Veterinary Assistant

National Veterinary Associates; Canton Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

National Veterinary Associates is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to support veterinarians and licensed technicians in patient care and client service. This non-credentialed role emphasizes hands-on skills, safe patient handling, and assisting in procedures under supervision.

Responsibilities include restraining animals, assisting with anesthesia, dental care, sample collection, keeping exam rooms clean, entering notes, and communicating clearly with clients.

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 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.
• Fill prescriptions accurately and safely.
• Enter medical notes and charges in the practice management system.

Skills

Compassion

Animal handling

Anesthesia support

Recordkeeping

Teamwork

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

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.
• 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.

At National Veterinary Associates, we want to make sure your experience connecting with us is seamless and straightforward. Here’s what to expect when interacting with us:

• We’ll always reach out via verified LinkedIn profiles or emails ending in @nva.com
• We may also contact you via text message from an identified NVA representative for recruiting-related communication
• All job opportunities and applications are hosted on our official careers site: careers.nva.com
• There is no cost or confidential information required to apply or be considered for a position
• If you have any doubts about a communication, feel free to visit our careers page to verify authenticity or email us at [e-mail]. Thank you for exploring opportunities at NVA!

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.