Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Assistant Full Time

Arlington Animal Hospital | Arlington, VA 2301 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204 AAHA Accredited | Serving the Community Since 1938

Wage: $20 - $25 based on experience

Join a legacy of compassionate care at Arlington Animal Hospital, a dedicated partner in pet healthcare in the Arlington community since 1938. We treat pets like our own, and we look for teammates who share that deep commitment to compassion and excellence. You will join an environment dedicated to quality, recognized by our American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accreditation. This distinction means we regularly meet or exceed rigorous standards covering surgery, patient care, diagnostic imaging, emergency services, and anesthesiology. This commitment to superior care is reflected in our excellent 4.7-star community rating.

The clinical services at Arlington Animal Hospital are comprehensive, covering wellness and preventative medicine, testing and diagnostics, and advanced care procedures. Our AAHA accreditation guarantees that you will be working with protocols that meet the highest standards for patient safety and clinical rigor, particularly in complex areas like surgical procedures, emergency care, diagnostic imaging, and anesthesiology. We provide the tools and procedures necessary for you to practice cutting-edge medicine, whether you are managing routine pet wellness or overseeing critical cases requiring advanced intervention.

Located in Arlington, Virginia, you are joining a vibrant, highly educated, and engaged community. Arlington offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and accessibility, situated immediately across the Potomac River from Washington D.C. This location provides access to world-class museums, arts, dining, and outdoor activities, ensuring a robust quality of life outside of the hospital. For veterinary professionals, working in Arlington means serving clients who are deeply invested in their pet's health and who appreciate the level of medical excellence you provide.

We are currently seeking a full-time Veterinary Assistant to join our team of five veterinarians and a highly collaborative, supportive support staff.

The ideal candidate is compassionate, skilled, and confident working in a fast-paced clinical environment.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 1 year experience working in a veterinary hospital
• Proficient in venipuncture for dogs and cats
• Working knowledge of canine and feline vaccines, including the ability to discuss core vs. lifestyle vaccines with clients
• Strong technical skills with a commitment to high-quality patient care

Preferred Traits:

• Excellent communication skills
• Team-oriented with a positive attitude
• Passionate about client education and patient advocacy
• Values respect, collaboration, and equal treatment in the workplace

Hospital Highlights:

• AAHA-accredited since 2019
• 3040 minute appointments to support in-room care and strong client communication
• Surgery days on Tuesdays & Fridays (soft tissue; orthopedics referred out)
• Digital dental radiography on every dental procedure
• In-house IDEXX laboratory equipment
• Avimark practice management software
• Mobile diagnostic ultrasound via Butterfly Ultrasound

Work Environment & Culture:

• Everyone is treated with respect and professionalism
• Communication is open, honest, and constructive
• Pets remain with their families as much as possible to prioritize comfort and in-room care
• Longstanding client relationships are the normwe often care for multiple generations of pet families

Schedule & Benefits:

• 4-day work week with rotating Saturdays
• Same weekday off every week
• Closed Sundays no after-hours or on-call responsibilities
• Competitive compensation based on experience
• Supportive onboarding and mentorship

Hospital Hours:

• Monday: 8:00am 8:00pm
• TuesdayFriday: 8:00am 6:00pm
• Saturday: 8:00am 2:00pm
• Sunday: Closed

Ready to Join Our Team?

If you're passionate about veterinary medicine and want to work in a supportive, client-centered environment where your skills and voice matter, we'd love to hear from you!

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.

Driving the award-winning culture are the WAG values Work Together, Amaze, and Grow. Mission Pet Health is veterinarian-led, people-focused, and on a mission to be the best place to work in veterinary medicine. We are proud to be recognized as a 2025 "Most Loved Workplace," ranked #2 in America's Top 100 and #1 in veterinary care.

Reasonable Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation. Please contact View email address on click.appcast.io with your request and contact information.

EEO Statement: Mission Pet Health is an equal opportunity