Veterinary Assistant

Inver Grove Heights Animal Hospital; Blaine (MN); On-site; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Lakefield Veterinary Group in Minnesota is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to support veterinarians and technicians, ensuring patient safety and high-quality care. This position requires handling and restraining pets with care, documenting medical histories, and educating clients under veterinarian direction.

The role emphasizes teamwork, compassion, and strong attention to detail in a fast-paced clinical setting.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED is required.
• NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant program is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians and technicians to ensure pet safety and quality care.
• Calm and restrain pets during procedures and exams.
• Manage and document patient information and medical histories.
• Provide owner education and post-visit care instructions.
• Maintain clean, disinfected exam rooms and equipment.

Skills

Animal care

Compassion

Communication

Attention to detail

Time management

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant program

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Veterinary Assistant supports and assists the Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians, ensuring thesafety of pets and clients, and the continuity of quality veterinary care. They work to keep pets safe andcomfortable during their visit.

WHAT YOU’LL DO (Essential Functions):

• Foster a culture built on our values: Respect, Learning, Do the Right Thing, WOW Service,and Fun
• Clean, disinfect, and prepare exam rooms, medical equipment, and surgery between eachappointment
• Obtain initial patient information, medical histories, vaccination records, and the reason for thepet’s visit. Document patient information, and update records
• Calm, soothe, comfort, and restrain pets before, during, and after procedures
• Take note on examination results and updates records as directed by veterinarians
• Provide the owners education, resources and information on how best to care for pets in general, atthe Veterinarian’s direction, for specific conditions, and after various procedures
• Monitor and track pet’s physical status and vital signs following surgery
• Monitor, record, and report the physical condition and vital signs of the hospitalized and boardedpets
• Clean and disinfect cages, pens, runs, and boarding areas
• Feed, water, bathe, and exercise pets during their visit
• Respond to general questions from clients
• Perform and set up procedures that do not require Veterinarian or Veterinary Technicianassistance
• Examine pets, performing basic health checks, looking for signs of disease, illness, or injury, andtreat them under the direction of the Veterinarian
• May administer medication, perform routine laboratory tests, fill prescriptions, and educate clienton use and side effects of medication under the direction of a Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician
• Provide professional, efficient, quality care and exceptional service to clients while maintainingmaximum productivity
• Support a practice environment that promotes collaboration and teamwork and ensures thedelivery of quality, compassionate, effective, and efficient health care to pets
• Comply with all practice policies, quality assurance guidelines, and minimum standards of care
• Perform other duties as requested

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR (Essential Qualifications):

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required

Professional Licenses/Certifications:

• Certificate of completion from a NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant program preferred

Experience:

• One year of experience in a pet care setting

PreferredSkills, Ability and Knowledge:

• Broad knowledge of animal science
• Basic knowledge of pharmacology
• Proficiency with a variety of computer programs including Microsoft Outlook, Word andindustry internet sites
• Basic written, verbal, and active listening communication skills with a customer-orientedapproach
• Basic mathematical skills to ensure the administration of accurate drug and fluid doses
• Basic analytical, critical thinking, judgement, and problem-solving skills
• Compassion and empathy for both pets and pet owners
• Interact with a variety of clients and employees in a professional, caring, compassionate, andtactful manner
• Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy
• Strong organizational and time management skills, including managing multiple priorities
• Handle and maintain sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Maintain a calm demeanor in a work environment that fluctuates from orderly to fast pacedand stressful

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to talk and hear. Theteam member must frequently use a computer for long periods of time. Specific vision abilities arerequired to do this job including close vision. This position requires walking, standing, and sitting forlong periods of time. May be exposed to low to moderate noise levels as well asdisinfectant/sanitation chemicals, pet dander, and excretions. May experience aggressive,frightened, abused or injured pets that bite and scratch. This position requires exerting up to 30pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds frequently, and/or 10 pounds constantly in order tolift, carry, pull or move objects. Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities

ABOUT LAKEFIELD VETERINARY GROUP

We believe exceptional veterinary care starts with exceptional people.

We partner with hospitals across the country to preserve what makes each practice special - its people, culture, and connection to community - while providing the operational support and resources that allow teams to thrive.

As we grow, we are committed to creating an environment where team members feel respected, supported, and empowered to deliver outstanding care.

Our Values

• Respect
• Learning
• Do theRightThing
• WowService
• Fun

If these resonate with you,you’llfit right in.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Lakefield Veterinary Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members and applicants.

Compensation Range

$17—$19 USD