Lead Veterinary Assistant

Shores Animal Hospital, LLC; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 27,552,000 - 41,328,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

401k plan

Life Insurance

Disability coverage

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Discounted veterinary care for depend‑

Teladoc access

Job summary

Shores Animal Hospital, LLC in Gainesville, FL seeks a Lead Veterinary Assistant to guide the medical support team, oversee workflows, and uphold care standards. You will mentor technicians, support doctors, and ensure accurate records and infection control while elevating the client experience.

The role offers a competitive compensation package and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive network.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong ability to lead by example, motivate others, and maintain composure in high‑pressure situations.
• Proficiency in veterinary assistant functions, including patient handling, cleaning protocols, and client communication.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfort working with a wide range of animals, including those that may be fractious or fearful.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted and stand/walk for extended periods.
• 7+ years of Veterinary Assistant experience is preferred.
• 3+ years of leadership experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leading the Shift: you will act as a shift leader, coordinating workflow, assigning tasks, and ensuring optimal staff coverage.
• Mentoring the Team: you will mentor and support veterinary technicians and assistants, providing guidance and onboarding support.
• Driving Improvements: you will identify gaps in workflows and partner with the hospital manager to implement solutions.
• Supporting Patient Care: you will support veterinarians in providing patient care, maintaining medical records, and infection control.
• Enhancing Client Experience: you will provide exceptional client support, from scheduling to discharge instructions.
• Maintaining Standards: you will ensure the hospital remains clean, organized, and safe.

Skills

Leadership

Team mentoring

Veterinary assistant skills

Client communication

Animal handling

Record keeping

Education

High school diploma

Job description

You are invited to join Shores Animal Hospital, a dedicated veterinary practice that has provided comprehensive care to the Gainesville community since 1974. We are proud of the deep trust we have built with pet owners, reflected in our excellent 4.7-star Google rating. Our core mission is treating every pet like our own while focusing on high-quality medical services and patient wellness. If you are seeking an opportunity where you can genuinely connect with clients and dedicate yourself to advanced small animal medicine, this is where you can do your best work.Joining our team means you are joining a culture built for success. We are deeply committed to fostering an environment where all teammates feel supported, heard, and encouraged to grow. As part of a larger network, you will have access to educational opportunities and collaborative internal specialty consultations, ensuring you always have the resources necessary to make the best decisions for your patients. We believe in investing in our teammates, offering structured programs designed to help you achieve long-term career goals, whether that means advancing into leadership or becoming a credentialed technician. We provide the stability and support necessary for you to succeed.Shores Animal Hospital is equipped to provide comprehensive care covering the full spectrum of small animal veterinary services. We offer advanced veterinary medicine, complete wellness and prevention programs, sophisticated testing and diagnostics, and complex surgical procedures. Our ability to provide urgent care services means you will handle diverse and stimulating caseloads daily. We also support innovative workflow solutions like drop-off services, allowing you to maximize efficiency while ensuring every patient receives the attention and quality medical treatment they deserve.Gainesville, Florida, offers a welcoming community known for its Southern charm and intellectual vibrancy. As a city rich in history, you will be joining a practice that has been a cornerstone of local pet health since 1974. Gainesville provides excellent quality of life with access to beautiful natural springs and parks, offering a perfect balance between professional dedication and outdoor enjoyment. Come build your life and career in a community that genuinely respects and values its dedicated veterinary professionals.

Job Description

Your Impact as a Lead Veterinary Assistant

As a Lead Veterinary Assistant, you are a pivotal leader on the medical support team, ensuring the highest standards of patient care and hospital operations. You will serve as the primary point of contact for medical support staff, guiding workflows, modeling our values, and fostering a collaborative and supportive culture. You are the bridge between hospital leadership and the team, helping to implement protocols and mentor the next generation of veterinary professionals.

Your Impact Will Include:

• Leading the Shift: You will act as a shift leader, coordinating workflow, assigning tasks, and ensuring optimal staff coverage to keep the hospital running smoothly.
• Mentoring the Team: You'll mentor and support veterinary technicians and assistants, providing guidance, onboarding support, and opportunities for development.
• Driving Improvements: You will identify gaps or inefficiencies in workflows and partner with the hospital manager to recommend and implement solutions.
• Supporting Patient Care: You'll support veterinarians in providing patient care, maintaining accurate medical records, and upholding infection control standards.
• Enhancing Client Experience: You will provide exceptional client support, from scheduling and check-ins to explaining discharge instructions and estimates.
• Maintaining Standards: You will ensure the hospital remains clean, organized, and safe, upholding all protocols and equipment maintenance standards.

What You'll Bring to the Team

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong ability to lead by example, motivate others, and maintain composure in high‑pressure situations.
• Proficiency in veterinary assistant functions, including patient handling, cleaning protocols, and client communication.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfort working with a wide range of animals, including those that may be fractious or fearful.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted and stand/walk for extended periods.
• 7+ years of Veterinary Assistant experience is preferred.
• 3+ years of leadership experience is preferred.

Responsibilities and Benefits

How You're Supported

As part of the Mission Pet Health family, you get the stability of a local practice backed by the comprehensive benefits and resources of a larger network. The focus is on investing in you, so you can focus on what you love. Note: Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you at every stage. Eligibility for specific benefits varies based on your role and hours worked.

Competitive Compensation

A competitive hourly rate or salary based on your experience and role.

We offer comprehensive coverage options including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, along with access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all teammates.

Plan for your future with our 401k retirement options and additional financial protection benefits like Life Insurance and Disability coverage.

Commitment to Growth

We support your career goals with opportunities for professional development, including educational assistance for qualified teammates to enroll in AVMA‑accredited veterinary technician programs.

The Power of a Network

Join a nationwide community of over 20,000 veterinary professionals who share a passion for collaboration, career growth, and sharing best practices.

Enjoy discounted veterinary care for your own pets, access to an online discount platform, and free 24/7 access to doctors through Teladoc.

About Mission Pet Health

Mission Pet Health was founded by veterinarians on the belief that local practices thrive with clinical autonomy, collaboration, and medical excellence. The organization provides world‑class support to its 850+ hospital teams on a hyper‑local basis so they can focus on what matters most: the medicine, their patients, and their team culture. Learn more at missionpethealth.com .

Driving the award‑winning culture are the WAG values – Work Together, Amaze, and Grow. Mission Pet Health is veterinarian‑led, people‑focused, and on a mission to be the best place to work in veterinary medicine. We are proud to be recognized as a 2025 "Most Loved Workplace," ranked #2 in America's Top 100 and #1 in veterinary care.

Reasonable Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation. Please contact [e-mail] with your request and contact information.

EEO Statement: Mission Pet Health is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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