Dermatology Veterinary Assistant

VCA Animal Hospitals; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and sick time

Paid parental leave

Mental wellness resources (Headspace/L

Continuing education and internal dev

Employee discounts on pets

Job summary

VCA Aurora Animal Hospital in Aurora, IL is seeking a motivated Veterinary Assistant to join our Dermatology Department. This role offers hands-on clinical skills development within a specialty setting.

You will assist with daily patient care, dermatology procedures, sample collection, and client communication, while supporting a team passionate about patient care and education.

Full-time schedule, 8 am–5 pm, benefits and pay range of $18–$26 per hour, plus generous employee discounts.

Qualifications

• Previous veterinary assistant experience required, 1+ years.
• Passion for animal care and desire to grow in veterinary field.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Ability to safely handle and restrain animals of varying sizes and temperaments.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily patient care and dermatology appointments.
• Restrain and handle patients safely during examinations and procedures.
• Prepare exam rooms, treatment areas, and equipment for appointments.
• Assist with dermatology procedures, including skin scrapings, ear cytology, and other procedures as trained.
• Collect and prepare laboratory samples for diagnostic testing.
• Maintain accurate medical records and assist with patient documentation.
• Communicate with clients regarding appointment flow, patient care instructions, and follow-up needs.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment.
• Support the overall success of the Dermatology team and hospital.

Skills

Veterinary assistant experience

Communication skills

Team-oriented

Positive attitude

Attention to detail

Animal restraint experience

Job description

Join Our Dermatology Team at VCA Aurora Animal Hospital!

VCA Aurora Animal Hospital is seeking a motivated and compassionate Veterinary Assistant to join our Dermatology Department! This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working with animals, has a passion for veterinary medicine, and is interested in developing their clinical skills within a specialty setting.

Our Dermatology team works closely with clients and their pets to diagnose and manage a variety of skin, ear, and allergy‑related conditions. As a member of this team, you will have the opportunity to expand your knowledge, gain hands‑on experience with specialized procedures, and work alongside experienced veterinary professionals who are passionate about patient care and client education.

What You'll Do

• Assist with daily patient care and dermatology appointments.
• Restrain and handle patients safely and compassionately during examinations and procedures.
• Prepare exam rooms, treatment areas, and equipment for appointments.
• Assist with dermatology procedures, including skin scrapings, ear cytology, skin testing, and other diagnostic procedures as trained.
• Collect and prepare laboratory samples for diagnostic testing.
• Maintain accurate medical records and assist with patient documentation.
• Communicate with clients regarding appointment flow, patient care instructions, and follow‑up needs.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment.
• Support the overall success of the Dermatology team and hospital.

What You Bring

• Previous veterinary assistant experience required, 1+ years.
• A genuine passion for animal care and a desire to grow within the veterinary field.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment.
• A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and attention to detail.
• Ability to safely handle and restrain animals of varying sizes and temperaments.

Why Join VCA?

At VCA, we believe in supporting the people who care for pets. You'll have opportunities to learn, grow, and build your career alongside a team committed to advancing veterinary medicine.

Total Rewards

As a VCA Associate, eligible full‑time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid parental leave
• Mental wellness resources including Headspace and Lyra
• Continuing education and internal development programs

Discover Additional Benefits | VCA (vcacareers.com)

Compensation

$18.00 – $26.00/hour

Pay range is negotiable based on experience, education, skills, and credentials.

Schedule:

Full‑time, Monday - Thursday, 8 am - 5 pm.

Location: 2600 W Galena Blvd, Aurora, IL 60506

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!

The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development)

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com