Veterinary Assistant

Excelsior Animal Hospital; Excelsior (MN); On-site; USD 27,552 - 31,684; Full time

Job summary

Excelsior Animal Hospital in Excelsior, MN is seeking a Full-time Veterinary Assistant to support the practice's two Veterinarians. Responsibilities include providing patient care, cleanliness, and owner education.

The hospital emphasizes compassion and relationships with clients, patients, and team members. Ideal candidates will have at least one year in a veterinary clinic, a High School diploma, and strong communication skills. Compensation ranges from $20 to $23 per hour.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in a veterinary clinic.
• Basic written, verbal, and active listening communication skills.
• Ability to maintain calm in a fast-paced work environment.

Responsibilities

• Support Veterinarians and Technicians ensuring quality veterinary care.
• Prepare exam rooms and medical equipment.
• Monitor and report the physical condition and vital signs of patients.

Skills

Compassion and empathy for pets and owners

Basic knowledge of pharmacology

Strong attention to detail

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Job description

Excelsior Animal Hospital is seeking a Full-time Veterinary Assistant to support our two Doctor practice.

At Excelsior Animal Hospital, we believe the best way to provide compassionate care to pets is by putting relationships— with our clients, patients, Team Members, and community—at the heart of everything we do.

We pride ourselves on our ability to offer mentorship, support, a collaborative workplace, excellent communication, patient care, and client education skills. In addition to caring for pets, we also care for each other. Through day‑to‑day interactions and organized team‑building activities, we create an environment where personal health and well‑being is important and every individual matters.

Excelsior, located on the shores of Lake Minnetonka in Hennepin County, is only 20 minutes from downtown Minneapolis. Excelsior has a historic feel blended with new amenities including specialty and antique shops, restaurants, a library, and a bed and breakfast inn. The Commons Park and Recreation Area offers a swimming beach, playground, tennis courts, baseball diamond, and picnic areas.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Veterinary Assistant supports and assists the Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians, ensuring the safety of pets and clients, and the continuity of quality veterinary care. They work to keep pets safe and comfortable during their visit.

WHAT YOU’LL DO (Essential Functions)

• Foster a culture built on our values: Respect, Learning, Do the Right Thing, WOW Service, and Fun
• Clean, disinfect, and prepare exam rooms and medical equipment
• Obtain initial patient information, medical histories, vaccination records, and the reason for the pet’s visit. Document patient information, and update records
• Calm, soothe, comfort, and restrain pets before, during, and after procedures
• Take notes on examination results and update records as directed by veterinarians
• Provide owner education, resources, and information on how best to care for pets in general, at the Veterinarian’s direction, for specific conditions, and after various procedures
• Monitor, record, and report the physical condition and vital signs of patients
• Clean and disinfect cages and runs
• Respond to general questions from clients
• Perform and set up procedures that do not require Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician assistance
• Examine pets, performing basic health checks, looking for signs of disease, illness, or injury, and treat them under the direction of the Veterinarian
• May administer medication, perform routine laboratory tests, fill prescriptions, and educate client on use and side effects of medication under the direction of a Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician
• Provide professional, efficient, quality care and exceptional service to clients while maintaining maximum productivity
• Support a practice environment that promotes collaboration and teamwork and ensures the delivery of quality, compassionate, effective, and efficient health care to pets
• Comply with all practice policies, quality assurance guidelines, and minimum standards of care
• Perform other duties as requested

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR (Essential Qualifications)

Experience:

• One year of experience in a veterinary clinic

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required

Professional Licenses/Certifications:

• Certificate of completion from a NAVTA‑approved Veterinary Assistant program preferred

Skills, Ability and Knowledge:

• Broad knowledge of animal science
• Basic knowledge of pharmacology
• Proficiency with a variety of computer programs including Microsoft Outlook, Word and industry internet sites
• Basic written, verbal, and active listening communication skills with a customer‑oriented approach
• Basic mathematical skills to ensure the administration of accurate drug and fluid doses
• Basic analytical, critical‑thinking, judgement, and problem‑solving skills
• Compassion and empathy for both pets and pet owners
• Interact with a variety of clients and employees in a professional, caring, compassionate, and tactful manner
• Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy
• Strong organizational and time management skills, including managing multiple priorities
• Handle and maintain sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Maintain a calm demeanor in a work environment that fluctuates from orderly to fast paced and stressful

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to talk and hear. The team member must frequently use a computer for long periods of time. Specific vision abilities are required to do this job including close vision. This position requires walking, standing, and sitting for long periods of time. May be exposed to low to moderate noise levels as well as disinfectant/sanitation chemicals, pet dander, and excretions. May experience aggressive, frightened, abused or injured pets that bite and scratch. This position requires exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds frequently, and/or 10 pounds constantly in order to lift, carry, pull or move objects. Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

COMPENSATION RANGE

$20 - $23 USD