Surgery Veterinary Assistant

Surgery Veterinary Assistant

Are you passionate about veterinary medicine and interested in advancing your skills in a surgical specialty environment? We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Surgery Veterinary Assistant to join our growing surgical team. This role offers the opportunity to work alongside board-certified surgeons, credentialed technicians, and veterinary professionals providing advanced surgical care to pets and their families.

Position details:

• Full-time schedule: four, 10-hour shifts, Monday through Friday with occasional rotating Saturdays.
• Dedicated to our surgery department.
• Opportunities to build skills alongside specialists, LVTs, and fellow assistants while gaining exposure to advanced procedures and treatments

As a Surgery Veterinary Assistant, you will support patient care throughout the surgical process, from pre-operative preparation to post-operative recovery. Responsibilities include:

• Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians with surgical consultations, procedures, and patient care
• Prepare patients for surgery, including restraint, clipping, scrubbing, and surgical site preparation
• Set up and maintain sterile surgical suites and equipment
• Assist with patient induction, recovery, and monitoring under veterinary supervision
• Prepare and maintain surgical instruments, packs, and supplies
• Support diagnostic procedures including radiographs, CT preparation, sample collection, and laboratory submissions
• Monitor hospitalized surgical patients and report changes in condition
• Administer medications and treatments as directed and permitted by state regulations
• Maintain accurate medical records and treatment logs
• Communicate professionally and compassionately with clients regarding patient care and discharge instructions
• Ensure treatment and surgical areas remain clean, organized, and properly stocked
• Collaborate with surgeons, technicians, and support staff to deliver exceptional patient outcomes

What we're looking for:

• Minimum 1 year of veterinary assistant experience preferred
• Surgery, specialty, emergency, or anesthesia experience is highly desirable
• Strong patient handling and restraint skills
• Understanding of aseptic technique and surgical preparation preferred
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to patient safety
• Willingness to learn advanced surgical procedures and specialty medicine

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid parental leave
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Employee discounts
• Flexible schedules
• 401K with company match
• Continued education and training opportunities

Every day presents new opportunities to assist with complex and rewarding cases, support patients through life-changing procedures, and work with cutting-edge surgical equipment and techniques. This role is ideal for veterinary assistants who enjoy hands-on patient care, precision, and being part of a highly collaborative medical team dedicated to exceptional outcomes.

About Virginia Veterinary Specialty and Emergency

Virginia Veterinary Specialty and Emergency, located in Charlottesville, VA, is a full-service veterinary hospital providing 24/7 emergency services and advanced specialty care for dogs and cats. We partner closely with the general practice community to provide personalized, coordinated care. In addition to emergency services, we offer board-certified specialists in internal medicine, surgery, cardiology, and oncology as well as a rehabilitation department and are always looking to expand our specialty services to better serve our community's pets. From our state-of-the-art medical facility to our highly skilled team, we're dedicated to giving your canine and feline companions the best possible care.

Equal Opportunity Employer Policy

Virginia Veterinary Specialty & Emergency is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. We are proudly committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate based on age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, or any other non-merit factor. All qualified applicants, including minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.