Compassionate Vet Assistant — Flexible Hours & Mentorship

Animal Care Center - Princeton; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Animal Care Center - Princeton is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to support the veterinarian during outpatient exams and throughout diagnosis and treatment. You will care for patients, assist with procedures, and help ensure high-quality, compassionate care.

This role also serves as a vital link between doctors and clients, helping explain treatment plans and follow-up care. We offer a collaborative, small-animal focused environment with flexible scheduling and opportunities for mentorship.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Basic computer proficiency, including the ability to use practice management software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Previous experience working with animals preferred; veterinary or animal care background strongly valued.
• Able to work safely around cleaning chemicals, anesthetic gases, radiation, zoonotic diseases, and animal bodily fluids.
• Maintains composure and professionalism in emotionally challenging or high-stress situations.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and safely handle animals up to 130 pounds.
• Comfortable sitting, standing, walking, bending, and kneeling for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Professional, neat appearance consistent with hospital standards.

Responsibilities

• Provides compassionate, professional care to patients and clients at all times.
• Communicates clearly and respectfully with clients, doctors, and team members, including answering phones and routing inquiries as needed.
• Handles sensitive client situations with empathy and discretion, escalating medical questions appropriately.
• Assists the veterinarian during exams, diagnostics, treatments, and surgical procedures.
• Safely restrains animals of varying sizes and temperaments using low-stress handling techniques.
• Administers medications, draws up vaccines, collects lab samples, and performs basic lab tests as directed.
• Creates, reviews, and enters treatment plans accurately in the medical record system.
• Educates clients on common vaccinations, medications, and treatment protocols to ensure understanding of care plans and follow-up recommendations.
• Accurately records patient information and maintains organized, up-to-date medical records.
• Enters charges accurately and assists with the client check-out process, including processing payments when needed.
• Ensures exam rooms, treatment areas, and hospital spaces are clean, stocked, and well maintained.
• Demonstrates consistent reliability, punctuality, and commitment to supporting patients, clients, and hospital operations.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Skills

Basic computer proficiency

Lifting up to 50 pounds

Handling animals up to 130 pounds

Experience with animals preferred

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Practice management software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Animal Care Center - Princeton is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to support the veterinarian during outpatient exams and throughout diagnosis and treatment. You will care for patients, assist with procedures, and help ensure high-quality, compassionate care.

This role also serves as a vital link between doctors and clients, helping explain treatment plans and follow-up care. We offer a collaborative, small-animal focused environment with flexible scheduling and opportunities for mentorship.