Veterinary Assistant

River Run Animal Hospital; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus package up to $500

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Life insurance and disability

401k with company match

Paid time off

Personal pet discount

Uniform allowance

Job summary

River Run Animal Hospital in Charlotte, NC, is seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our Fear Free Certified team. The role focuses on supporting exam room workflows, outpatient procedures, and client communication from day one.

We value a versatile, client-focused candidate with 2+ years of related experience, capable of handling animals safely and maintaining complete medical records. Flexible full-time or part-time schedules are available with a robust benefits package.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in a veterinary assistant, animal care, kennel assistant, or related role.
• Safe animal handling and restraint skills for dogs and cats of varying sizes.
• Ability to assist with exams, treatments, and outpatient procedures.
• Experience collecting patient histories and vital signs preferred.
• Maintain accurate medical records and follow established protocols.

Responsibilities

• Support exam room, outpatient, surgical, and dental workflows.
• Assist veterinarians during exams, treatments, surgical procedures, and dentistry.
• Provide safe, gentle patient handling and restraint during outpatient and procedural care.
• Prepare patients, equipment, and treatment areas for appointments and procedures.
• Monitor anesthesia and support patient recovery as directed by the veterinary team.
• Perform dental prophylaxis and dental radiography.
• Maintain accurate medical records and treatment documentation.
• Review treatment plans, medications, and discharge instructions with clients clearly and compassionately.
• Build positive client relationships through education, communication, and attentive service.
• Maintain clean, organized, and fully prepared exam rooms, treatment areas, and procedural spaces.

Skills

Veterinary assistant

Animal handling

Exam assistance

Client communication

Medical records

Job description

Are you a skilled Veterinary Assistant who wants to fully utilize your clinical abilities — in a practice that’s as invested in your well-being as it is in its patients? ** River Run Animal Hospital is seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our Fear Free Certified team in Charlotte, NC. **

At River Run, every team member is genuinely valued — running rooms, supporting outpatient procedures, and building real relationships with clients and their pets. This is a place where your skills matter, your contributions are visible, and your colleagues actually show up for each other.

We are seeking a versatile, client-focused assistant who thrives in a dynamic general practice environment — managing exam room workflows, supporting outpatient procedures, and communicating clearly with clients throughout the patient visit. No training provided — this role requires a candidate who is experienced and ready to contribute from day one.

In this position, you will take an active role in:

• Supporting efficient exam room, outpatient, surgical, and dental workflows
• Assisting veterinarians during exams, treatments, surgical procedures, and dentistry
• Providing safe, gentle patient handling and restraint during outpatient and procedural care
• Preparing patients, equipment, and treatment areas for appointments and procedures
• Monitoring anesthesia and supporting patient recovery as directed by the veterinary team
• Performing dental prophylaxis and dental radiography
• Maintaining accurate medical records and treatment documentation
• Reviewing treatment plans, medications, and discharge instructions with clients clearly and compassionately
• Building positive client relationships through education, communication, and attentive service
• Maintaining clean, organized, and fully prepared exam rooms, treatment areas, and procedural spaces

Schedule and compensation:

• Compensation: $15 - $20 per hour, for each hour worked
• Schedule: This is a flexible position open to someone full-time or part-time. Full-time shifts are typically 4 x 10 hours Monday–Friday, with one Saturday per month.
  • Part-time scheduling is very flexible.
  • No on-call requirements.

Full-time Benefits Package*:

• Bonus package: Up to $500 depending on experience
• Health package: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance and disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401k with company match
• Paid time off in accordance with site policy and applicable law
• Personal pet discount
• Uniform allowance

*Part-time team members may be eligible for limited benefits in accordance with company policy and state law

Minimum qualifications and skill set:

• 2+ years of experience in a veterinary assistant, animal care, kennel assistant, or related role preferred
  • Safe animal handling and restraint skills for dogs and cats of varying sizes and temperaments
  • Knowledge of basic veterinary terminology and patient care principles
  • Ability to assist with exams, treatments, and outpatient procedures
  • Experience collecting patient histories and obtaining patient weights and vital signs preferred
  • Ability to maintain accurate medical records and treatment documentation
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established protocols
  • Dependable attendance and strong work ethic
  • Physical ability to stand, bend, lift, and restrain patients safely throughout the workday

Why choose River Run Animal Hospital?

River Run is a 4-doctor, Fear Free Certified small animal practice in the Berewick community of Charlotte, NC — a modern facility built in 2020 with purpose and intention. Spacious exam rooms, advanced diagnostic technology, and a calm, low-stress environment aren’t just selling points here; they’re the foundation of how we practice medicine every single day. Fear Free certification isn’t a wall credential — it shapes every patient interaction, every handling decision, and every client conversation our team has.

What makes River Run genuinely stand out is the balance. High-quality medicine, compassionate care, and a team culture built on respect and collaboration — alongside a schedule that gives you your weekends back and a work environment where you’re valued as a whole person, not just a set of clinical skills.

Charlotte is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Southeast, with a vibrant food and arts scene, incredible outdoor recreation, and a diverse, welcoming community. And the Berewick neighborhood puts you right in the heart of one of the most desirable areas in the metro.

This is a good-faith estimate based on the role’s requirements at the time of posting. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The Company offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision benefits, vacation, sick leave, 401(k), and other benefits depending on role and location. A complete description of benefits available for this position will be provided during the hiring process. Where required under applicable law, Company provides eligible employees with paid sick leave, health emergency leave, and other legally mandated benefits programs, all in accordance with the requirements of applicable state and local law depending on the location of the practice you support.

Pay Range

$15—$20 USD

River Run AH is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in the job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us. Hiring decisions will be based on merit, qualifications and the legitimate needs of the business.

Candidate Privacy Notice