Veterinary Assistant

Mission Pet Health; Lakeland (FL); On-site; USD 33,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted pet care

Teladoc 24/7 access

401k retirement options

Educational assistance (AVMA programs)

Job summary

Lakeland Veterinary Hospital in Central Florida seeks a Veterinary Assistant to join our patient-centered team. You will assist clinicians with hands-on care, client communications, and clinic operations in a supportive, growth-oriented environment.

We offer industry-leading educational resources, benefits, and opportunities to advance into credentialed technician roles or leadership within the hospital.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Calm and efficient approach in fast-paced environments.
• Confidence handling pets of all sizes and temperaments.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Proficiency in fundamental veterinary skills (lab, pharmacy, nursing, radiology) is a strong asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide essential patient care as a key member of the medical team.
• Support the medical team to ensure smooth, collaborative workflow.
• Assist with scheduling, client communication, and payments to enhance client experience.
• Maintain a clean, safe hospital environment and proper equipment upkeep.

Skills

High school diploma

Calm under pressure

Pet handling

Organizational skills

Veterinary nursing basics

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

We are seeking dedicated professionals to join Lakeland Veterinary Hospital, where a culture of compassionate care meets professional excellence. Our mission is to provide outstanding patient outcomes, a commitment reflected in the trust the community shows us through our excellent 4.9-star Google rating. We prioritize a highly supportive environment where every member of our team feels valued and heard, allowing you to focus completely on medicine. This is your opportunity to join a high-quality, patient-focused practice in Central Florida where your skills will directly impact the health and happiness of the pets we serve. Joining us means becoming part of a network that invests heavily in your professional growth and future. When you need it, you will have access to industry-leading educational resources and internal specialty consultations, ensuring you always have the knowledge base required to handle complex cases. We understand that career advancement looks different for every teammate, which is why we offer tailored programs designed to help you succeed, whether your goal is expanding your clinical skills, becoming a credentialed technician, or moving into leadership roles within the hospital. We emphasize comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities, ensuring our patients receive the highest standard of veterinary care available. Our facility is equipped to handle a wide range of medical needs across disciplines including advanced Surgery, essential Radiology, and specialized services like Dentistry, comprehensive Nutrition consultations, and progressive therapies such as Acupuncture. You will be supported by a deep commitment to maintaining best practices, which allows you to focus purely on doing your best work for your patients and expanding your clinical capabilities. Lakeland, Florida, offers an ideal blend of Central Florida convenience and comfortable community living. Located just east of Tampa, the city is famous for its picturesque lakes, its vibrant historic downtown, and being home to the annual spring training for the Detroit Tigers. Here, you will find abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, cultural events, and an affordable cost of living, providing you the perfect setting to achieve a positive work-life balance outside of the hospital.

Your Impact as a Veterinary Assistant

• Provide Essential Patient Care: You'll be a key player in the health of our patients, assisting the medical team with hands‐on care and ensuring every animal is treated with compassion and respect.
• Be the Go‑To Support for the Medical Team: You'll be the backbone of the clinic, anticipating the needs of veterinarians and technicians to ensure a smooth, efficient, and collaborative workflow.
• Create a Positive Client Experience: You'll help create a seamless visit for our clients by assisting with scheduling, payments, and communications, always with a courteous and informative approach.
• Ensure a Safe and Clean Environment: You'll take pride in maintaining the hospital, performing clinic upkeep and equipment maintenance to uphold our high standards of care.

What You'll Bring to the Team

• A High School Diploma or equivalent.
• A calm and efficient approach, with the ability to handle a fast‑paced and sometimes stressful environment with composure.
• Confidence and skill in handling pets of all sizes and temperaments.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Proficiency in fundamental veterinary skills ranging from laboratory and pharmacy to nursing and radiology is a strong asset.

How You're Supported

As part of the Mission Pet Health family, you get the stability of a local practice backed by the comprehensive benefits and resources of a larger network. The focus is on investing in you, so you can focus on what you love.

Note: Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you at every stage. Eligibility for specific benefits varies based on your role and hours worked.

Competitive Compensation

A competitive hourly rate or salary based on your experience and role.

Health & Wellbeing

We offer comprehensive coverage options including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, along with access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all teammates.

Financial Security

Plan for your future with our 401k retirement options and additional financial protection benefits like Life Insurance and Disability coverage.

Commitment to Growth

We support your career goals with opportunities for professional development, including educational assistance for qualified teammates to enroll in AVMA‑accredited veterinary technician programs.

The Power of a Network

Join a nationwide community of over 20,000 veterinary professionals who share a passion for collaboration, career growth, and sharing best practices.

Valuable Perks

Enjoy discounted veterinary care for your own pets, access to an online discount platform, and free 24/7 access to doctors through Teladoc.

About Mission Pet Health

Mission Pet Health was founded by veterinarians on the belief that local practices thrive with clinical autonomy, collaboration, and medical excellence. The organization provides world‑class support to its 850+ hospital teams on a hyper‑local basis so they can focus on what matters most: the medicine, their patients, and their team culture. Learn more at missionpethealth.com.

Driving the award‑winning culture are the WAG values – Work Together, Amaze, and Grow. Mission Pet Health is veterinarian‑led, people‑focused, and on a mission to be the best place to work in veterinary medicine. We are proud to be recognized as a 2025 "Most Loved Workplace," ranked #2 in America's Top 100 and #1 in veterinary care.

Reasonable Accommodations

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation. Please contact [e-mail] with your request and contact information.

EEO Statement

Mission Pet Health is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.