Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Assistant Position Overview

The Veterinary Assistant supports veterinarians and veterinary technicians by providing compassionate patient care and assisting with daily hospital operations. This role focuses on animal handling, patient comfort, exam room support, client service, and facility maintenance to ensure efficient workflow and high-quality veterinary care.

Primary Responsibilities Patient Care & Support

Provide compassionate care to patients by keeping them clean, comfortable, and safe. Monitor patients and promptly report changes in condition to a veterinarian or technician. Assist with basic treatments and patient care as directed. Support hospitalized patient care, including feeding, walking, cleaning, and comfort care. Animal Handling Safely and humanely restrain animals during examinations and procedures. Transport, cage, exercise, and handle animals with compassion, including fearful or fractious patients. Exam Room Assistance Prepare exam rooms for appointments and procedures. Greet clients and patients, escort them to exam rooms, and obtain basic patient information (weight, temperature as permitted). Assist veterinarians and technicians during exams by restraining animals and gathering supplies. Clean and reset exam rooms after each visit. Client Service & Communication Demonstrate professionalism, warmth, and courtesy in all client interactions. Provide basic information to clients regarding hospital services and procedures (as directed). Assist with appointment flow and escort clients to the front desk after visits. Diagnostics & Procedures Support Assist technicians and veterinarians with diagnostic procedures and sample collection. Prepare patients and equipment for procedures. Clean, pack, and sterilize instruments under supervision. Facility & Equipment Maintenance Clean and maintain exam rooms, treatment areas, kennels, and public areas. Restock supplies and assist with inventory rotation and organization. Clean and maintain medical equipment as directed.

Professional Expectations Maintain a positive, flexible, and team-oriented attitude. Prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment. Remain calm and responsive during emergencies. Follow hospital policies, safety protocols (OSHA), and animal-handling guidelines. Demonstrate initiative by assisting coworkers and seeking additional tasks during downtime.

Reporting Structure Reports to the Lead Technician, Practice Manager, and/or Veterinarians Work Environment & Physical Requirements Ability to lift up to 40 pounds independently and more with assistance. Ability to stand, walk, and perform physical tasks for extended shifts. Willingness to work around loud noises, strong odors, animal waste, and potential exposure to bites, scratches, and contagious diseases.

Qualifications Required: High school diploma or equivalent Ability to safely restrain animals and follow instructions Strong communication and teamwork skills Compassion for animals and excellent client-service attitude

Preferred: Previous veterinary, animal care, or medical experience Interest in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine

Compensation negotiable based on credentials and experience with an hourly pay range starting at $22.00 to $26.00 an hour. The actual rate offered will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.