Referral Team Level 1 Veterinary Assistant

Dovelewis Veterinary Emergency And Specialty Hospital; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equitable health benefits including medical, dental, and vision

403(b) retirement plan with company match

Student debt repayment assistance

Paid vacation and sick time

Continuing education opportunities

Job summary

DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital is looking for a Referral Team Veterinary Assistant I in Portland, OR. In this role, you will support patient flow and coordination for referred patients and ensure excellent client communication.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, has strong organizational skills, and a passion for veterinary care. Responsibilities include assisting with patient intake, organizing medical records, and collaborating with care teams to provide high-quality service.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year in veterinary assistant or related animal care role.
• Experience in veterinary hospital or clinical setting preferred.
• Valid driver’s license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support Referral Technicians and care teams with patient flow.
• Assist with receiving referred patients and intake process.
• Gather patient histories and referral information.
• Maintain accurate referral documentation.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Compassionate communication

Customer service skills

Ability to multitask

Detail-oriented

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Referral Team Veterinary Assistant I

DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital | Portland, OR

DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital is seeking a Referral Team Veterinary Assistant I to join our new team.

The Referral Team is dedicated to creating an exceptional experience for patients, clients, and referring veterinarians by ensuring referred patients are received efficiently, medical information is organized and complete, and communication is smooth throughout the referral process.

As a Referral Team Veterinary Assistant I, you will support the coordination, intake, and continuity of care for patients referred to DoveLewis from outside veterinary clinics. This role combines patient flow support, referral coordination, client communication, and administrative assistance to help ensure a seamless experience for patients, clients, referring veterinarians, and DoveLewis care teams.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys both hands‑on patient support and relationship‑based coordination, thrives in a fast‑paced environment, and values organization, teamwork, and excellent client service.

Success in this position requires a proactive mindset, strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to supporting patients and the people who love them.

What you’ll do:

• Support Referral Technicians and DoveLewis care teams with patient flow and coordination.
• Assist with receiving referred patients and supporting the intake process.
• Help gather patient histories and referral information from clients and referring clinics.
• Support client communication, referral phone workflows, and coordination tasks.
• Assist with organizing and collecting historical medical records from outside clinics.
• Help maintain accurate referral documentation and ensure care teams have complete patient information.
• Support smooth handoffs between clients, referring veterinary hospitals, and DoveLewis teams.
• Help create an elevated, compassionate experience for clients and veterinary partners.
• Assist with transport of critical and stable patients to and from referring veterinary clinics, including van driving.
• Support referral technicians with inpatient care, including obtaining TPRs, administering oral medications under supervision, and assisting with walking and feeding treatments.

What you can look forward to at DoveLewis:

• Working alongside highly skilled veterinary professionals in a specialty and emergency teaching hospital.
• Exposure to a wide variety of specialty services including Emergency & Critical Care, Neurology, Surgery, Cardiology, Internal Medicine, Oncology, Exotics, Diagnostic Imaging, and more.
• Continuing education opportunities and professional growth in veterinary medicine.
• The opportunity to help shape a high‑touch referral experience for patients and referring veterinary partners.
• A collaborative environment focused on teamwork, compassion, and high‑quality medicine.

Benefits + Compensation:

• Equitable health benefits including medical, dental, vision, and $0 mental health copays.
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match and access to financial advising.
• Student debt repayment assistance for all employees.
• Paid vacation, sick time, holiday pay, and bereavement leave (including time off for pet family members).
• Continuing education opportunities and career development support.
• A meaningful opportunity to work for a mission‑driven nonprofit hospital dedicated to advancing veterinary medicine and supporting pets and people.

Experience + Education:

• Minimum of one year of experience as a veterinary assistant, kennel assistant, or related animal care role preferred.
• Experience in a veterinary hospital or clinical setting preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid driver’s license preferred.
• Any suitable combination of education and experience may substitute.

Knowledge, Skills + Abilities:

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Compassionate communication and customer service skills.

Ability to multitask and stay organized in a fast‑paced environment.

Comfortable working collaboratively with clients, referring clinics, and veterinary teams.

Ability to remain professional and adaptable during busy or stressful situations.

Commitment to providing an exceptional experience for patients, clients, and veterinary partners.

The Pacific Northwest Advantage:

With the ocean an hour away to the west and mountains an hour away to the east, Portland offers endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and animal lovers alike. Enjoy hiking, local coffee, farmers markets, incredible food, and access to one of the country’s most pet‑friendly cities.

DoveLewis is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to workforce diversity and a drug‑free workplace. Pre‑employment background screening and drug testing for illegal substances is required.