Veterinary Assistant, Avian and Exotics

Veterinary Assistant, Avian and Exotics

Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists (GCVS) is a leader in specialized care for companion animals, known for excellence and collaboration with the veterinary community. Our state-of-the-art facility and expert team provide top-tier care across a range of specialties, including emergency, cardiology, oncology, neurology, surgery, and more. Join us and make a difference in the lives of pets and their families every day.

Compensation:

• Starting at $18/hr., based on experience
• + $3/hr. Weekend differential
• + $2/hr. Night differential (past 6pm)

Full-Time Benefits Include:

• 401(k) with matching
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life and Disability insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program and Discounts (including Pet Discount)
• Professional development and tuition assistance
• Uniform stipend
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Full-Time Monday 8:30am- 6pm, Tuesday 12pm-6pm, Thursday 8:30am- 6pm, Friday 8:30am- 6:00pm, and Saturday 8am-12pm

Job Description

It is the responsibility of the Veterinary Assistant (VA) to give responsible and compassionate care to all GCVS patients. They are responsible for monitoring and treating patients and keeping detailed records during hospitalization. A VA must have good communication skills with the doctors, CSTs, PCTs, VTs, CPCs, and other VAs to perform the work as delegated and produce quality results. Cleaning and stocking of all common areas is a daily activity that is required to maintain the standard level of care required at GCVS. This position requires a dependable, high-energy person who can handle multiple tasks at one time as well as a high stress, fast-paced environment.

• Provide patient care, including medication administration, laboratory testing, oxygen therapy, IV fluid management, and wound/bandage care.
• Place, maintain, and monitor peripheral, central, and urinary catheters.
• Collect and process diagnostic samples, including blood, urine, fecal, and soft tissue samples.
• Monitor and document patient vitals, intake/output, alerts, and overall condition; communicate concerns to veterinarians.
• Assist with patient transport, drop-offs, triage, tech appointments, and movement between hospital departments.
• Collaborate with veterinary teams and participate in required meetings.
• Maintain accurate medical records, support phone communications, and complete general administrative tasks.
• Support hospital operations through stocking, cleaning, laundry, patient walks, dishwashing, and oxygen tank refills.

Other Skills and Abilities

• Assist with patient triage and emergency care under supervision until competency is achieved.
• Perform and monitor patient assessments, including TPRs, blood pressure, SpO?, EKGs, and CVP support.
• Calculate medication dosages, fluid rates, and unit conversions; safely administer medications through various routes.
• Assist with IV catheter placement, fluid therapy, CRIs, transfusions, oxygen therapy, and nutritional support (PEG, E-tube, NG tube, PPN/TPN).
• Collect and process diagnostic samples, including blood, urine, and laboratory testing (CBC, chemistry, electrolytes, PCV/TS, glucose, SNAP tests, etc.).
• Support advanced patient care procedures, including catheter placement, intubation, CPR, bandage care, and critical monitoring.
• Prepare and maintain medical equipment, supplies, treatment areas, and patient records.
• Maintain knowledge of medications, controlled substance protocols, hospital procedures, and patient care standards.
• Provide compassionate communication with clients and team members while adapting to patient and client needs.
• Utilize administrative skills, including documentation, email communication, record management, and computer systems.

Qualifications

• High School diploma is required, Associate's degree (A. A.) or Bachelors is preferred; or related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education / experience.
• Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) preferred
• Experienced Veterinary Assistants with at least 2 years of experience preferred
• Prior experience with exotics/wildlife is preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to thrive under pressure and make informed decisions in fast-paced situations.
• A genuine passion for animal care and a commitment to patient well-being.
• Fluent English skills (speaking & reading) are required for the role; fluency in multiple languages a plus!

Why choose GCVS?

• Make a meaningful impact by being an advocate for pets and their families.
• Work alongside a compassionate and talented team dedicated to excellence in veterinary care.
• Enjoy a dynamic, fast-paced environment that keeps you engaged and challenged.
• Be part of a workplace that values your contributions and supports your growth.
• Ongoing opportunities for continued education such as lunch and learns hosted by various vendors and entities.

About GCVS

At GCVS, we offer a comprehensive range of veterinary specialties, including emergency and critical care, anesthesia and pain management, avian and exotic animal medicine, cardiology, dermatology and allergy care, diagnostic imaging, internal medicine, neurology and neurosurgery, oncology, ophthalmology, sports medicine and rehabilitation, and surgery and orthopedics. Join us and become part of a team that strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and their families every day.

Nearby Communities

GCVS attracts Veterinary Technicians from throughout the Greater Houston area, including:

• Houston, TX
• Pearland, TX
• Friendswood, TX
• League City, TX
• Webster, TX
• Clear Lake, TX
• Pasadena, TX
• Baytown, TX
• Sugar Land, TX
• Missouri City, TX
• Katy, TX
• Richmond, TX
• Cypress, TX
• Spring, TX
• The Woodlands, TX
• Humble, TX
• Kingwood, TX
• Channelview, TX
• La Porte, TX
• Deer Park, TX

About Ethos Veterinary Health

Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world-class medicine, and help shape what veterinary care becomes next. Across our network of 140 specialty and emergency hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You'll work alongside respected veterinary leaders in academic-caliber hospitals designed for learning, teaching, and discovery. Here, mentorship is a two-way street. You'll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to grow, clinically, professionally, and personally. At Ethos, you inspire hope, deliver exceptional care, and pursue veterinary medicine at its highest level, together.

Join Us

At Ethos, this isn't just a job, it's an opportunity to practice medicine at the highest level and help shape the future of veterinary care. Candidates can confidentially submit their CV to Talent Acquisition Partner Craig at View email address on click.appcast.io Equal Opportunity Employer Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All