Veterinary Assistant

Animal Care Center & Unleashed of Carters Creek; Columbia (TN); On-site; USD 21,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus up to $500

Health insurance (medical, dental, vis

Life insurance

Disability

Employee Assistance Program

401k with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Animal Care Center & Unleashed of Carters Creek in Columbia, TN seeks a veterinary assistant to support exam room, outpatient, surgical, and dental workflows. You will assist veterinarians, handle patients safely, prepare treatment areas, and maintain accurate records while educating clients with compassion.

The role emphasizes teamwork, organization, and delivering high-quality patient care in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of veterinary assistant, animal care, kennel, or related role preferred.
• Safe animal handling and restraint skills for dogs and cats of varying sizes and temperaments.
• Ability to obtain patient histories, TPR, weight, and assist with exams and procedures.
• Experience with basic restraint, oral medication administration, exam notes/scribing, and client communication and education.
• Knowledge of basic veterinary terminology and exact medical record documentation.

Responsibilities

• Support efficient 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.
• 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 exam rooms, treatment areas, and procedural spaces.

Skills

Safe animal handling

Exams and procedures support

Client communication

Team-oriented

Organization and multitasking

Patient history collection

Restraint of dogs/cats

Job description

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
• 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: $15-17 per hour, for each hour worked
• This is a flexible, full-time position, with a 5/8 or 4/10 schedule and availability needed Monday-Friday with rotating Saturdays.

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

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

Minimum qualifications and skill set:

• 1+ years of veterinary assistant, animal care, kennel, or related role preferred
  • Safe animal handling and restraint skills for dogs and cats of varying sizes and temperaments
  • Ability to obtain patient histories, TPR (temperature, pulse, respiration), weight, and assist with exams, treatments, and outpatient procedures
  • Experience with basic restraint, oral medication administration, exam notes/scribing, and client communication and education
  • Knowledge of basic veterinary terminology, accurate medical record documentation, and attention to detail while following established protocols
  • Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking skills with a dependable, team-oriented work ethic
  • Commitment to exceptional patient care and client service, with the physical ability to stand, bend, lift, and safely restrain patients throughout the workday

About Our Hospital

We are afive-doctor, rapidly growing veterinary hospitaldedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care to pets and the families who love them. Our team focuses on building strong relationships with our clients while delivering personalized veterinary medicine in a collaborative, supportive environment where every team member plays an important role in patient care.

Our hospital offers a full range of services includingpreventative care, diagnostics, surgery, dentistry, and advanced medical treatments, allowing our team to practice high-quality medicine while continuing to grow their skills and experience. To support this level of care, our facility is equipped with modern veterinary technology includingdigital X-ray, ultrasound, therapeutic laser therapy, and in-house laboratory equipment (Abaxis / Zoetis)to help provide efficient diagnostics and treatment for our patients. As part of our continued growth and expansion, we are alsoadding digital dental radiography, allowing our medical team to further enhance the level of dental care we provide.

As our practice continues to grow, we are excited to welcome team members who arepassionate about animal care, motivated to learn, and enjoy working in a fast-paced, team-oriented veterinary environment. Our hospital culture emphasizes teamwork, support, and a shared commitment to providing exceptional care to every patient who walks through our doors.

#LI-TR1

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 - $17 USD

Voluntary Self-Identification

As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applicants to voluntarily self-identify demographic information for compliance and reporting purposes. Completion of this form is entirely voluntary and refusal to provide this information will not subject you to any adverse treatment.

Any information provided will be kept confidential and maintained in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. This information will not be used in making hiring decisions.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of 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.