Veterinary Assistant

VCA Animal Hospitals, Inc; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 37,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and sick time

Pet discounts

Job summary

VCA Lake Shore Animal Hospital is looking for a Veterinary Assistant to support doctors and technicians and help provide compassionate care to dogs and cats in a collaborative Chicago setting.

You will assist with exams, treatments, client communication, and hospital operations while fostering a positive experience for pets and their families. This full-time role offers hands-on growth into technician pathways and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Willingness to learn and reliable
• Excellent communication and teamwork
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Passion for patient care and client service

Responsibilities

• Restrain and safely handle pets for exams and treatments
• Prepare exam rooms and treatment areas
• Assist doctors and technicians with appointments and procedures
• Collect patient histories and support client communication
• Feed, walk, and monitor hospitalized pets
• Maintain cleanliness and organization throughout the hospital
• Sterilize instruments and prepare surgical packs
• Assist with laboratory samples and diagnostics
• Maintain accurate medical records
• Deliver compassionate care to patients and clients every day

Skills

Work ethic

Communication

Teamwork

Multitasking

Patient care

Job description

Veterinary Assistant at VCA Lake Shore Animal Hospital

Schedule: Full-time opportunity, flexible scheduling available

About Our Hospital:

VCA Lake Shore Animal Hospital is a well-established, AAHA-accredited hospital located in Chicago, providing high-quality care to dogs and cats and serving the surrounding community. Our experienced veterinary team is committed to delivering compassionate, thorough patient care while staying current with the latest veterinary medicine and procedures.

Join a knowledgeable, collaborative team that takes pride in providing excellent medicine and building lasting relationships with clients and their pets.

About VC

At VCA Animal Hospitals, we’re passionate about delivering world‑class veterinary care while supporting the people who make it possible. As part of Mars Veterinary Health, we’re committed to helping our teams grow while making a lasting impact on pets and the people who love them.

The Opportunity

As a Veterinary Assistant, you’ll play an important role in supporting our doctors and technicians while helping create a positive experience for pets and their families. This is a great opportunity for someone who loves animals, enjoys teamwork, and wants to grow in veterinary medicine.

What You’ll Do

• Restrain and safely handle pets for exams and treatments
• Prepare exam rooms and treatment areas
• Assist doctors and technicians with appointments and procedures
• Collect patient histories and support client communication
• Feed, walk, and monitor hospitalized pets
• Maintain cleanliness and organization throughout the hospital
• Sterilize instruments and prepare surgical packs
• Assist with laboratory samples and diagnostics
• Maintain accurate medical records
• Deliver compassionate care to patients and clients every day

What We’re Looking For

• Strong work ethic and willingness to learn
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to multitask in a fast‑paced environment
• Passion for patient care and client service

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Supportive and collaborative team culture
• Hands‑on learning opportunities
• Career growth pathways into technician roles
• Meaningful work helping pets and families

Total Rewards

As a VCA Associate, eligible full‑time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid parental leave
• Mental wellness resources including Headspace and Lyra
• Continuing education and internal development programs

Compensation

$18.00 – $23.00/hour

Pay range is negotiable based on experience, education, skills, and credentials.

Your Next Career Step Starts Here

Whether you're starting your veterinary career or looking for a hospital where you can grow, VCA Animal Hospitals is the place for you.

Location: 960 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

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