Lead Veterinary Assistant

Mission Pet Health; Saint Augustine (FL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted veterinary care for your 
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Online discount platform

Teladoc access (24/7)

Job summary

Mission Pet Health is seeking a Lead Veterinary Assistant at our St. Augustine, FL location to lead the medical support team and uphold the highest standards of patient care. You will guide workflows, mentor staff, and collaborate with hospital leadership to implement best practices.

The role emphasizes frontline leadership, advanced veterinary support duties, client communication, and a commitment to a collaborative, growth-focused culture within a family-owned environment.

Qualifications

• Must have a minimum of 5 years as a veterinary assistant to qualify.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 7+ years of Veterinary Assistant experience is preferred.
• 3+ years of leadership experience is preferred.
• Proficiency in veterinary assistant functions, including patient handling, cleaning protocols, and client communication.
• Strong ability to lead by example, motivate others, and maintain composure in high-pressure situations.

Responsibilities

• Leading the Shift: coordinate workflow, assign tasks, and ensure staff coverage.
• Mentoring the Team: support veterinary technicians and assistants, onboarding and development.
• Driving Improvements: identify gaps and partner with management to implement solutions.
• Supporting Patient Care: assist veterinarians and maintain medical records and infection control.
• Enhancing Client Experience: handle scheduling, check-ins, discharge explanations and estimates.
• Maintaining Standards: keep hospital clean, organized, and compliant with protocols.

Skills

Leadership

Veterinary assistant

Client communication

Infection control

Team mentoring

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Welcome to Southeast Veterinary Hospital in historic St. Augustine, FL. Since 2015, we have established ourselves as a comprehensive, boutique-style practice committed to providing high quality veterinary care where we truly treat your pets like our own. The community recognizes this dedication, giving us an outstanding 4.9-star Google rating and solidifying our reputation as a trusted local partner. We offer a full spectrum of small animal medicine, including wellness, surgery, and emergency care. We invite you to join our growing team and begin doing your best work in a practice that values clinical excellence and client service. As a valued teammate at Southeast Veterinary Hospital, you will be joining a supportive, family-owned environment where your professional input is respected. We prioritize pathways for career growth and understand that practicing high-quality medicine requires consistent support. Our organization is committed to helping all teammates achieve their career goals, whether that means engaging in dedicated mentorship, taking advantage of continuing education opportunities, or advancing into a leadership role. We provide the resources and collaborative culture necessary for you to succeed. Our mission is to deliver exceptional, full-service care across all stages of small animal health. Your clinical schedule will be stimulating and rewarding, ranging from advanced diagnostic testing and preventative pet wellness to surgical procedures and urgent care. We believe that being a boutique-style facility allows us to maintain a strong focus on personalized care, ensuring patients receive dedicated attention and consistent adherence to the highest standards of medical practice. We are committed to remaining a trusted clinic for all the advanced care needs of the St. Augustine community.

Imagine living and working in St. Augustine, the oldest continually inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States. This historic Florida city offers a unique and desirable coastal lifestyle, mixing pristine beaches and outdoor recreational opportunities with a rich, vibrant culture. When you are not providing advanced medical care, you can explore the walkable downtown historic district, enjoy local dining, or relax by the Atlantic Ocean. St. Augustine provides an incredible backdrop for both professional growth and personal fulfillment.

Must have a minimum of 5 years as a veterinary assistant to qualify!

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.

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.

Competitive Compensation

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

Health & Wellbeing

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

Financial Security

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.

Valuable Perks

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.