Veterinary Assistant

Western Veterinary Partners; Forest Lake (MN); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401k with company match

Paid time off

Pet discount

Uniform allowance

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

South Shore Veterinary Hospital is seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant to support clients and patients across hospital care. You will assist with exams, treatments, surgeries, dentistry, and outpatient procedures, ensuring safe handling and compassionate client communication.

The role emphasizes a versatile, well-rounded skillset, teamwork, and dependable attendance in a fast-paced environment. A 4/10 schedule with Monday–Friday hours and no weekends is offered, along with a competitive

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in a veterinary assistant, animal care, kennel assistant, or related role preferred
• Proficiency in assisting with exams, treatments, and outpatient procedures
• Ability to maintain accurate medical records and treatment documentation
• Commitment to exceptional patient care and client service

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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

Skills

Exam assistance

Patient history

Vital signs

Medical records

Time management

Organization

Client communication

Teamwork

Reliability

Patient handling

Patient care

Job description

South Shore Veterinary Hospital is seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our team and support exceptional experiences for our clients and patients across all aspects of hospital care.

This is an excellent opportunity for a versatile assistant who enjoys variety in their day and wants to continue utilizing and developing a well-rounded skillset across patient care, client service, surgery, dentistry, and outpatient procedures. We are seeking dependable, motivated candidates who thrive in a fast-paced environment, multitask efficiently, anticipate team needs, communicate professionally, and take pride in delivering exceptional support throughout every stage of the patient visit.

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
• 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: $19-$25 per hour, for each hour worked
• This is a full-time position, with a 4/10 schedule and availability needed Monday-Friday. No Weekends!

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

• 1+ years of experience in a veterinary assistant, animal care, kennel assistant, or related role preferred
• Proficiency in the following skills:
• 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
• Ability to prioritize tasks and multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Compassionate, professional communication with clients and team members
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment
• Dependable attendance and strong work ethic
• Physical ability to stand, bend, lift, and restrain patients safely throughout the workday
• Commitment to exceptional patient care and client service

Why choose South Shore Veterinary Hospital?

South Shore Veterinary Hospital is a collaborative, team-oriented 9-DVM practice with a strong culture of connection and engagement, from holiday celebrations and appreciation events to fun team traditions. Many team members have been with the hospital for 15–25 years, creating a stable and supportive environment.

The hospital is well-structured, balancing scheduled appointments, surgery, and urgent care. The medical team brings diverse expertise in urgent care, behavior, orthopedics, surgery, cardiology, nutrition, and dermatology, with advanced procedures including TPLOs, orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries.

Technicians are highly utilized in anesthesia, radiology, dentistry, and surgery. The hospital strongly values credentialed technicians and invests in professional development, with several team members recently completing or currently pursuing Penn Foster certification.

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

$19—$25 USD

Western Veterinary Partners 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. Western Veterinary Partners is 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 [e-mail]. Hiring decisions will be based on merit, qualifications and the legitimate needs of the business.