Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Practice Partners; Hiawatha (IA); On-site; USD 15,911 - 22,661; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Pet discount

Paid holidays

401(k) match

Job summary

Petersen Pet Hospital in Hiawatha, Iowa, is seeking a veterinary support team member to assist veterinarians during examinations, treatments, and surgeries while safely handling animals and maintaining a clean, well‑stocked clinic.

You will aid in preparing exam rooms, performing basic lab tests, administering meds and vaccines, and communicating care plans to pet owners, all while upholding our compassionate, client‑focused approach.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working with animals in a veterinary setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians and vet techs during examinations, treatments, and surgeries.
• Handle and restrain animals safely and compassionately.
• Prepare examination rooms and surgical areas by cleaning and sterilizing equipment and surfaces.
• Perform basic laboratory tests, such as collecting blood, urine, and stool samples.
• Administer medications and vaccinations under the supervision of a veterinarian.
• Feed, bathe, and exercise animals as needed.
• Maintain accurate medical records.
• Communicate with pet owners about their pets’ care, treatment plans, and follow‑up visits.
• Clean and maintain the clinic, including stocking supplies and ensuring a safe and sanitary environment.

Skills

Animal handling

Safety awareness

Disinfection knowledge

Medication administration

Tools

Diagnostic equipment

Job description

What to Expect

Benefits:

• All the benefits you deserve—medical, dental, vision, retirement—plus an employee pet discount because we know your pets are family, too.
• Paid time off—catch your breath with paid holidays and PTO. Take the time you need to recharge.
• 401(k) with a generous company match.

Salary: From $14 an hour.

Schedule: 36-40 hours per week, including every other Saturday.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians and vet techs during examinations, treatments, and surgeries.
• Handle and restrain animals safely and compassionately.
• Prepare examination rooms and surgical areas by cleaning and sterilizing equipment and surfaces.
• Perform basic laboratory tests, such as collecting blood, urine, and stool samples.
• Administer medications and vaccinations under the supervision of a veterinarian.
• Feed, bathe, and exercise animals as needed.
• Maintain accurate medical records.
• Communicate with pet owners about their pets’ care, treatment plans, and follow‑up visits.
• Clean and maintain the clinic, including stocking supplies and ensuring a safe and sanitary environment.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working with animals in a veterinary setting preferred.
• Technical know‑how in areas such as disinfection, administering medication, and using diagnostic equipment preferred.
• Physical ability to handle animals safely and compassionately preferred.

About Petersen Pet Hospital

Petersen Pet Hospital in Hiawatha, Iowa is a beautiful, progressive, 8‑doctor small animal practice. We are AAHA Accredited, Fear Free, pocket pet friendly upscale practice with an old‑fashioned ethic of kindness, quality and caring. Our doctors and team are dedicated to making a visit to our practice a low‑stress event for our patients and their owners and our client testimonials attest to our success. Led by Dr. Petersen, Dr. Saunders and Dr. McGinty, our veterinarians are well educated and experienced. Most of all, they simply love animals. They are backed by a skilled support team that is friendly and enthusiastic.