Veterinary Assistant

VCA Animal Hospitals; Apple Valley (MN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Paid time off

401(k) retirement plan

Pet discounts

Professional liability coverage

Life insurance

Job summary

VCA Cedar View Animal Hospital in Apple Valley, MN is seeking a Veterinary Assistant for a full-time role with rotating Saturday shifts. Compensation ranges from $18 to $25 per hour, negotiable based on experience, education, skills, and credentials.

You’ll support doctors and technicians, prepare exam rooms, restrain pets for procedures, and help manage medical records while delivering compassionate care to pets and their families.

Qualifications

• Experience in a veterinary setting.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Comfortable handling dogs and cats of all sizes.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Restrain and safely handle pets for exams and treatments.
• Prepare exam rooms and treatment areas.
• Assist doctors and technicians with appointments and procedures.
• Collect patient histories and support client communication.
• Feed, walk, and monitor hospitalized pets.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization throughout the hospital.
• Sterilize instruments and prepare surgical packs.
• Assist with laboratory samples and diagnostics.
• Maintain accurate medical records.

Skills

Veterinary experience

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Location: 7545 147th St W, Apple Valley, MN 55124

VCA Cedar View Animal Hospital is looking to add a Veterinary Assistant to our team!

Schedule: Full-time opportunity, with rotating Saturday shifts.

Compensation: $ 18 - 25/ hr and pay range is negotiable based on experience, education, skills, and credentials

As a Veterinary Assistant, you’ll play an important role in supporting our doctors and technicians while helping create a positive experience for pets and their families. This is a great opportunity for someone who loves animals, enjoys teamwork, and wants to grow in veterinary medicine.

What You’ll Do

• Restrain and safely handle pets for exams and treatments
• Prepare exam rooms and treatment areas
• Assist doctors and technicians with appointments and procedures
• Collect patient histories and support client communication
• Feed, walk, and monitor hospitalized pets
• Maintain cleanliness and organization throughout the hospital
• Sterilize instruments and prepare surgical packs
• Assist with laboratory samples and diagnostics
• Maintain accurate medical records
• Deliver compassionate care to patients and clients every day

Benefits of Joining VCA Cedar View Animal Hospital

• Mental Health: Access to the Lyra mental health platform, including up to 12 therapy sessions per year, guided self-care, and meditation resources.
• Full Healthcare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA/FSA options, as well as fertility benefits.
• Paid Time Off: Paid vacation, sick, parental, and bereavement leave.
• Financial Support: 100% employer-paid short-term and long-term
• Protection: Access to the Better Together Fund for crisis support in qualifying situations.
• Perks: Rabies prophylaxis vaccine and titer testing.
• Latest Tech & Innovation: Opportunities to work with the latest technology and programs that encourage innovation and creativity, such as VCA Next.
• Sponsorships: Penn Foster and VTNE test prep sponsorships, as well as VTNE prep courses.
• Discounts: Discounted Low-Stress Handling, Fear Free, and AAFP Cat-Friendly certifications, along with VETGirl and VIN subscriptions.
• Retirement: 401(k) retirement savings plan with increasing employer contribution.
• Full Coverage: 100% employer-paid professional liability coverage and life insurance coverage equal to one year’s salary.
• Pet Care Perks: Generous pet care discounts and VIP programs.
• Advisory Services: Student loan advisory services, tools, and resources.
• Legal Resources: Access to legal resources for common legal services.
• Transfer Opportunities: Nationwide hospital transfer opportunities.

Your Next Career Step Starts Here

Whether you’re ready to grow your skills, advance your career, or join a hospital that values mentorship and teamwork, VCA Animal Hospitals is the place for you. We’d love to meet you.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a veterinary setting
• A passion for animals and a desire to learn and grow in the veterinary field
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Comfortable handling dogs and cats of all sizes and temperaments
• High school diploma or equivalent required

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!

The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development)

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com