Relief Veterinary Assistant

Horse Heaven Hills Pet Urgent Care & Veterinary Center; Kennewick (WA); On-site; USD 23,598 - 28,240; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan

PTO

Employee pet discount

Job summary

Horse Heaven Hills Pet Urgent Care & Veterinary Center in Kennewick is hiring a Relief Veterinary Assistant to support experienced veterinarians and ensure high standards of animal care. This role involves assisting with examinations, handling animals safely, and maintaining accurate medical records.

Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma, strong communication skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. We value a proactive attitude and commitment to professional growth.

Competitive salary and benefits package available.

Qualifications

• Physical ability to lift up to 40 lbs and safely handle animals.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced urgent care environment.
• Reliable, punctual, and team-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians during examinations and surgeries.
• Handle and restrain animals safely and compassionately.
• Collect patient information including weight and medical history.
• Prepare treatment plans with clients.
• Perform outpatient procedures under supervision.
• Maintain accurate medical records.

Skills

Communication skills

Client service skills

Ability to handle animals

Proactive work ethic

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Horse Heaven Hills Pet Urgent Care and Veterinary Center is hiring a Relief Veterinary Assistant to work alongside our team of experienced veterinarians, skilled technicians, and devoted support staff to ensure each animal receives the best possible care. If you are enthusiastic, reliable, and excited about helping us maintain our high standards of animal care and customer service, we would love to hear from you!

What to Expect

As you join our mission to provide high-quality, compassionate veterinary care when pets need it most, expect to be supported in your work and home life with:

• All the benefits you deserve—medical, dental, vision, retirement, PTO —plus an employee pet discount because we know your pets are family, too.

Salary: $17.13 - $20.50 per hour (based on experience and qualifications)

Schedule: Relief Working hours will vary. Monday - Saturday 7:30am -11:30pm Sundays 7:30am-7:30pm

Reports To: Lead Veterinary Technician

Key Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians during examinations, treatments, and surgeries
• Handle and restrain animals safely and compassionately
• Collect patient information including weight, vitals, medical history, and food intake
• Prepare and review treatment plans with clients
• Perform patient discharges and provide post-operative/procedure education
• Perform outpatient procedures such as vaccines, nail trims, anal gland expressions, and diagnostic sample collections under supervision
• Take radiographs using proper technique while ensuring personal safety
• Prepare examination rooms and surgical areas by cleaning and sterilizing equipment
• Maintain accurate medical records and ensure proper documentation
• Assist with emergency situations and remain calm under pressure
• Communicate professionally with pet owners about care, treatment plans, and follow-up visits
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe clinic environment
• Support reception staff and cross-train in multiple areas as needed

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Physical ability to lift up to 40 lbs and to handle animals safely and compassionately
• Strong communication and client service skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced urgent care environment
• Reliable, punctual, and team-oriented

Preferred:

• Previous experience in a veterinary setting
• Washington Veterinary Medication Clerk Permit
• Technical skills in areas such as venipuncture, catheter placement, and anesthesia monitoring
• CPR/BLS RECOVER certification

What Makes You Successful Here:

• Proactive work ethic with strong initiative
• Positive attitude and adaptability
• Commitment to learning and professional growth
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to remain calm under pressure
• Team collaboration and constructive communication

Our Core Values

• Providing exceptional service with compassion and hospitality
• Making positive assumptions about others
• Building trust through transparency
• Embody a growth mindset

About Horse Heaven Hills Pet Urgent Care and Veterinary Center

At Horse Heaven Hills, we go beyond standard care to create a welcoming environment where pets receive expert attention when they need it most. By fostering trust, embracing innovation, and prioritizing service with compassion, we deliver exceptional veterinary care with empathy, integrity, and an unwavering dedication to pet well-being.

We offer career advancement opportunities with clearly defined growth paths from entry-level to senior leadership roles.

Horse Heaven Hills Pet Urgent Care and Veterinary Center is an equal opportunity employer.