Senior Veterinary Assistant

Job Description

Sea Island Animal Hospital is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to join our AAHA-accredited, fear-free focused small animal general practice in Beaufort, South Carolina. This role is ideal for someone with a basic foundation in animal care who is passionate about veterinary medicine and eager to grow within a supportive, team-driven hospital.

About Sea Island Animal Hospital


Sea Island Animal Hospital is a well-established small animal GP with a strong emphasis on fear-free handling, collaboration, and culture. Our hospital features:
• 6 full-time veterinarians
• Visiting board-certified surgeons and an internist
• Newly remodeled surgical and dental suites
• Full IDEXX in-house laboratory
• Digital radiology & digital dental radiology
• Ultrasound, oxygen cage, and advanced anesthesia monitoring


We've intentionally built a strong, positive culture grounded in communication, accountability, and respect. Our team operates with shared team agreements, reviewed regularly to maintain a healthy and supportive work environment.

About the Role: Veterinary Assistant


Veterinary Assistants are essential members of our medical team, supporting doctors and technicians through appointments, treatments, diagnostics, and preventative care.


Key Responsibilities:
• Assist veterinarians and technicians during exams and outpatient appointments
• Provide safe, fear-free patient restraint
• Support preventative care and vaccination protocols
• Assist with basic treatments and patient care
• Help maintain cleanliness and organization of exam rooms and treatment areas
• Support patient comfort and recovery
• Deliver excellent client service and communication

Who We're Looking For
• Minimum of 6 months of veterinary assistant experience
• Basic understanding of:


o Patient restraint


o Animal behavior


o Preventative care and vaccination protocols
• Passion for veterinary medicine and animal welfare
• Willingness to learn and accept coaching
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and team-first mindset
• Reliable, compassionate, and detail-oriented


We value attitude, passion, and potential just as much as experience.

Schedule & Compensation
• Full-time: 4 ten-hour shifts (8:00am-6:00pm)
• 1-2 Saturdays per month


o When working a Saturday, you'll receive a ½ day off during the week
• Veterinary Assistants follow their doctor's schedules
• $17-$20/hour, based on experience
• No overnights or holidays

Benefits & Perks
• Medical, dental & vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Quarterly Paw Plan Bonus
• Annual Paw Plan Bonus
• Pet care discounts
• Uniform allowance
• Employee discounts
• Life insurance

Growth & Career Development


We believe in developing our people from within.
• Structured in-house training program
• Clear training guides and a leveling system
• Training milestones tied directly to raises
• At least two CE opportunities per month (Lunch & Learns)
• Supportive leadership and doctors who love to teach
• Opportunity to pursue Veterinary Technician certification after one year of employment for the right candidate

Why Sea Island Animal Hospital?
• AAHA-accredited, fear-free focused practice
• Strong culture built on trust, communication, and accountability
• A team that values learning, growth, and mutual support
• Open environment where ideas and suggestions are welcomed
• A hospital that invests in people who are passionate and engaged


If you're ready to grow your career in veterinary medicine with a hospital that truly supports its team, we would love to meet you.


Apply today and take the first step in your veterinary career with Sea Island Animal Hospital.

National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the love of animals and the people who love them.

At NVA, we're on a mission to improve the lives of pets and the people who love them. That starts by empowering our care teams. We nurture their growth with resources to practice medicine their way. Our network of 1,000 hospitals connects them to a community of professionals who share their passion so they can learn and grow together. Our national presence enables us to deliver technology and innovations that simplify work and expand care for all. At NVA, we're committed to your professional growth. We support your entire career journey, offering opportunities ranging from mentorship to ownership.

At National Veterinary Associates, we want to make sure your experience connecting with us is seamless and straightforward. Here's what to expect when interacting with us:
• We'll always reach out via verified LinkedIn profiles or emails ending in @nva.com
• We may also contact you via text message from an identified NVA representative for recruiting-related communication
• All job opportunities and applications are hosted on our official careers site: careers.nva.com
• There is no cost or confidential information required to apply or be considered for a position

If you have any doubts about a communication, feel free to visit our careers page to verify authenticity or email us at View email address on click.appcast.io. Thank you for exploring opportunities at NVA!

NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, NVA provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.

NVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.