicians in providing high-quality patient care and excellent client service. While not credentialed, this role requires strong hands-on skills, safe patient handling, and the ability to assist in medical procedures, diagnostics, treatments, and recordkeeping under the supervision of a veterinarian or LVT.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Patient Care & Handling
• Safely restrain and handle patients for examinations, treatments, and procedures.
• Provide comfort, monitoring, and nursing care to hospitalized patients.
• Assist with induction and monitoring of anesthesia under LVT/DVM supervision.
• Perform dental charting and assist with dental cleanings as trained.


Medical Support
• Maintain exam rooms, treatment areas, and surgical suites.
• Assist veterinarians during exams, procedures, and surgeries.
• Collect and process samples (blood, urine, fecal, cytology) as trained.
• Run in-house diagnostics (bloodwork, urinalysis, fecals, SNAP tests) etc.
• Fill prescriptions accurately and safely.
• Accurately enter medical notes and charges in the practice management system.


Client Service
• Communicate clearly and compassionately with clients about patient care, treatment plans, and discharge instructions (as directed by the doctor).
• Provide education on preventative care, nutrition, and medications under the guidance of the DVM/LVT.


Hospital Operations
• Clean, sterilize, and maintain equipment and instruments.
• Maintain hospital cleanliness and organization, including treatment and kennel areas.
• Stock and rotate supplies; notify leadership when items are low.
• Follow infection control, safety, and AAHA standards.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Compassion for animals and people, with empathy and strong communication skills.
• Ability to restrain animals safely and confidently in various situations.
• Skilled in sample collection, diagnostics, and treatment assistance (as trained).
• Strong teamwork and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic computer and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, including entering coherent and professional statements in patient records.
• Knowledge of basic pharmacology and ability to fill prescriptions accurately under supervision.

Education & Experience
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous animal handling required. Experience can be from vet care, shelter care or pet daycare/boarding.
• Formal credentialing (LVT/CVT/RVT) not required.

Physical Requirements
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and kneel for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs (with assistance available for larger patients).
• Exposure to allergens, zoonotic diseases, anesthesia, radiation, and cleaning chemicals with appropriate PPE provided.

Core Values Alignment
• Hospital-Oriented: Supports the team and fosters a positive environment.
• Results-Driven: Strives for accuracy, efficiency, and high-quality care.
• Accountable: Takes responsibility for duties and follows through.
• Transparent: Communicates clearly with teammates and clients.
• Innovative: Open to learning, training, and improving hospital processes.

National Veterinary Associates (NVA) is a leading North American pet health care company with nearly 1,300 locations spanning general practice veterinary hospitals, Ethos emergency and specialty hospitals, and pet resorts and equine veterinary care. With approximately 40,000 team members, we care for pets and support pet families in communities across the United States and Canada. Our purpose is to give pets and the people who love them more quality years together, and our mission is to make care more personal, easy and accessible while advancing medicine and care across every stage of life. Across NVA, we support our teams with the resources, expertise and opportunities they need to deliver exceptional care and help shape the future of veterinary and pet care.

Purpose : Give pets and the people who love them more quality years together

Mission : Transform the pet family experience to be personal, easy and accessible, while advancing medicine and care across every stage of life.


Values : Care Deeply, Do What's Right, One Team, Own It, Shape What's Next


One NVA: Bringing General Practice & Ethos Together

NVA is built to make care personal, easy and accessible, while advancing medicine across every stage of a pet's life.


At National Veterinary Associates, we want to make sure your experience connecting with us is seamless and straightforward. Here's what to expect when interacting with us:

- We'll always reach out via verified LinkedIn profiles or emails ending in @nva.com

- We may also contact you via text message from an identified NVA representative for recruiting-related communication

- All job opportunities and applications are hosted on our official careers site: careers.nva.com

- There is no cost or confidential information required to apply or be considered for a position

If you have any doubts about a communication, feel free to visit our careers page to verify authenticity or email us at View email address on click.appcast.io. Thank you for exploring opportunities at NVA!

NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, NVA provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.

NVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.