Veterinarian Assistant

VETDUDE LLC; Kings Beach (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in animal health is seeking a dedicated Veterinary Assistant to support high-quality care for animal patients at Agate Bay Animal Hospital. The role involves animal handling, medical support, and client communication, requiring a strong commitment to animal welfare and teamwork in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Employee discounts

Qualifications

• Experience in animal care or veterinary settings preferred.
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with data entry.
• Physical ability to lift up to 40 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Care for and handle animals during exams and treatments.
• Assist veterinarians with medical procedures and lab tests.
• Maintain cleanliness in the hospital and animal areas.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

AviMark

Job description

Benefits:

Competitive salary

Employee discounts

Agate Bay Animal Hospital

Position Overview

The Veterinary Assistant at Agate Bay Animal Hospital supports the clinical team in delivering high-quality, compassionate care to animal patients. This role follows the hospital's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency, safety, and the well-being of both animals and staff. The assistant is responsible for a wide range of duties, from animal care and cleaning to supporting medical procedures and client communications.

Key Responsibilities

Animal Care & Handling

Safely restrain and handle dogs and cats during exams, treatments, and procedures, using low-stress and humane techniques as outlined in the SOPs.

Monitor animal health and behavior, immediately reporting any signs of illness, injury, or distress to the veterinarian on duty.

Feed, water, and exercise animals according to individualized instructions, including administering medications as directed and monitoring for successful ingestion.

Maintain accurate records of animal intake, feeding, medication, and health status in AviMark, the hospital’s data management system.

Sanitation & Disease Control

Clean and disinfect animal cabins, play yards, exam rooms, and all hospital areas according to established protocols to prevent disease transmission (including proper use of PPE and hand hygiene).

Collect and dispose of animal waste promptly; perform regular poop scooping and yard cleaning throughout the day.

Wash and sanitize dishes, laundry, and equipment, strictly separating human and animal items.

Medical & Technical Support

Assist veterinarians and technicians with exams, treatments, surgeries, and diagnostic procedures, including animal restraint, preparing surgical areas, and monitoring anesthesia under supervision.

Prepare and run laboratory tests (bloodwork, urinalysis, fecal tests) with appropriate sample handling and machine operation, following all safety and documentation protocols.

Fill medications and vaccines as directed, double-checking dosages and labels, and ensuring proper recordkeeping and client communication.

Client Service & Communication

Greet clients and patients, assist with check-in and weigh-ins, and gather relevant medical histories.

Answer phones, schedule appointments, and respond to emails in a professional, courteous manner, following hospital telephone and confidentiality protocols.

Document all client communications and medical updates in the patient’s chart.

Facility Operations

Complete daily, weekly, and end-of-day cleaning and organizational tasks as assigned (including laundry, trash removal, sweeping, mopping, and restocking supplies)

Participate in ongoing training and continuing education as required by the hospital, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of SOPs and best practices.

Adhere to all safety, hazard communication, and controlled substance handling policies.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required; prior experience in animal care or veterinary settings preferred.

Ability to safely handle animals of varying sizes and temperaments, with a commitment to humane, low-stress techniques.

Strong attention to detail, organization, and cleanliness.

Basic computer skills and familiarity with data entry; experience with AviMark a plus.

Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Physical ability to lift up to 40 lbs, stand for extended periods, and perform repetitive tasks.

Willingness to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.

Work Environment & Expectations

Must read and acknowledge the Agate Bay Animal Hospital SOP manual within 30 days of employment and participate in all required training.

Expected to contribute to a positive, respectful, and collaborative team environment.

Commitment to the hospital’s mission of providing consistent, compassionate, and high-quality care for all animals and their families.