Veterinary Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

We are building a small-animal general practice veterinary hospital where excellent medicine and genuine, attentive client and patient care come together. We are looking for a veterinary assistant (or RVT) who wants to grow with us and help create a hospital culture where team members feel supported, pet parents feel respected, and every patient receives thoughtful, attentive care.

This position may be a strong fit for you if you:

• Care deeply about animals and the people who love them
• Take pride in being dependable, prepared, and attentive
• Enjoy learning and ask questions when you are unsure
• Accept coaching and use feedback to improve
• Notice what needs to be done and take initiative
• Communicate clearly and concisely with clients and teammates
• Stay calm, organized, and compassionate during busy or difficult moments
• Want to become excellent in your role and / or grow into a more challenging role

What You Will Do

Clinical & Nursing Care

• Administer medications (oral, injectable, topical) as directed by a veterinarian.
• Perform blood and urine collections, catheter placements, and SQ/IM/IV injections.
• Assist in medical treatments, bandaging, wound care, and fluid therapy.
• Monitor hospitalized patients and document vitals, behavior, and condition changes.
• Provide gentle handling and restraint to ensure patient safety and comfort.
• Recognize signs of pain, distress, or deterioration and alert the veterinary team.

Surgical & Anesthesia Support

• Prepare patients for surgery including clipping, scrubbing, and positioning.
• Monitor anesthesia, track vitals, and record data throughout surgical procedures.
• Oversee patient recovery and post-operative comfort.

Dentistry

• Perform dental cleanings on pets under anesthesia, including scaling and polishing.
• Chart dental findings and report abnormalities to veterinarians.

Instrument / equipment preparation

• Clean and sterilize surgical and dental instruments.
• Prepare, setup and test anesthesia equipment prior to surgical and dentistry procedures.

Prescriptions

• Prepare medications to be dispensed to patients with accurate count, labeling and packaging.

Client Communication & Education

• Provide clear discharge instructions for medications, at-home care, and follow-ups.
• Educate clients on topics such as nutrition, parasite prevention, and behavior.
• Support end-of-life care with compassion and professionalism.

Diagnostics & Laboratory

• Perform in-house diagnostic tests including blood tests, urinalysis, and cytology.
• Collect and prepare lab samples (blood, urine, feces, skin scrapings).
• Operate and maintain lab and imaging equipment.

Radiology

• Safely position patients for diagnostic imaging.
• Follow radiation safety protocols and wear appropriate PPE.
• Capture quality diagnostic images using digital radiography systems.

Hospital Support & Leadership

• Assist in inventory management and ordering as needed.
• Maintain a clean and organized treatment and surgical area.
• Mentor and support new team members.
• Participate in continuing education to stay current on hospital procedures.
• Support the veterinary team wherever help is needed.
• Support customer service responsibilities if / when necessary.

Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of clinical experience as a veterinary assistant in a veterinary hospital.
• Excellent communication, organization, and technical skills.
• Comfortable with lifting, restraining, and working around animals of various temperaments.
• Ability to multitask and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with practice management software and digital record keeping.

What We Value

We believe a strong hospital is built by people who work toward one shared purpose. We value:

• Clear and respectful communication
• Reliability and personal responsibility
• Curiosity and continued learning
• Teamwork without ego
• Attention to detail
• Honest communication when something is unclear or has gone wrong
• A commitment to giving pet parents practical guidance they can understand and follow

Over one year of previous work experience as a veterinary assistant in a small animal hospital is preferred, but will consider experience in other hospital roles for the right candidate. Candidates should be comfortable and confident handling and safely restraining dogs and cats. Familiarity with common clinical procedures is an asset, but we are willing to train the right person who demonstrates maturity, reliability, compassion, and a sincere commitment to veterinary medicine. Pay rate will commensurate with the candidate's clinical experience.

Position Details

• Part-time - 24 to 29 work hours per week
• Position is open to veterinary assistants (or newly licensed RVT)
• Schedule may include weekdays and Saturdays
• Compensation based on experience, knowledge, reliability, and demonstrated skills
• Opportunities for continued learning and professional growth

We are especially interested in candidates who want to build a long-term career, contribute ideas, and grow alongside a developing hospital.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Reasonable accommodations may be available to qualified individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process.

Disclaimer

This job posting is for a position with an independent franchise entity, and not PetSmart Veterinary Services, LLC or its affiliates. Each franchise location is individually owned and operated. Wages and benefits may vary from franchise to franchise.

The independent franchisee, and not PetSmart Veterinary Services, LLC, is solely responsible for all employment-related matters in this veterinary hospital, including but not limited to hiring, firing, disciplinary action, supervision, staffing, and scheduling. PetSmart Veterinary Services, LLC is not responsible for the employment policies and practices of independent franchisees and does not employ independent franchisees’ employees. If you are hired for this position, the independent franchisee, and not PetSmart Veterinary Services, LLC, will be your employer.

If this opportunity inspires you, we would love to have a conversation about what we can build together.