Certified Veterinary Technician or Experienced Veterinary Assistant

Vista Pet Hospital; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Tuition support

Referral bonuses

Health insurance (medical, dental, and

Job summary

Vista Pet Hospital in Portland, OR seeks a Certified Veterinary Technician or Experienced Veterinary Assistant with a dental focus to join a fast-paced, three-doctor practice. You’ll lead in the dental suite, monitor anesthesia, and collaborate closely with leadership to inform and support clients.

You will work toward advancing dentistry skills, with opportunities for VTNE reimbursement, license support, and a strong benefits package. A collaborative team environment awaits.

Qualifications

• Previous veterinary hospital experience required; dental prophylaxis and dental radiographs experience strongly preferred.
• Oregon Certified Veterinary Technician licensure or eligibility preferred; license reimbursement offered.
• Experienced veterinary assistants are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Perform dental prophylaxis including scaling, polishing, and charting.
• Obtain full-mouth dental radiographs and assist with documentation.
• Prepare and maintain the dental suite and instruments.
• Monitor patients under anesthesia and support safe induction and recovery.
• Assist with dental extractions under licensed veterinarian supervision.
• Administer medications and vaccines as directed; fill prescriptions accurately.
• Admit, room, and discharge patients per veterinarian orders; educate clients.

Skills

Dental prophylaxis

Dental radiographs

Client communication

Team collaboration

Fear Free techniques

Education

Oregon CVT licensure or eligibility

Experience as veterinary assistant

Tools

eVet/Pulse

Job description

Who we are:

Vista Pet Hospital is Hiring a Certified Veterinary Technician or Experienced Veterinary Assistant!

Position Details

Role: Certified Veterinary Technician or Experienced Veterinary Assistant

Status: Full-Time

Salary: Negotiable and based on experience

Experience: Previous veterinary hospital experience required; dental prophylaxis and dental radiograph experience strongly preferred

Credential: Oregon Certified Veterinary Technician licensure or eligibility preferred (license reimbursement provided); experienced veterinary assistants are encouraged to apply

Benefits Highlights

Financial Rewards that Grow with You: Competitive pay, 401(k) matching, tuition support, and referral bonuses

Wellness & Peace of Mind: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with supplemental options; up to three weeks of paid parental leave; generous PTO; and employee pet discounts

Professional Growth & Recognition: Quarterly team bonuses, continuing education allowance, state veterinary technician license reimbursement, VTNE exam fee reimbursement, professional development opportunities, and uniform allowance

Lifestyle Perks You’ll Appreciate: Six paid holidays, an Employee Assistance Program, and an employee discount program

Love dentistry, client communication, and collaborative medicine, and want a team where your skills are fully used?

Vista Pet Hospital is a fast-paced, three-doctor practice committed to exceptional care for pets and their families. We’re looking for a friendly, motivated Certified Veterinary Technician or Experienced Veterinary Assistant with a strong interest in dentistry, anesthesia, and client communication.

In this role, you’ll take the lead in our dental suite and work closely with our Chief of Staff to keep clients informed and supported. Whether you’re obtaining full-mouth dental radiographs, monitoring anesthesia, or helping rescue pets get the care they need, you’ll put your skills to work every day alongside a team that values collaboration and mentorship.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• A dental focus. Grow your dental skills, from prophylaxis and charting to full-mouth radiographs.
• A busy surgical caseload. Our partnership with local rescue organizations brings a high volume of spay and neuter procedures.
• Work closely with leadership. As a Certified Veterinary Technician or Experienced Veterinary Assistant here, you’ll partner directly with our Chief of Staff on client care and follow-up.
• A path to certification. License and VTNE exam fee reimbursement support assistants working toward their Oregon CVT credential.
• Mentorship and support. Every Certified Veterinary Technician or Experienced Veterinary Assistant here learns from an experienced, collaborative team.
• Little extras. Occasional team lunches and coffee runs to celebrate your hard work.

What You’ll Do

• Perform and support dental prophylaxis, including scaling, polishing, and charting
• Obtain high-quality full-mouth dental radiographs and help with documentation
• Prepare and maintain the dental suite, equipment, and instruments
• Monitor patients under anesthesia and support safe induction and recovery
• Assist with dental extractions under the immediate supervision of a licensed veterinarian
• Perform venipuncture (jugular, cephalic, and saphenous) and place IV catheters
• Restrain patients for radiographs, ultrasound, sample collection, and procedures, using Fear Free techniques whenever possible
• Administer medications and vaccines as directed, and fill prescriptions accurately
• Admit, room, and discharge patients per veterinarian orders
• Support the Chief of Staff with client follow-up by phone, text, and email about diagnostics, treatment plans, and estimates
• Educate clients on dental disease, home care, vaccines, and next steps, with compassion during difficult moments
• Maintain accurate medical records in eVet/Pulse
• Keep kennels, exam rooms, and the surgical and dental suites clean, stocked, and ready

Some duties, including anesthesia induction, dental extractions, and rabies vaccinations, are performed by Certified Veterinary Technicians as permitted under Oregon regulations. Responsibilities may vary based on hospital needs as well as your experience, training, certifications, credentials, and assigned responsibilities.

What You’ll Bring

• Previous veterinary hospital experience
• Oregon Certified Veterinary Technician licensure or eligibility, or experience as a veterinary assistant
• Experience with dental prophylaxis and dental radiographs strongly preferred
• Basic knowledge of drug calculations
• Strong communication skills and the ability to anticipate patient and doctor needs
• Comfort with frequent client communication and medical follow-up
• Ability to multitask and work independently or as part of a team
• Compassion for animals and empathy for their families
• Experience with eVet/Pulse is a plus
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift [Weight] lbs with assistance
• Veterinary technician licensure is welcomed but not required

Benefits You Can’t Beat

Financial Benefits

• A flexible approach to compensation that reflects your skill set and future performance
• 401(k) matching & Roth Retirement Savings Plan
• Flexible Spending Account (full-time only)
• 529 Savings Plan
• Tuition Support Program
• Referral bonus program

Wellness Benefits

• Health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision (full-time only)
• Supplemental insurance, including accident, critical illness, hospital, short- and long-term disability, legal plan, and employee, spouse, and child-dependent life insurance (full-time only)
• Up to three weeks of full pay for the birth or adoption of a child (full-time employees only; available after one year of service). In states with paid family leave programs, this benefit does not apply.
• Sick Time / Paid Time Off
• Free or discounted lab work for all employee pets
• Pet discounts on services and products
• Pet food discount program

Workplace Benefits

• Quarterly Team Rewards Bonus Program
• State veterinary technician license reimbursement
• VTNE exam fee reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities
• Continuing education allowance
• Uniform allowance

Lifestyle Benefits

• Six paid holidays (full-time only)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee discount program

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at Vista Pet Hospital and Vetcor. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environment for all employees. Every team member enriches our diversity by exposing us to various ways to understand and engage with the world. That’s why we’re committed to a workplace culture where employees are comfortable being their authentic selves, feel a complete sense of belonging, and are empowered to reach their highest potential.