Veterinary Assistant

VCA Animal Hospitals; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Lyra mental health platform

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Continuing Education

401(k) retirement plan

Pet care discounts

Employer-paid professional liability

Job summary

VCA Edgewood Animal Hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA is seeking a friendly Veterinary Assistant to join a collaborative, skilled team focused on exceptional patient care and strong team engagement.

This full-time role offers 4 x 10 hour shifts and a pay range of $15–$19 per hour, with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, and ongoing education opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Assist in surgical procedures, including anesthesia monitoring and post-operative recovery.
• Administer medications and treatments as directed by the DVM.
• Collect samples and perform in-house laboratory diagnostics.
• Prepare patients and exam rooms for exams.
• Educate clients on treatment plans, medications, and home care.
• Maintain accurate patient medical records.

Job description

VCA Edgewood Animal Hospital is looking to add a Veterinary Assistant to our team! Are you a Veterinary Assistant looking to join a collaborative, fun, and skilled team? At VCA Edgewood Animal Hospital, we focus on exceptional patient care and team engagement — because we believe both go hand in hand.

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

• Supportive and skilled team culture
• Opportunities for continued education and career development
• Access to a wide variety of cases and advanced medicine
• A hospital that truly values your voice and contributions

What You’ll Do (Day-to-Day Responsibilities):

• Assist in surgical procedures, including anesthesia monitoring and post‑op recovery
• Administer medications and treatments as directed by the DVM
• Collect samples and perform in‑house laboratory diagnostics
• Prepare patients and exam rooms for exams
• Educate clients on treatment plans, medications, and home care
• Maintain accurate patient medical records

Schedule:

Full-time, 4 x 10 hour shifts.

Compensation:

$ 15 - $19/hr

Starting range is determined by license, skill set, and years of experience in the field.

Benefits of Joining VCA:

• 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.
• Education: Continuing Education (CE) allowance for veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians, along with access to WOOF University®, which includes RACE‑approved courses.
• 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.
• Freebies: Free NAVTA membership and a free subscription to Plumb’s.
• Programs: Leadership development and mentorship programs.
• 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.

Location:

3434 Midway Dr NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405

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