Surgical Veterinary Assistant - Olympia Pet Emergency

PetVet Care Centers; Lacey (WA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Parental Leave

401(k)

Pet Discounts

Calm app access

Emotional wellbeing support (EAP)

CE stipends

Career development resources

Grant Circle

National hospital support

Job summary

PetVet Care Centers' Olympia Pet Emergency in Olympia, Washington, is seeking a Surgical Veterinary Assistant to support veterinarians and technicians in daily tasks, including preparing surgery suites, restraining patients, and clerical work. The role emphasizes compassionate care in a fast-paced emergency setting.

The position requires surgical department experience and high-risk anesthesia exposure, with opportunities for growth within a network of 400+ hospitals and a strong culture of care.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience in a surgical department and/or high-risk anesthesia.
• Alternative: enrolled in an accredited licensure program with two semesters completed.
• 18 years of age or older.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate care to all patients and support doctors and technicians.
• Greet clients, weigh patients, and record vital signs on arrival.
• Assist with medications, anesthesia, and patient restraint as directed.
• Perform labs and take radiographs; operate hospital equipment; maintain records.
• Maintain the hospital’s cleanliness and safe handling of supplies daily.
• Promote hospital products and services; respond to directions with urgency.

Skills

Surgical experience

High-risk anesthesia

Animal care

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Licensure program enrollment (2 semesters completed)

Job description

PetVet Care Centers' Olympia Pet Emergency is currently seeking a Surgical Veterinary Assistant to join our team!

At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage — for all the moments that matter.

Because life is better with pets.

We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.

With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:

• Local autonomy with national support
• Career mobility and development opportunities
• A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.

Position Overview

Join our team as a Veterinary Assistant who supports the veterinarians and technicians in their daily tasks by cleaning and maintaining equipment, feeding, exercising and grooming patients, preparing and sanitizing surgery suites, restraining and handling patients, and clerical and administrative work. They deliver quality care for all patients and provide exceptional service.

Olympia Pet Emergency in Olympia, Washington is a dedicated emergency hospital providing urgent and critical care services. The fast-paced, highly skilled team is committed to delivering life-saving care with compassion and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate care to all patients
• Greet patients and their owners as they arrive and show them to an examining room, taking the patient's weight and other vital signs upon arrival
• Triage patients, perform physical exams, treatments, and administer medication as directed by the licensed veterinary technicians (LVT's).
• Calm and soothe anxious patients
• Assist doctors and technicians with the administration of medications or with patient restraint
• Perform laboratory tests and take radiographs
• Operate and maintain hospital equipment, including EKG, fluid pump, syringe pump, scales, anesthetic monitors, and machines, etc.
• Fill prescriptions, calculate and administer medications, maintain proper documentation, logging, and security of controlled drugs.
• Feed patients as prescribed by the attending doctor or as the client has requested; record appetites; recognize and report any unusual conditions or abnormal behaviors
• Communicate in a positive manner with clients and ensure that they feel comfortable leaving their pet(s)
• Educate clients about insurance, wellness, and medicinal plans
• Maintain the cleanliness of the hospital each day; clean equipment, kennels, and facilities using chemicals and supplies; ensure the safe use of chemicals; complete laundry
• Bath and care for patients who stay overnight; ensure that every animal released is clean and properly groomed prior to their release
• Adhere to the hospital's safety and wellness regulations
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Maintain accurate medical records
• Show up for work regularly; full-time presence at work is essential for every shift
• Promote hospital products and services and support the organization
• Respond respectfully with urgency to directions given by Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVT).
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Manager; may have other assigned duties if working in a specialty area (i.e., dentistry, surgery, emergency, radiology, cardiology, neurology, internal medicine, etc.)

Qualifications (Required)

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this position
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a surgical department and/or experience with high-risk anesthesia cases.
• Alternatively, applicants currently enrolled in an accredited licensure program may be considered if they have completed a minimum of two semesters.

Preferred Skills (Nice To Have)

• 2+ years of experience in a surgical department and/or high-risk anesthesia cases.

Schedule: Four 10-hour shifts

What We Offer

We care deeply about supporting our team members — professionally and personally. Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
• 401(k) with discretionary contribution
• Team Member Pet Discounts
• Emotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
• CE stipends and career development resources
• Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources

Pay Range

$25—$30 USD

At PetVet Care Centers, we’re committed to a Culture of Care — for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 400 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.

Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you’re providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.

PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V

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