Experienced Veterinary Assistant

Western Veterinary Partners; Portsmouth (VA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus up to $500

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401k with company match

Paid time off

Life insurance and disability

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Churchland Animal Clinic in Portsmouth, VA is seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our team and help create exceptional experiences for clients and patients across exam room and surgical workflows.

We are a fast-paced, collaborative practice where you will support efficient hospital operations, assist veterinarians, perform radiology and phlebotomy, and maintain accurate medical records while delivering compassionate care.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of veterinary assistant or related clinical experience preferred.
• Training considered for the right candidate.
• Proficiency in surgical setup and assisting.
• Radiology positioning and safety protocols.
• Phlebotomy and SQ injections.
• Laboratory sample collection and inpatient care.
• Safe, gentle animal handling and restraint for dogs and cats of varying sizes and temperaments.
• Exam room management and outpatient workflow support.
• Accurate medical record keeping and treatment documentation.
• Compassionate, professional client communication and education.
• Ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Dependable attendance and strong work ethic.
• Physical ability to stand, bend, lift, and restrain patients.

Responsibilities

• Supporting efficient exam room, outpatient, and surgical workflows throughout the day.
• Assisting veterinarians during outpatient procedures, treatments, and surgical cases.
• Performing radiology, phlebotomy, SQ injections, and laboratory sample collection.
• Monitoring inpatient care and supporting patient needs throughout the day.
• Maintaining accurate, thorough medical records and treatment documentation.
• Reviewing treatment plans, medications, and discharge instructions with clients clearly and compassionately.
• Building positive client relationships through education, communication, and attentive service.
• Maintaining clean, organized, and fully prepared exam rooms, treatment areas, and procedural spaces.

Skills

Surgical setup and assisting

Radiology positioning

Phlebotomy and SQ injections

Laboratory sample collection

Inpatient care

Animal handling

Exam room management

Medical record keeping

Client communication

Prioritization & multitasking

Attendance

Physical ability

Job description

Churchland Animal Clinic is seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our team and help create exceptional experiences for clients and patients across exam room and surgical workflows.

We are seeking a skilled, confident assistant with a strong clinical background who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is equally comfortable in the exam room and the treatment/surgical area. In this position, you will play a critical role in supporting efficient hospital operations, delivering high-quality patient care, and contributing meaningfully to a collaborative, energetic team.

In this position, you will take an active role in:

• Supporting efficient exam room, outpatient, and surgical workflows throughout the day
• Assisting veterinarians during outpatient procedures, treatments, and surgical cases
• Performing radiology, phlebotomy, SQ injections, and laboratory sample collection
• Monitoring inpatient care and supporting patient needs throughout the day
• Maintaining accurate, thorough medical records and treatment documentation
• Reviewing treatment plans, medications, and discharge instructions with clients clearly and compassionately
• Building positive client relationships through education, communication, and attentive service
• Maintaining clean, organized, and fully prepared exam rooms, treatment areas, and procedural spaces

Schedule and compensation:

• Compensation: $16.00 – $22.00 per hour, for each hour worked
• This is afull-time positionwith aflexible schedule (offering 4x10s, 5x8s, late starts, or even 3 late shifts each week), and availability needed Monday–Saturday.
  • Standard shifts run 7:30 AM–6:00 PM, with extended evening availability needed on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday until 9:00 PM.
  • Saturday coverage required the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month, 7:30 AM–2:00 PM.

Full-time Benefits Package:

• Bonus package: Up to $500 depending on experience
• Health package: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance and disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401k with company match
• Paid time off in accordance with site policy and applicable law

Part-time team members may be eligible for limited benefits in accordance with company policy and state law.

Minimum qualifications and skill set:

• 5+ years of veterinary assistant or related clinical experience preferred
  • Training considered for the right candidate
• Proficiency in the following skills:
  • Surgical setup and assisting
  • Radiology positioning and safety protocols
  • Phlebotomy and SQ injections
  • Laboratory sample collection and inpatient care
  • Safe, gentle animal handling and restraint for dogs and cats of varying sizes and temperaments
  • Exam room management and outpatient workflow support
  • Accurate medical record keeping and treatment documentation
  • Compassionate, professional client communication and education
  • Ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced environment
  • Dependable attendance and strong work ethic
  • Physical ability to stand, bend, lift, and restrain patients safely throughout the workday

About Churchland Animal Clinic

Churchland Animal Clinic in Portsmouth, VA is a well-established small animal practice known for its strong team culture, loyal client base, and commitment to high-quality, personalized care. Our 2-doctor team is supported by an experienced and tenured staff, including skilled credentialed technicians who play an integral role in patient care and surgery. We offer a full range of services including wellness care, soft tissue surgery, dentistry, and in-house diagnostics — all within a structured and efficient workflow.

What truly sets us apart is our culture — our team is energetic, collaborative, and genuinely enjoys working together in a fast-paced, supportive environment. With no on-call or emergency hours and a strong emphasis on teamwork and communication, Churchland Animal Clinic is an ideal setting for a motivated assistant who thrives in a lively, community-focused practice where your contributions truly matter.

This is a good-faith estimate based on the role's requirements at the time of posting. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The Company offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision benefits, vacation, sick leave, 401(k), and other benefits depending on role and location. A complete description of benefits available for this position will be provided during the hiring process. Where required under applicable law, Company provides eligible employees with paid sick leave, health emergency leave, and other legally mandated benefits programs, all in accordance with the requirements of applicable state and local law depending on the location of the practice you support.

Pay Range

$16 - $22 USD

Western Veterinary Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without