Veterinary Assistant

Thrive Pet Healthcare; Oak Park (IL); On-site; USD 26,174 - 28,929; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

401(k) match

Mental health resources

Paid parental leave

Pet perks & discounts

Student loan support

Job summary

Carlson Animal Hospital in Oak Park, IL, is hiring a full-time Veterinary Assistant to join Thrive Pet Healthcare’s network. You will support veterinarians, assist with surgeries, manage medical records, and educate clients while maintaining a clean, safe work environment.

We value teamwork, clear communication, and a professional attitude, with growth opportunities through Thrive’s continuing education and mentorship programs.

Qualifications

• Veterinary Assistant experience required.
• 1-2 years of clinical experience required.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Team player.
• Professional attitude.

Responsibilities

• Support veterinarians to ensure quality care and educate clients.
• Assist with surgeries and procedures.
• Maintain comprehensive medical records with practice systems.
• Obtain health history and maintain medical charts.
• Use safe restraining techniques and maintain clean, sterile areas.
• Guide, mentor, and support fellow team members.

Skills

Vet assistant experience

Clinical experience

Communication skills

Team player

Professional attitude

Job description

Who We Are

Carlson Animal Hospital, a Thrive Pet Healthcare partner, is a busy, boutique, AAHA accredited canine and feline veterinary practice in Oak Park, Illinois, dedicated to exceptional client service and high-quality patient care. We are a close-knit team that enjoys working together, supporting one another, and caring for pets and the families who love them.

Description

Veterinary Assistant

Carlson Animal Hospital

Oak Park, IL

Full-time

Who We Are

Carlson Animal Hospital, a Thrive Pet Healthcare partner, is a busy, boutique, AAHA accredited canine and feline veterinary practice in Oak Park, Illinois, dedicated to exceptional client service and high-quality patient care. We are a close-knit team that enjoys working together, supporting one another, and caring for pets and the families who love them.

We take pride in our collaborative culture, longstanding staff, and commitment to excellence. This position offers opportunities for professional growth, skill development, and advancement within our practice.

Carlson Animal Hospital

Carlson Animal Hospital is looking for a Veterinary Assistant to join us as part of the Thrive Pet Healthcare community.

Qualifications

• Veterinary Assistant experience required
• 1-2 years of clinical experience required
• Excellent communication skills
• Team player
• Professional attitude

Role Responsibilities

• Support veterinarians to ensure quality veterinary care, advocate for pets, and educate clients.
• With each hospital function, assist veterinarians and the medical team to maximize productivity and maintain positive patient flow.
• Assist with surgeries and procedures
• Communicate with clients about individualized pet health concerns and offer guidance on Thrive Membership options, medications, and additional treatments.
• Assist in maintaining relevant, comprehensive medical records with the support of practice systems.
• Obtain relevant health history and information from clients and maintain medical charts.
• Use safe restraining techniques, follow standard protocols, and sustain clean, sterile, organized treatment areas, exam rooms, and labs.
• Be willing to guide, mentor, and support fellow team members.

You’ll Grow with Us

Skills

Here, you can grow your career as best fits you through access to comprehensive learning and skillset programs. You can build your skills and earn credentials through:

• Our vast, diverse, and free library of continuing education courses - ThriveU
• Live, virtual interactive workshops to develop valuable leadership skills
• A program designed to teach you the fundamentals of running a pet hospital

Benefits – Our Care In Action

• Competitive pay
• 401(k) with employer match
• Mental health resources, including easy access to therapy through Lyra Health
• Paid parental leave
• Purr-ental leave for when you adopt a pet
• Subsidized backup childcare and elder care
• Expert advice, support and network discounts for fertility and family planning
• FREE CE courses
• Pet perks and veterinary service discounts
• Student loan support tools and assistance
• Some benefits shown are only for full-time team members who work 30 hours or more per week. Certain Benefits may be subject to waiting periods or length of service requirements.

Compensation negotiable based on credentials and experience with an hourly pay rate starting at $19-21/ hour. The actual rate offered will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

About Thrive

Thrive Pet Healthcare creates the future of pet well-being through medical excellence, innovative technology, and a connected community of teams and partners. Today, its network of 360+ primary, emergency, and specialty hospitals across the U.S. cares for pets of all ages and health needs, while portfolio companies provide tools and technology that help veterinary teams work smarter and deliver better care. Thrive invests in its people—through mentorship, leadership programs, continuing education, and well-being initiatives—so teams can grow and feel supported. For pet owners, convenient solutions such as a mobile app, Thrive Plus membership, HereFurYou Helpline, online booking, and flexible financial options make accessing quality care simpler— giving families the peace of mind their pets deserve. Learn more at thrivepetcare.com.

We welcome you to join our story and join where #WeThriveTogether.