Senior Veterinary Assistant

National Veterinary Associates; South Carolina; On-site; USD 23,419 - 27,552; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Quarterly Paw Plan Bonus

Employee discounts

Job summary

National Veterinary Associates is seeking a Veterinary Assistant for Sea Island Animal Hospital in Beaufort, South Carolina. This full-time role offers competitive pay of $17–$20/hour based on experience, with a focus on fear-free animal care and a supportive team environment. Responsibilities include assisting during exams, providing patient restraint, and patient comfort. The role requires at least 6 months of veterinary assistant experience and a passion for animal welfare. Professional growth opportunities and comprehensive benefits are provided.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 months of veterinary assistant experience required.
• Basic understanding of preventative care and vaccination protocols.
• Passion for veterinary medicine and animal welfare.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians and technicians during exams and appointments.
• Provide safe, fear-free patient restraint.
• Support preventative care and vaccination protocols.

Skills

Veterinary assistant experience

Basic understanding of animal behavior

Positive attitude

Strong work ethic

Detail oriented

Job description

Sea Island Animal Hospital is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to join our AAHA-accredited, fear‑free focused small animal general practice in Beaufort, South Carolina. This role is ideal for someone with a basic foundation in animal care who is passionate about veterinary medicine and eager to grow within a supportive, team‑driven hospital.

About Sea Island Animal Hospital

Sea Island Animal Hospital is a well-established small animal GP with a strong emphasis on fear‑free handling, collaboration, and culture. Our hospital features:

• Visiting board‑certified surgeons and an internist
• Newly remodeled surgical and dental suites
• Full IDEXX in‑house laboratory
• Ultrasound, oxygen cage, and advanced anesthesia monitoring

We’ve intentionally built a strong, positive culture grounded in communication, accountability, and respect. Our team operates with shared team agreements, reviewed regularly to maintain a healthy and supportive work environment.

About the Role: Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Assistants are essential members of our medical team, supporting doctors and technicians through appointments, treatments, diagnostics, and preventative care.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians and technicians during exams and outpatient appointments
• Provide safe, fear‑free patient restraint
• Support preventative care and vaccination protocols
• Assist with basic treatments and patient care
• Help maintain cleanliness and organization of exam rooms and treatment areas
• Support patient comfort and recovery
• Deliver excellent client service and communication

Who We’re Looking For

• Minimum of 6 months of veterinary assistant experience
• Basic understanding of animal behavior, preventative care and vaccination protocols
• Passion for veterinary medicine and animal welfare
• Willingness to learn and accept coaching
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and team‑first mindset
• Reliable, compassionate, and detail‑oriented

We value attitude, passion, and potential just as much as experience.

Schedule & Compensation

• Full‑time: 4 ten‑hour shifts (8:00am–6:00pm)
• 1–2 Saturdays per month – when working a Saturday you’ll receive a ½ day off during the week
• Veterinary Assistants follow their doctor’s schedules
• $17–$20/hour, based on experience
• No overnights or holidays

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Quarterly Paw Plan Bonus
• Annual Paw Plan Bonus
• Employee discounts

Professional Development

• Structured in‑house training program
• Clear training guides and a leveling system
• Training milestones tied directly to raises
• At least two CE opportunities per month (Lunch & Learns)
• Supportive leadership and doctors who love to teach
• Opportunity to pursue Veterinary Technician certification after one year of employment for the right candidate

Why Sea Island Animal Hospital?

• AAHA‑accredited, fear‑free focused practice
• Strong culture built on trust, communication, and accountability
• A team that values learning, growth, and mutual support
• Open environment where ideas and suggestions are welcomed
• A hospital that invests in people who are passionate and engaged

If you’re ready to grow your career in veterinary medicine with a hospital that truly supports its team, we would love to meet you.

National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the love of animals and the people who love them.

At NVA we’re on a mission to improve the lives of pets and the people who love them. This starts by empowering our care teams with resources to practice medicine their way. Our network of 1,000 hospitals connects professionals who share a passion for learning and growth. We deliver technology and innovations that simplify work and expand care for all. At NVA we’re committed to your professional growth, supporting your entire career journey from mentorship to ownership.

NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, NVA provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado’s Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.

NVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with applicable regulations.