Veterinary Assistant

Mission Pet Health; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted pet care

Teladoc access

Educational assistance

401k plan

Job summary

Mission Pet Health's Hickory Veterinary Hospital in Chesapeake, VA is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to join a compassionate, full-service team. You will assist doctors and technicians with patient care, exams, treatments, and client communications in a fast-paced, friendly hospital.

We offer growth opportunities within a nationwide network, including AVMA‑accredited programs. A High School Diploma is required; the role suits calm individuals who love animals and thrive under pressure.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Calm, efficient approach in a fast-paced environment.
• Confidence handling pets of all sizes and temperaments.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Fundamental veterinary skills in lab, pharmacy, nursing, and radiology are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide essential patient care as part of the medical team.
• Assist veterinarians and technicians to ensure smooth workflow.
• Support client scheduling, payments, and communications with courtesy.
• Maintain a clean, safe hospital environment and equipment.

Skills

Pet handling

Communication

Organization

Laboratory skills

Radiology

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Hickory Veterinary Hospital has been a trusted cornerstone of pet healthcare in Chesapeake, Virginia, since 2006. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, full-service, and high-quality medicine in a welcoming, friendly facility. The excellent 4.8-star Google rating reflects the deep community trust we have earned as a partner in pet healthcare. We believe in inclusive care, offering services in both English and Spanish (Se Habla Espanol), ensuring every pet owner feels seen and heard. Join us, and find a place where you can truly do your best work alongside dedicated teammates. We are committed to helping every teammate succeed and grow their professional skills. Though we operate with the personalized touch of a local hospital, you join a network that is committed to supporting your professional journey through continuous education and career advancement opportunities. We provide programs designed to help you achieve your goals, whether that means becoming a credentialed technician, moving into leadership roles, or accessing internal specialty consultations to advance your clinical knowledge in complex cases. You will find the support and mentorship necessary to succeed here. As a full-service facility, you will practice diverse and advanced medicine across a variety of species. Our comprehensive offerings include essential wellness and prevention, sophisticated testing and diagnostics, and complex surgical procedures. Your skills will be utilized across a broad caseload that includes dogs, cats, pocket pets, and exotic pets. Our commitment to cutting-edge care extends to offering alternative therapies, including dentistry, acupuncture, and Eastern Medicine, ensuring our patients receive comprehensive traditional and alternative treatments. Located in Chesapeake, Virginia, our hospital is situated within the vibrant and growing Hampton Roads region. You will discover a unique blend of historical charm, southern hospitality, and modern convenience. Chesapeake offers an ideal environment for veterinary professionals seeking a high quality of life, featuring abundant waterways, easy access to coastal activities, and the cultural amenities of a major metropolitan area. This setting provides countless ways to relax and recharge, making it an exceptional place to settle down and enjoy your time away from the hospital.

Your Impact as a Veterinary Assistant

• Provide Essential Patient Care: You'll be a key player in the health of our patients, assisting the medical team with hands‑on care and ensuring every animal is treated with compassion and respect.
• Be the Go‑To Support for the Medical Team: You'll be the backbone of the clinic, anticipating the needs of veterinarians and technicians to ensure a smooth, efficient, and collaborative workflow.
• Create a Positive Client Experience: You'll help create a seamless visit for our clients by assisting with scheduling, payments, and communications, always with a courteous and informative approach.
• Ensure a Safe and Clean Environment: You'll take pride in maintaining the hospital, performing clinic upkeep and equipment maintenance to uphold our high standards of care.

What You'll Bring to the Team

• A High School Diploma or equivalent.
• A calm and efficient approach, with the ability to handle a fast‑paced and sometimes stressful environment with composure.
• Confidence and skill in handling pets of all sizes and temperaments.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Proficiency in fundamental veterinary skills ranging from laboratory and pharmacy to nursing and radiology is a strong asset.

How You're Supported

As part of the Mission Pet Health family, you get the stability of a local practice backed by the comprehensive benefits and resources of a larger network. The focus is on investing in you, so you can focus on what you love.

Note: Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you at every stage. Eligibility for specific benefits varies based on your role and hours worked.

Competitive Compensation

A competitive hourly rate or salary based on your experience and role.

Health & Wellbeing

We offer comprehensive coverage options including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, along with access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all teammates.

Financial Security

Plan for your future with our 401k retirement options and additional financial protection benefits like Life Insurance and Disability coverage.

Commitment to Growth

We support your career goals with opportunities for professional development, including educational assistance for qualified teammates to enroll in AVMA‑accredited veterinary technician programs.

The Power of a Network

Join a nationwide community of over 20,000 veterinary professionals who share a passion for collaboration, career growth, and sharing best practices.

Valuable Perks

Enjoy discounted veterinary care for your own pets, access to an online discount platform, and free 24/7 access to doctors through Teladoc.

About Mission Pet Health

Mission Pet Health was founded by veterinarians on the belief that local practices thrive with clinical autonomy, collaboration, and medical excellence. The organization provides world‑class support to its 850+ hospital teams on a hyper‑local basis so they can focus on what matters most: the medicine, their patients, and their team culture. Learn more at missionpethealth.com.

Driving the award‑winning culture are the WAG values – Work Together, Amaze, and Grow. Mission Pet Health is veterinarian‑led, people‑focused, and on a mission to be the best place to work in veterinary medicine. We are proud to be recognized as a 2025 "Most Loved Workplace", ranked #2 in America’s Top 100 and #1 in veterinary care.

Reasonable Accommodations

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation. Please contact [e-mail] with your request and contact information.

EEO Statement

Mission Pet Health is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.