Veterinary Assistant

National Veterinary Associates; New York (NY); On-site; USD 26,174 - 28,929; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Job summary

Riverside Veterinary Care on Columbus, part of NVA/Ethos, is seeking a compassionate Veterinary Assistant to join our clinical team. You will work with veterinarians and technicians to provide hands-on patient care and support diagnostic procedures.

This role requires strong communication, the ability to multitask in a fast-paced setting, and a commitment to Fear Free handling. Applicants should be 18+ and may pursue Fear Free certification.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Veterinary Assistant in a clinical setting preferred.
• Must be 18 years or older.
• Fear Free Certified or willing to obtain certification.
• Strong animal handling and restraint skills.
• Knowledge of veterinary terminology, medical procedures, lab testing, radiology and anesthesia support.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Room patients and obtain histories.
• Safely restrain and handle patients using Fear Free techniques.
• Assist veterinarians during examinations and procedures.
• Prepare patients for outpatient and inpatient treatments.
• Monitor hospitalized and post‑surgical patients and report changes.
• Assist with emergency care, including CPR when necessary.

Job description

Join Our Team

Riverside Veterinary Care on Columbus is seeking a compassionate, skilled, and motivated Veterinary Assistant to join our collaborative team. As part of the team, you'll work alongside experienced veterinarians and technicians to provide exceptional medical care while creating a positive experience for both patients and clients.

If you're passionate about animal health, thrive in a fast‑paced environment, and enjoy working as part of a supportive team, we'd love to hear from you.

Position Summary

The Veterinary Assistant is an essential member of our medical team, providing hands‑on patient care, assisting veterinarians during examinations and procedures, supporting diagnostics and treatments, and ensuring the hospital operates efficiently. This role requires excellent communication, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to Fear Free patient handling.

Key Responsibilities

• Room patients and obtain patient histories.
• Safely restrain and handle patients using Fear Free techniques whenever possible.
• Assist veterinarians during examinations and medical procedures.
• Prepare patients for outpatient and inpatient treatments.
• Monitor hospitalized and post‑surgical patients and report changes promptly.
• Assist with emergency care, including CPR and life‑saving procedures when necessary.

Treatments & Diagnostics

• Prepare medications, vaccines, and treatments as directed by the veterinarian.
• Fill and process prescriptions while accurately labeling medications.
• Collect, prepare, and label laboratory samples.
• Perform in‑house and external laboratory testing, including bloodwork, urinalysis, and fecal testing.
• Obtain high‑quality diagnostic radiographs while following radiation safety protocols.
• Assist with anesthetic preparation, monitoring, and equipment maintenance.

Medical Support

• Maintain accurate medical records and document exam charges.
• Prepare discharge instructions and review medications with clients.
• Communicate laboratory results and follow‑up instructions to clients under veterinarian direction.
• Ensure treatment areas, exam rooms, and equipment remain clean, organized, and properly sterilized.
• Prepare instruments and supplies for examinations and procedures.

Teamwork & Client Service

• Communicate professionally and compassionately with clients and coworkers.
• Collaborate with veterinarians, technicians, and support staff to ensure efficient patient flow.
• Help maintain a positive, respectful, and supportive hospital culture.
• Participate in continuing education and hospital training initiatives.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Veterinary Assistant in a clinical setting preferred.
• Must be 18 years or older.
• Fear Free Certified or willing to obtain certification.
• Strong animal handling and restraint skills.
• Knowledge of veterinary terminology, medical procedures, laboratory testing, radiology, and anesthesia support.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to multitask and remain calm in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high‑quality patient care.
• Comfortable working in all aspects of veterinary medicine, including surgery, emergencies, and euthanasia.
• Reliable, professional, and team‑oriented.

This position requires standing, walking, bending, lifting, and restraining animals of varying sizes throughout the workday. Candidates should be able to safely lift up to 50 pounds with assistance when necessary and perform the physical demands of a busy veterinary hospital.

Compensation

Hourly Pay: $19.00–$21.00 (based on experience)

Compensation is based on experience, education, training, and overall qualifications.

As part of the NVA/Ethos family, eligible employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid time off, including sick leave
• Continuing education opportunities
• Career growth within NVA/Ethos
• Supportive, collaborative team environment

Equal Opportunity Employer

Riverside Veterinary Care on Columbus, part of NVA/Ethos, is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.

National Veterinary Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.