Relief Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Practice Partners; Kennewick (WA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Retirement

PTO

Employee pet discount

Job summary

Horse Heaven Hills Pet Urgent Care and Veterinary Center is seeking a Relief Veterinary Assistant to join our team of veterinarians, technicians, and support staff. You will assist during examinations, treatments, and surgeries, and help with patient handling, records, and client communications.

We offer comprehensive benefits and a supportive work environment with opportunities for growth. Schedule varies, including weekends, and reports to the Lead Veterinary Technician.

Qualifications

• 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.

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 education.
• Perform outpatient procedures under supervision (vaccines, nails, anal glands).
• Take radiographs using proper technique while ensuring personal safety.
• Maintain accurate medical records and proper documentation.
• Communicate professionally with pet owners about care and follow-up visits.
• Support reception staff and cross-train in multiple areas as needed.

Skills

Strong communication

Client service

Team-oriented

Fast-paced environment

Safety-minded animal handling

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Washington Veterinary Medication Clerk Permit

Tools

Venipuncture

Catheter placement

Anesthesia monitoring

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

We seek team members who embody:

• 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.