Veterinary Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Dollys Animal Clinic is looking for an experienced, energetic, and compassionate Veterinary Assistant to join our pet care team.

In this role, you will work closely with our veterinarians and technical team to help ensure every patient receives high-quality care. You will assist with examinations, treatments, surgical preparation, patient monitoring, client communication, and the daily flow of the hospital.

The ideal candidate is dependable, self-directed, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, and able to collaborate with multiple team members. Strong communication and customer service skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians and the medical team during examinations, treatments, and procedures
• Obtain accurate patient histories, temperatures, weights, and other vital signs
• Safely and compassionately restrain animals during examinations and procedures
• Prepare patients, equipment, and treatment areas for surgeries and minor procedures
• Assist with surgical preparation, patient recovery, and basic monitoring under the direction of the medical team
• Collect and process laboratory samples, including blood, urine, fecal samples, and ear cytologies, based on experience and training
• Assist with radiographs, dental procedures, medication administration, fluid therapy, and other technical duties as permitted
• Monitor patients and document changes in their medical or behavioral condition
• Notify the veterinarian or appropriate team member of unusual symptoms, behaviors, or changes in vital signs
• Maintain accurate and complete patient notes and medical records
• Communicate with clients in a compassionate and professional manner regarding their pet's care
• Educate clients on basic pet care, medications, follow-up instructions, and veterinarian recommendations
• Help maintain an efficient and positive patient flow throughout the hospital
• Clean and disinfect kennels, treatment areas, examination rooms, laboratory spaces, and the surgical suite
• Clean, organize, and maintain medical equipment, surgical packs, anesthesia equipment, and laboratory machines
• Follow hospital safety, cleanliness, and infection-control protocols
• Support, guide, and collaborate with fellow team members
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the daily operation of the hospital

Qualifications

• At least one year of experience working as a Veterinary Assistant or in a similar veterinary support role
• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Experience with animal handling and safe, compassionate restraint techniques
• Familiarity with veterinary terminology, medications, and common hospital procedures
• Knowledge of IDEXX laboratory equipment is preferred
• Experience with Vetspire software is a plus, but training can be provided
• Strong computer, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Able to work independently while also contributing to a team-oriented environment
• Friendly, warm, reliable, and professional
• Flexible, cooperative, dependable, and able to manage time effectively
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced veterinary environment
• Willingness to learn new skills and maintain high standards of patient care and cleanliness
• Willingness to participate in required background checks and drug testing
• Veterinary Assistant certification or additional veterinary training is a plus but not required