Veterinary Assistant

NVA General Practice; Canton Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

NVA General Practice is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to support veterinarians and licensed technicians in delivering high-quality patient care and excellent client service. The role, while non-certified, requires hands-on skills, safe patient handling, and assistance in procedures, diagnostics, treatments, and record-keeping under supervision.

The position involves patient handling, sample collection, and collaboration with the medical team to maintain exam rooms, assist during surgeries, and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous animal handling required; experience can be from vet care, shelter care or pet daycare/boarding.
• Formal credentialing (LVT/CVT/RVT) not required.

Responsibilities

• Safely restrain and handle patients for examinations, treatments, and procedures.
• Provide comfort, monitoring, and nursing care to hospitalized patients.
• Assist with induction and monitoring of anesthesia under LVT/DVM supervision.
• Perform dental charting and assist with dental cleanings as trained.
• Maintain exam rooms, treatment areas, and surgical suites.
• Assist veterinarians during exams, procedures, and surgeries.
• Collect and process samples (blood, urine, fecal, cytology) as trained.
• Run in-house diagnostics (bloodwork, urinalysis, fecals, SNAP tests) etc.
• Fill prescriptions accurately and safely.
• Accurately enter medical notes and charges in the practice management system.
• Communicate clearly and compassionately with clients about patient care, treatment plans, and discharge instructions (as directed by the doctor).
• Provide education on preventative care, nutrition, and medications under the guidance of the DVM/LVT.
• Clean, sterilize, and maintain equipment and instruments.
• Maintain hospital cleanliness and organization, including treatment and kennel areas.
• Stock and rotate supplies; notify leadership when items are low.
• Follow infection control, safety, and AAHA standards.

Skills

Compassion for animals

Animal restraint

Safe patient handling

Teamwork

Communication skills

Basic computer skills

Record entry

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Position Title: Veterinary Assistant

Reports To: Lead Veterinary Technician / Hospital Manager / Veterinarian

Department: Medical Team

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Pay: Hourly $15-$18.50

Position Summary

The Veterinary Assistant (Non-Certified is okay) supports veterinarians and licensed technicians in providing high-quality patient care and excellent client service. While not credentialed, this role requires strong hands-on skills, safe patient handling, and the ability to assist in medical procedures, diagnostics, treatments, and record-keeping under the supervision of a veterinarian or LVT.

Patient Care & Handling

• Safely restrain and handle patients for examinations, treatments, and procedures.
• Provide comfort, monitoring, and nursing care to hospitalized patients.
• Assist with induction and monitoring of anesthesia under LVT/DVM supervision.
• Perform dental charting and assist with dental cleanings as trained.

Medical Support

• Maintain exam rooms, treatment areas, and surgical suites.
• Assist veterinarians during exams, procedures, and surgeries.
• Collect and process samples (blood, urine, fecal, cytology) as trained.
• Run in-house diagnostics (bloodwork, urinalysis, fecals, SNAP tests) etc.
• Fill prescriptions accurately and safely.
• Accurately enter medical notes and charges in the practice management system.

Client Service

• Communicate clearly and compassionately with clients about patient care, treatment plans, and discharge instructions (as directed by the doctor).
• Provide education on preventative care, nutrition, and medications under the guidance of the DVM/LVT.

Hospital Operations

• Clean, sterilize, and maintain equipment and instruments.
• Maintain hospital cleanliness and organization, including treatment and kennel areas.
• Stock and rotate supplies; notify leadership when items are low.
• Follow infection control, safety, and AAHA standards.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Compassion for animals and people, with empathy and strong communication skills.
• Ability to restrain animals safely and confidently in various situations.
• Skilled in sample collection, diagnostics, and treatment assistance (as trained).
• Strong teamwork and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic computer and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, including entering coherent and professional statements in patient records.
• Knowledge of basic pharmacology and ability to fill prescriptions accurately under supervision.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous animal handling required. Experience can be from vet care, shelter care or pet daycare/boarding.
• Formal credentialing (LVT/CVT/RVT) not required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and kneel for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs (with assistance available for larger patients).
• Exposure to allergens, zoonotic diseases, anesthesia, radiation, and cleaning chemicals with appropriate PPE provided.

Core Values Alignment

• Hospital-Oriented: Supports the team and fosters a positive environment.
• Results-Driven: Strives for accuracy, efficiency, and high-quality care.
• Accountable: Takes responsibility for duties and follows through.
• Transparent: Communicates clearly with teammates and clients.
• Innovative: Open to learning, training, and improving hospital processes.