Lead Veterinary Assistant

WellHaven Pet Health

Renton (WA)

On-site

USD 45,000 - 55,000

Full time

14 days+

Get more replies from employers

Send a job-specific resume in minutes.

Job summary

Join a leading veterinary practice as a Lead Veterinary Assistant in Renton, WA. You'll support veterinarians in providing quality care, oversee veterinary assistants, and ensure smooth hospital operations. This role emphasizes mentorship, client education, and maintaining high standards in patient care. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership skills and a passion for animal welfare.

Qualifications

3+ years of veterinary hospital experience, with 1 year in leadership.
Stay updated with advancements in veterinary medicine.

Responsibilities

Assist in examination, treatment, and monitoring of animals.
Educate clients about animal care, nutrition, and disease prevention.
Manage hospital supplies and maintain equipment.

Skills

Customer Service

Multi-tasking

Communication

Leadership

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree

Job description

1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants

WellHaven Pet Health is built on a foundation of "Well People, Well Pets, Well Practice, and Well Community" it's the heart of everything we do. With over 40 hospitals and growing, we are committed to supporting our teams with a positive culture, strong mentorship, and opportunities for growth. Our collaborative, team-centered approach ensures that both pets and people receive the care and support they deserve. Join us in shaping the future of veterinary medicine - Come Grow with Us!

Job Summary

The Lead Veterinary Assistant supports the veterinarians in ensuring quality veterinary medicine, educating clients, and providing patient care. This position will train and oversee all VAs and is responsible for partnering with the Practice Manager/Principal Doctor for day-to-day hospital operations and delegation of duties.

Key Responsibilities

Main Accountabilities:

Assist in the examination, treatment, and monitoring of animals under the supervision of a veterinarian. Administer medications, vaccines, and treatments as prescribed. Monitor vital signs, collect samples for laboratory analysis, and perform diagnostic tests
Prepare and analyze laboratory samples such as blood, urine, and feces. Operate and maintain laboratory equipment. Perform diagnostic tests, interpret results, and record findings accurately in patient records
Prepare surgical suites, instruments, and patients for surgery. Assist veterinarians during surgical procedures by providing appropriate equipment and medications, monitoring anesthesia, and providing post-operative care
Educate clients about Wellness Plans, animal care, nutrition, medication administration, and disease prevention
Maintain thorough and accurate medical charting for all patients, consistently meeting hospital quality control standards
Ensure the proper maintenance and functioning of hospital equipment to support patient care
Assist in managing hospital supplies, including inventory tracking and restocking as necessary
Contribute to the day-to-day flow and efficiency of the hospital, collaborating with team members to optimize operations
Act as an advocate for the overall success and performance of the hospital
Perform select reception duties, such as triaging phone calls, scheduling appointments, and facilitating the intake and discharge of patients
Guide and mentor a team of veterinary technicians and assistants by providing training, introducing new protocols, and fostering a positive and supportive team environment
Take an active role in hospital team meetings

Customer Service Delivery

Consistently provide professional, efficient, and exceptional service
Demonstrate excellent communication and organizational skills when interacting with the veterinary team and clients. Effectively adapt to individual clients and their needs
Effectively adapt to individual clients and their needs
Effectively resolve customer complaints as appropriate

Other

Adhere to OSHA standards and regulations as outlined in company policies.
Ability to perform other job duties as assigned.

Ability To

Required Skills and Knowledge

Stay up to date with the latest advancements in veterinary medicine through ongoing professional development and continuing education to maintain certification and improve knowledge and skills
Multi-task effectively
Complete work, maintaining a high level of accuracy while managing constant interruptions
Remain action-oriented and effectively set priorities
Work well in an extremely fast-paced work environment, remaining calm and resilient
Exhibit proactive initiative in addressing tasks and challenges as they arise
Motivate others and exercise good judgment
Effectively delegate tasks
Learn new computer software systems (EMR, Scheduling, etc.)
Provide a high level of accountability

Experience/Knowledge In

Handling and restraining dogs, cats, and exotic animals
Providing basic animal care, such as feeding, bathing, grooming, and monitoring for signs of distress or illness
Knowledge of and experience with common veterinary medical procedures, including surgery, dentistry, radiology, laboratory diagnostics, and anesthesia management
Familiarity with veterinary medical terminology and abbreviations used in patient records and communication
Understanding of veterinary medications, including dosage calculations, drug interactions, and administration methods

Demonstrates

Strong Customer Service Focus while effectively adapting to individual clients and their needs
Excellent communication skills and the ability to manage a variety of emotional situations – remaining empathetic, compassionate, and approachable

Education And Experience

High school diploma or equivalent, associate degree a plus!
3+ years of veterinary hospital experience, with 1 year in leadership
Experience with leading a team (preferred)

Work Location, Environment, and Physical Requirements

The Lead Vet Assistant position is performed onsite at our hospital or at an approved offsite event location. Remote work is not available for this position
Hospital environment includes limited space, smells from pet waste, and noise (barking, etc.)
Schedules may include 10+ hour shifts, Saturdays, evenings, and holidays
Good hand-eye coordination, arm-hand-finger dexterity with the ability to reach and grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment, and read information
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
Ability to lift 50+ pounds
Able to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb
May routinely be exposed to pets that may bite or scratch, biological hazards, anesthesia medications (smells), radiation if near an Xray machine, prescription medications, including controlled substances

Additional Information

Our hospital is part of the WellHaven Pet Health (“WellHaven”) network of hospitals. This allows us to have a more extensive and stronger support system, connecting with other hospitals in the area while remaining autonomous.

WellHaven helps veterinarians, and their teams succeed both personally and professionally. We value our medical teams and strive to support each team member each and every day. Our focus on

personal growth, practice support, and life balance frame the relationship we want to have with our hospital teams. This people-first approach has made a considerable difference in the lives of our teams, clients, pets, our communities, and the health of our hospitals.

We’ve been recognized in Inc. Magazine for making a difference in our community and in Forbes for being named one of America's Best Startup Employers. It is an exciting time to be part of the WellHaven team and an excellent time for you to consider joining us!

Please learn more about WellHaven at www.wellhaven.com.

WellHaven Benefits

WellHaven offers competitive pay and a great benefits package.

Please review our benefits package at: ?https://wellhaven.com/wellhaven-employment-benefits/

Commitment to Diversity

WellHaven is an Equal Opportunity Employer. WellHaven is committed to complying with all applicable federal, state, and/or local laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including transgender status), marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, age, military or veteran status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other status protected by law.

In accordance with federal, state, and local law, WellHaven may provide reasonable accommodation to known physical or mental limitations of applicants during the hiring process unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on WellHaven. For more information, please contact WellHaven HR at HR@wellhaven.com.

Seniority level