Veterinary Assistant - Surgery

Positions are available across all hospitals in the Pieper Veterinary network. For over 80 years, we’ve cared for Connecticut’s pets and their families with compassion and expertise. Joining our team means practicing the highest level of veterinary medicine in a supportive environment, with great benefits, collaborative colleagues, and a culture built on treating every pet as if they were our own. Explore open roles and start your career with Pieper today. Core Values The core values below are the beliefs that guide us in our practice every day -- It’s how we come to work. We Love What We Do We love what we do and who we do it for. We pay attention to the patient’s journey and we treat the individual. We’re passionate and proud of our work, our patients and our team. We put our hearts into it. Team Sport We know the best way to care for our patients and clients is by working together. We respect, trust, support and encourage our co-workers. We have each other’s back. We ask “How can I help?” Laughter The work we do is challenging, and we stay strong by lifting each other up. We feel a positive attitude and a little humor has the ability to make all the difference in someone’s day. We Can Handle It In fact, we can handle anything. We take action while keeping our cool. We adapt to whatever comes through the door. We’re decisive, confident and we are fearless. We like a good challenge and we do what is necessary. Good People Work Here We are united by the desire to be ethical, honest and responsible. We show integrity, compassion and respect and genuinely care about our work and our patients. Description: Are you a dedicated and compassionate Veterinary Assistant with a passion for surgery and a desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of pets and their families? Join the Surgery Team at Pieper Memorial Veterinary Center in Middletown, CT —a VECCS Level I Facility committed to delivering exceptional patient care while supporting the growth and development of every team member. At Pieper, you will work alongside experienced surgeons and technicians in a collaborative, fast-paced environment where precision, empathy, and teamwork drive everything we do. As a member of the surgical team, you will assist with pre- and post-operative care — playing a vital role in delivering improving quality of life for our patients. Our mission is simple: to make our community—and the animals and people in it—healthier and happier. If you are ready to grow your career in veterinary surgery with a team that values your skills and shares your passion, we would love to hear from you. What to Expect: Commitment to Continuing Education: We want to retain and develop our talent to the best of our ability. You can expect numerous in-house CE opportunities, and any mentoring available to support and achieve your career goals! Career Advancement: We pride ourselves on recognizing top talent and strong work ethic and if you demonstrate those things, you can expect to be promoted. Environment of Belonging: With so many specialties at your fingertips, it's easy to find where you fit. We also promote an environment of inclusivity so that everyone feels welcome. Environment of Collaboration: Our VECCS Level 1 Certified Hospital includes specialists in Emergency & Critical Care, Neurology, Internal Medicine, Oncology, Surgery, and Exotics and a full staff of experienced Emergency and Primary Care Veterinarians. With the support of their technicians, assistants, and liaisons the hospital teams work closely together to deliver the highest quality of care. About You: We believe veterinary medicine is truly a team sport , and we are looking for a candidate who shares that mindset. This position is perfect for someone who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and communicates effectively with both colleagues and clients. We are seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant who is comfortable with handling/restraint, basic surgical prep, and assisting Veterinary Technicians and other staff members in a clinical setting. This role also includes all other assistant responsibilities, such as cleaning, stocking, taking TPRs, restraining patients for exams and appointments, and assisting with admissions and discharges. Experience with EzyVet and SmartFlow is a plus but not required. Collaboration is highly valued on our team, and we encourage all staff members to speak up—your input is not only welcomed but can make a meaningful difference in patient care and team success. Anticipated Schedule: This is a full-time position: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Monday - 9am-7pm Holidays are required. Compensation: $19.50 - $22.50 an hour dependent on experience and education. What's in it for you? Supportive culture with social events & team building Competitive paid time off & holidays Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance Mental Health Focused Services 401(k) plan with strong employer match Team Building We know it's not always easy to make a move. We treat all interviews as confidential and if a casual chat is more your style, we can do that too! We genuinely love what we do and the people we work with! Requirements: Prior experience working in a veterinary setting. Experience in handling animals and performing basic animal care tasks. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with clients and team members. Ability to multi-task and remain organized in a fast-paced environment. Compassion and patience when handling animals. Basic knowledge of animal behavior and medical terminology. Ability to work well under pressure and in stressful situations. Ability to work collaboratively with veterinarians, technicians, and other staff members. Willingness to take direction and adapt to new tasks and procedures. Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions. Punctuality and reliability, with a commitment to maintaining a high standard of care. Positive attitude, professionalism, and a compassionate approach to client care. Willingness to continue learning and stay updated on veterinary practices. Must be 18 years or older to apply. EEO Statement: Pieper Veterinary/Cove Animal Health is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Pieper Veterinary is proud to be part of the COVE Animal Health family. 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