Lead Veterinary Assistant

Chevy Chase Animal Clinic, LLC; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 25,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

401k retirement plan

Life Insurance & Disability

Job summary

Chevy Chase Animal Clinic in Lexington, Kentucky is seeking a motivated Lead Veterinary Assistant to join our experienced team. You will support surgery preparation and procedures, assist with patient care and monitoring, and help provide an outstanding client experience in exam rooms while guiding the veterinary assistant team.

The role requires 7+ years of Veterinary Assistant experience, 3+ years of leadership, the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, and a strong, team-oriented attitude.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of Veterinary Assistant experience (preferred).
• 3+ years of leadership experience (preferred).
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Shift: coordinate workflow, assign tasks, ensure staff coverage.
• Mentor the Team: provide guidance, onboarding support, and development opportunities.
• Drive Improvements: identify gaps in workflows and implement solutions.
• Support Patient Care: assist veterinarians with patient care and medical records.
• Enhance Client Experience: communication and discharge instructions with clients.
• Maintain Standards: keep hospital clean, organized, and compliant.

Skills

Veterinary Assistant

LVT

Surgical procedures

Client communication

Team leadership

Organization

Willingness to jump in

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

You are invited to join the compassionate and highly respected team at Chevy Chase Animal Clinic, where treating pets like our own has been the guiding mission since 1967. Our commitment to high-quality care is continually recognized by the community; we have been Voted "Best Veterinarians in Lexington, KY" and maintain an outstanding 4.9-star Google rating, reflecting deep client trust. We are seeking dedicated professionals who are ready to become a partner in providing the best medical care in the Bluegrass, and we believe you will find the ideal environment to succeed here.Joining our clinic means becoming part of a stable and well-established institution. With over fifty years of dedicated service to Lexington, you are stepping into a practice valued both by its long-standing clientele and its professional teammates. You will collaborate alongside a large team of six experienced doctors, which provides an excellent built-in mentorship environment and a robust opportunity to grow your skill set. This professional infrastructure ensures that all teammates are supported and equipped to do their best work every day.At Chevy Chase Animal Clinic, you will engage in a full scope of small animal medicine focused on patient wellness and prevention. We are a full-service veterinary facility equipped to handle complex and critical cases, offering advanced care opportunities including detailed testing and diagnostics, comprehensive surgical procedures, and essential urgent care services. This breadth of services allows you the necessary clinical space to utilize your full range of medical skills and focus on providing the gold standard of care for our loyal clientele.Your new professional home is Lexington, Kentucky, the thriving heart of the beautiful Bluegrass region. This historic community is known for its charm, rich equestrian culture, and welcoming atmosphere. Lexington offers a fantastic balance of vibrant city amenities and small-town hospitality, ensuring a high quality of life when you step away from your clinical duties. This makes Chevy Chase Animal Clinic an exceptional place to build your veterinary career and plant roots.

Job Description

Lead Veterinary Assistant

Chevy Chase Animal Clinic | $18–$19/hour

Ready to take the lead while doing what you love?

Chevy Chase Animal Clinic is looking for amotivated, energetic, and experienced Lead Veterinary Assistant to join our team!

We’re looking for someone who is confident in a veterinary setting and ready to take on a key role supporting both oursurgery team and client rooms. If you’re an experienced Veterinary Assistant or LVT who enjoys staying busy, working as part of a team, and helping things run smoothly, this could be the opportunity for you!

What You’ll Bring

• Previous experience as aVeterinary Assistant or LVT
• Strong experience supportingsurgical procedures
• Confidence working inclient rooms and interacting with pet owners
• Excellent patient-care and communication skills
• A motivated, energetic, and team-oriented attitude
• Ability to stay organized and thrive in a busy veterinary environment
• A willingness to jump in wherever the team needs you

What You’ll Do

• Support the veterinary team withsurgery preparation and procedures
• Assist with patient care, treatments, and monitoring
• Help provide an excellent client experience in exam rooms
• Communicate with clients regarding patient care and treatment needs
• Keep treatment and surgery areas clean, organized, and ready to go
• Help support and guide the veterinary assistant team
• Work closely with doctors and the rest of the hospital team to keep the day running smoothly

Monday–Friday with alternating Saturdays

$18–$19/hour, based on experience

We’re looking for someone who bringsenergy, initiative, and a positive attitude to the team. As a Lead VA, you’ll have the opportunity to put your experience to work while playing an important role in both patient care and the overall client experience.

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.

Responsibility 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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