Experienced Veterinary Assistant

VCA Animal Hospitals, Inc; East Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pet discounts

401(k)

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Continuing education support

Job summary

VCA Animal Hospital of East Hartford is seeking a compassionate and dedicated veterinary assistant to join our general practice team. You will be part of every patient's care, assisting with exams, prepping patients for procedures, and supporting the veterinary team throughout treatments.

This role offers hands-on learning across wellness visits and more complex cases, with a schedule that can include full-time hours Mon–Fri 8-4 or 10-6, plus Saturdays 8-1.

Qualifications

• Monitors hospitalized patients, observing and reporting changes to the team.
• Hands-on approach to pharmacy support, treatments, procedures, and diagnostics.
• Prepares treatment areas, exam rooms, and surgical suites, keeping areas clean and sterile.
• Supports patient husbandry for hospitalized patients and assists with procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians during exams, treatments and diagnostics.
• Prepare patients and maintain surgical and treatment areas.
• Maintain accurate patient records and communicate with clients.
• Collaborate with technicians and doctors to ensure smooth patient flow.

Skills

Compassionate care

Patient monitoring

Team collaboration

Veterinary assistance

Medical terminology

Job description

VCA Animal Hospital of East Hartford is seeking a compassionate and dedicated experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our general practice team.

Working as a veterinary assistant means being part of every patient's care from the moment they walk in to the moment they head home — assisting with exams, prepping patients for procedures, working as a veterinary team during treatments and diagnostics, and helping keep the whole hospital running smoothly.

You’ll build hands‑on skills across a wide variety of cases, from wellness visits to more involved procedures, working closely alongside veterinarians and technicians every step of the way. It’s a role built for variety and growth, where every day brings something new and every patient benefits from the care you help provide.

Compensation: $18.00 - $25.00/ hour dependent on experience, and skill set.

Potential Schedule: Full-time, Mon - Fri 8-4 or 10-6 shift Sat 8-1

Learn more about us here : https://vcahospitals.com/east-hartford

Veterinary Assistant Skills

• Monitors hospitalized patients, observing and reporting changes in behavior, comfort, and vital signs to the veterinary team

• Brings a hands‑on approach to pharmacy support, treatments, procedures, and diagnostics.

• Prepares treatment areas, exam rooms, and surgical suites, maintaining a clean, organized, and sterile environment

• Supports patient husbandry for hospitalized patients — feeding, walking, cage cleaning, bedding changes, and comfort care

• Assists with laboratory procedures and basic diagnostic testing

• Administers medications and helps maintain accurate patient records

• Assists with client communication, education, and coordination around patient intake and discharge

• Communicates clearly with veterinarians, technicians, and the broader care team to keep patients moving smoothly through the day

• Stays calm, adaptable, and efficient across a variety of cases and species

We're looking for someone positive, motivated, and ready to bring ideas to the table — our team meets frequently, and your input genuinely shapes how we grow. We protect our culture fiercely, and that means hiring people with the determination to rise above obstacles, wear multiple hats, and show up for their team.

VCA Total Rewards Benefits Package:

Career Growth & Education

• VCA-sponsored Veterinary Technician National Exam + employer-paid test prep

• Paid yearly NAVTA membership & state credential renewal

• VCA-sponsored scholarships and generous discounts to Penn Foster's Veterinary Technician Program

• Woof University: free, RACE-approved CE, training and job support webinars on demand

• Free subscriptions to Vetfolio and Plumb's online formulary, plus substantial VETgirl savings

• Unlimited access to Mars Veterinary Health library (2,000+ journals, 600+ textbooks)

• Nationwide hospital transfer opportunities

Time Off & Family Support

• Paid vacation and paid sick days

• Paid parental leave & fertility benefits

• Paid bereavement days

Health & Wellness

• Free mental health support through the Cigna Life Assistance Program & Lyra

• Free Headspace subscription (meditation and sleep support)

Perks for You & Your Pets

• Generous hospital discounts for your personal pets, including free vaccines

• Discounted Hills or Royal Canin pet food delivered to your home

• 3 pairs of scrubs per year

Compensation & Financial Security

• 401(k) retirement savings with employer contribution

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA/FSA options

• Multiple, flexible health insurance plans to fit your needs

• 100% employer-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance

• Employer-paid basic life insurance

...and more!

Take a moment to watch what life as a veterinary technician at VCA looks like, straight from a technician's point of view: https://vimeo.com/684755121/10c909cbf5

Why VCA

VCA is one of the largest networks of animal hospitals in the country — but you'd never know it from the way we operate. Every hospital keeps its own identity, its own team, and its own culture, while giving you access to the resources, mentorship, and career opportunities of a national organization behind you. You get the best of both: the tight‑knit feel of a local practice and the backing, benefits, and growth potential of an industry leader.

We're genuinely invested in your career — not just your job. From continuing education to credential support to nationwide transfer opportunities if life takes you somewhere new, we build the kind of support system that helps technicians build real, lasting careers, not just punch a clock. This is a place where your work is seen, your growth is prioritized, and your future in this field matters to us.

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

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