Bay Beach Veterinary Emergency Hospital - Veterinary Assistant

VetEvolve; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary emergency practice in Virginia Beach is looking for a Veterinary Assistant to support veterinarians in providing high-quality care for pets. This role involves performing medical evaluations, managing laboratory samples, and ensuring client communication. Ideal candidates should have a high school diploma or GED and experience in veterinary settings. This position requires flexibility with scheduling and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience as a Veterinary Assistant preferred.
• Flexible scheduling including weekends and holidays.
• Strong ability to manage stressful situations.

Responsibilities

• Support veterinarians in ensuring quality care for pets.
• Perform evaluations and obtain laboratory samples.
• Document changes in pets' conditions and maintain records.

Skills

Communication skills

Animal restraint

Compassion

Technical skills in veterinary care

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Veterinary software systems

Job description

Bay Beach Veterinary Emergency Hospital – Veterinary Assistant

Bay Beach Veterinary Emergency Hospital in Virginia Beach, Virginia is a multi‑doctor 24/7 emergency practice serving 90% companion animals and 10% exotics. We focus on exceptional client communication, patient care, and medical protocol standards, and provide specialty services such as echocardiograms and advanced ultrasound. The hospital serves all patients and clients with the best care possible. Bay Beach Veterinary Emergency Hospital also has a General Practice sister hospital located just 20 minutes away.

Summary / Objective

The Veterinary Assistant supports the veterinarian in ensuring quality care for all pets in the hospital. The Veterinary Assistant assists doctors and licensed veterinary technicians with medical care, education, and customer service to clients on all aspects of pet health. The Veterinary Assistant maintains a safe, efficient, and collaborative environment by encouraging a positive team culture.

Technical Skills

• Perform initial evaluation of the pet’s condition and advise the veterinarian regarding the nature of the visit, preventative care due, and client concerns.
• Restrain animals safely, efficiently, and compassionately during examinations and procedures.
• Obtain and prepare laboratory samples (urine, fecal, ear cytology) as requested, record results in the patient record, and communicate results to the veterinarian promptly.
• Prepare and perform radiographs or ultrasounds following proper safety procedures.
• Set up for surgical procedures and clean and sterilize surgical packs.
• Accurately prepare and dispense medications as directed by the veterinarian, ensuring records are added and charges are applied to the client.
• Follow all OSHA guidelines, including safe handling of hazardous materials.
• Perform technical skills within state practice guidelines regarding duties of credentialed and non‑credentialed veterinary technicians.
• Know vaccination guidelines within the hospital.
• Perform routine procedures such as heartworm testing, nail trims, and anal gland expressions.
• Document changes in a pet’s condition and vital signs in medical records and notify the doctor or veterinary technician of any unusual problems.
• Use hospital computer systems to document medical records and communicate with clients and teammates (Vets First Choice, AllyDVM, practice management system).
• Other duties as assigned by doctors, receptionists, and veterinary technicians to assist in the smooth flow of daily operations.

Hospital Culture

• Adhere to all hospital policies and procedures, including uniform, grooming, and attendance policies.
• Demonstrate initiative during downtime by assisting teammates, completing laundry, assisting with cleaning duties, restocking, and more.
• Follow established procedures to assist the hospital team with examinations and facilitate the flow of clients and pets.
• Work well with all teammates and ensure actions support the hospital and doctors.
• Maintain safety for pets, clients, and teammates using safe restraining techniques and protocols.
• Accurately follow oral or written instructions.
• Prioritize multiple tasks calmly and organize effectively.
• Exemplify the mission, vision, and values of the company in all job duties.

Client Relationships

• Consistently provide attentive and courteous service.
• Advocate for pets through client education on preventive care, health needs, treatment recommendations, and hospital services.
• Maintain a positive attitude in all interactions with clients, pets, and teammates.
• Show empathy toward clients and treat pets with compassion and respect.
• Communicate with clients regarding the medical status of their pet.

Required Education and Experience

• High School diploma or GED certificate; two (2) years’ experience as a Veterinary Assistant preferred.
• Flexible scheduling, including weekend and holiday availability.
• Confident computer and medical software use (Microsoft Word and Excel).
• Strong communication skills and ability to manage stressful situations with good judgment.
• Physically and mentally capable of performing in a fast‑paced, challenging environment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds without assistance and occasionally assist in lifting and/or moving patients or objects over 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.