Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Assistant Position at Hickory Veterinary Hospital

Hickory Veterinary Hospital has been a trusted cornerstone of pet healthcare in Chesapeake, Virginia, since 2006. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, full-service, and high-quality medicine in a welcoming, friendly facility. The excellent 4.8-star Google rating reflects the deep community trust we have earned as a partner in pet healthcare. We believe in inclusive care, offering services in both English and Spanish (Se Habla Espanol), ensuring every pet owner feels seen and heard. Join us, and find a place where you can truly do your best work alongside dedicated teammates. We are committed to helping every teammate succeed and grow their professional skills. Though we operate with the personalized touch of a local hospital, you join a network that is committed to supporting your professional journey through continuous education and career advancement opportunities. We provide programs designed to help you achieve your goals, whether that means becoming a credentialed technician, moving into leadership roles, or accessing internal specialty consultations to advance your clinical knowledge in complex cases. You will find the support and mentorship necessary to succeed here. As a full-service facility, you will practice diverse and advanced medicine across a variety of species. Our comprehensive offerings include essential wellness and prevention, sophisticated testing and diagnostics, and complex surgical procedures. Your skills will be utilized across a broad caseload that includes dogs, cats, pocket pets, and exotic pets. Our commitment to cutting-edge care extends to offering alternative therapies, including dentistry, acupuncture, and Eastern Medicine, ensuring our patients receive comprehensive traditional and alternative treatments. Located in Chesapeake, Virginia, our hospital is situated within the vibrant and growing Hampton Roads region. You will discover a unique blend of historical charm, southern hospitality, and modern convenience. Chesapeake offers an ideal environment for veterinary professionals seeking a high quality of life, featuring abundant waterways, easy access to coastal activities, and the cultural amenities of a major metropolitan area. This setting provides countless ways to relax and recharge, making it an exceptional place to settle down and enjoy your time away from the hospital.

Join the Pack at Hickory Veterinary Hospital!

Are you passionate about animals, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and love being part of a fun, supportive team? Hickory Veterinary Hospital is looking for a full-time Veterinary Assistant to join our growing family!

Location: 100 W Kegman Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23322

Pay: $15 – $17/hour

Hospital Hours:

Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Saturday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Sunday: Closed

Schedule: Enjoy a 4-day work week with a rotating Saturday shift — because work-life balance matters!

What Makes Us Different?

We're a 2-doctor practice with a big personality! Our team is a mix of dedicated professionals and total goofballs who love what we do—and who we do it with. From hiking trips to smash rooms, we believe in building real connections inside and outside the clinic.

What You'll Do

No two days are the same here! As a Veterinary Assistant, you'll grow your skills and confidence while working hands-on with a variety of patients—from cats and dogs to goats, pigs, snakes, birds, and more!

As your skills grow, you may:

• Take patient histories
• Draw blood
• Assist with restraint (including fractious/aggressive animals)
• Fill medications
• Express anal glands
• Assist with intubation
• Train toward surgical monitoring

We believe in training the right person, not just hiring for experience!

What We're Looking For

• Independent thinkers who anticipate needs
• Previous animal handling experience in a professional setting
• Confidence working with all types of animals (even the spicy ones!)
• Creative, "outside-the-box" problem solvers
• Team players who can both give and receive constructive feedback
• A great attitude and willingness to learn

Our Tools & Services

• Software: EZYVET
• Lab Equipment: Idexx
• Services Include:
• Soft tissue & orthopedic surgery
• Dental procedures
• Endoscopy
• Butterfly ultrasound
• Cold laser therapy
• Exotic animal care

Why You'll Love It Here

• Supportive, hands-on training team
• Opportunities to expand your clinical skills
• A fun, team-oriented culture
• Exposure to a wide variety of cases—including exotics!

If you're ready to jump into a rewarding, exciting career in veterinary medicine with a team that feels like family—apply today!

Learn more about us:

Your Impact as a Veterinary Assistant

• Provide Essential Patient Care: You'll be a key player in the health of our patients, assisting the medical team with hands-on care and ensuring every animal is treated with compassion and respect.
• Be the Go-To Support for the Medical Team: You'll be the backbone of the clinic, anticipating the needs of veterinarians and technicians to ensure a smooth, efficient, and collaborative workflow.
• Create a Positive Client Experience: You'll help create a seamless visit for our clients by assisting with scheduling, payments, and communications, always with a courteous and informative approach.
• Ensure a Safe and Clean Environment: You'll take pride in maintaining the hospital, performing clinic upkeep and equipment maintenance to uphold our high standards of care.

What You'll Bring to the Team

• A High School Diploma or equivalent.
• A calm and efficient approach, with the ability to handle a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment with composure.
• Confidence and skill in handling pets of all sizes and temperaments.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Proficiency in fundamental veterinary skills ranging from laboratory and pharmacy to nursing and radiology is a strong asset.

Responsibilities and Benefits

How You're Supported

As part of the Mission Pet Health family, you get the stability of a local practice backed by the comprehensive benefits and resources of a larger network. The focus is on investing in you, so you can focus on what you love. Note: Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you at every stage. Eligibility for specific benefits varies based on your role and hours worked.

Competitive Compensation

A competitive hourly rate or salary based on your experience and role.

Health & Wellbeing

We offer comprehensive coverage options including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, along with access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all teammates.

Financial Security

Plan for your future with our 401k retirement options and additional financial protection benefits like Life Insurance and Disability coverage.

Commitment to Growth

We support your career goals with opportunities for professional development, including educational assistance for qualified teammates to enroll in AVMA-accredited veterinary technician programs.

The Power of a Network

Join a nationwide community of over 20,000 veterinary professionals who share a passion for collaboration, career growth, and sharing best practices.

Valuable Perks

Enjoy discounted veterinary care for your own pets, access to an online discount platform, and free 24/7 access to doctors through Teladoc.

About Mission Pet Health

Mission Pet Health was founded by veterinarians on the belief that local practices thrive with clinical autonomy, collaboration, and medical excellence. The organization provides world-class support to its 850+ hospital teams on a hyper-local basis so they can focus on what matters most: the medicine, their patients, and their team culture. Learn more at missionpethealth.com.