Veterinary Assistant

Abqpetcarehospital; Canton Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 42,981,000 - 53,010,000; Full time

Job summary

National Veterinary Associates (NVA) is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to support doctors and licensed staff in patient care and client service. The role may be filled by a non-certified candidate and requires hands-on skills, safe patient handling, and accuracy in medical recordkeeping under supervision.

The position includes duties in patient care, medical support, client education, and hospital operations. High school diploma is required; prior animal handling is preferred.

Qualifications

• Compassion for animals and people, with empathy and strong communication.
• 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 enter coherent and professional statements in patient records.

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 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 and run in-house diagnostics.
• Enter medical notes and charges in the practice management system.
• Communicate clearly with clients about patient care and discharge instructions.

Skills

Compassion

Animal restraint

Diagnostics support

Teamwork

Communication

Recordkeeping

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 recordkeeping under the supervision of a veterinarian or LVT.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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.

National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the love of animals and the people who love them.

At NVA, we're on a mission to improve the lives of pets and the people who love them. That starts by empowering our care teams. We nurture their growth with resources to practice medicine their way. Our network of 1,000 hospitals connects them to a community of professionals who share their passion so they can learn and grow together. Our national presence enables us to deliver technology and innovations that simplify work and expand care for all. At NVA, we're committed to your professional growth. We support your entire career journey, offering opportunities ranging from mentorship to ownership.

NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, NVA provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.

NVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.