Exotic Animal Vet Tech: Hands-On Care & Fast-Paced Fun

Bell Creek Veterinary Hospital; Mechanicsville (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits program

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401K with employer match

Paid Time Off

Pet Discounts

Job summary

National Veterinary Associates in Mechanicsville, Virginia, is seeking a Licensed Veterinary Technician passionate about exotic animals. In this role, you will assist in the care and treatment of a wide variety of exotic species, monitor anesthesia, and provide high-quality nursing care. Ideal candidates will hold an active LVT license and have a strong passion for exotic animal medicine. This position offers a vibrant team environment with opportunities for growth and additional benefits.

Qualifications

• Must possess an active LVT license.
• Strong curiosity and love for exotic animal care.
• Solid technical skills and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Assist with exams and treatments for exotic species.
• Monitor anesthesia on patients of varying sizes.
• Collect lab samples from small patients.
• Take radiographs and assist with diagnostics.
• Provide nursing care for hospitalized exotics.
• Educate clients on animal care and habitats.
• Safely handle and restrain diverse animals.

Skills

Active LVT license

Love for exotic animal medicine

Calm handling

Great communication skills

Job description

Who We Are: Not your average veterinary hospital— we’re the place where fur, feathers, and scales all get VIP treatment. From curious cockatiels to sassy bearded dragons and speedy ferrets, our patients keep every day interesting. We’re passionate about high-quality medicine, exceptional client care, and creating a team environment that actually enjoys coming to work.

The Role: We’re looking for a Licensed Veterinary Technician who loves the “unusual.” If you get excited about perfecting reptile husbandry, safely handling a nervous parrot, or calculating anesthesia for a tiny hedgehog— you’ll fit right in.

What You’ll Do (aka Your Daily Adventures):

Assist with exams and treatments for a wide variety of exotic species and small companion animals.

Monitor anesthesia on patients ranging from itty-bitty to unexpectedly feisty

Collect lab samples (yes—even from the really small patients)

Take radiographs and assist with diagnostics and procedures

Provide top-notch nursing care for hospitalized exotics

Educate clients on proper care, nutrition, and habitats (you may become a reptile lighting expert)

Safely handle and restrain animals with very different ideas about cooperation

Keep things running smoothly behind the scenes—equipment, records, and patient care

What You Bring to the Team:

Active LVT license

A love (or strong curiosity) for exotic animal medicine

Solid technical skills with a willingness to keep learning

Calm, confident handling—even when your patient has other plans

A team-first attitude and great communication skills

Sense of humor—because exotics will humble you daily

Bonus Points If You:

Have hands-on experience with birds, reptiles, or small mammals

Thrive in a fast-paced, anything-can-walk-through-the-door environment

Variety of supplemental insurance

Life insurance

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Participation in 401K

Employee Assistance Program

Pet Discounts

Why You’ll Love It Here:

No two days are the same—ever

Work with a team that genuinely supports each other

Opportunities to grow your skills in exotic medicine

A workplace that values both quality standards and having fun

National Veterinary Associates (NVA) is a leading North American pet health care company with nearly 1,300 locations spanning general practice veterinary hospitals, Ethos emergency and specialty hospitals, and pet resorts and equine veterinary care. With approximately 40,000 team members, we care for pets and support pet families in communities across the United States and Canada. Our purpose is to give pets and the people who love them more quality years together, and our mission is to make care more personal, easy and accessible while advancing medicine and care across every stage of life. Across NVA, we support our teams with the resources, expertise and opportunities they need to deliver exceptional care and help shape the future of veterinary and pet care.

Purpose: Give pets and the people who love them more quality years together

Mission: Transform the pet family experience to be personal, easy and accessible, while advancing medicine and care across every stage of life.

Values: Care Deeply, Do What’s Right, One Team, Own It, Shape What’s Next

One NVA: Bringing General Practice & Ethos Together

NVA is built to make care personal, easy and accessible, while advancing medicine across every stage of a pet’s life.

At National Veterinary Associates, we want to make sure your experience connecting with us is seamless and straightforward. Here’s what to expect when interacting with us:

- We’ll always reach out via verified LinkedIn profiles or emails ending in @nva.com

- We may also contact you via text message from an identified NVA representative for recruiting-related communication

- All job opportunities and applications are hosted on our official careers site: careers.nva.com

- There is no cost or confidential information required to apply or be considered for a position

If you have any doubts about a communication, feel free to visit our careers page to verify authenticity or email us at [e-mail]. Thank you for exploring opportunities at NVA!

NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, NVA provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.

NVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.