Veterinary Assistant

Cat & Dog Hospital of Portland; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Cat & Dog Hospital of Portland is seeking a caring Veterinary Assistant to join our full-time team. You will support veterinarians and technicians, manage patient information, and help ensure a clean, welcoming clinic.

We value compassion, strong communication, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced setting. Our team emphasizes fear-free care and feline-friendly practices in SE Portland.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• NAVTA-certified program preferred.
• One year of pet-care experience preferred.
• Feline-Friendly and Fear Free hospital environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians and technicians with patient care.
• Maintain a clean, organized hospital environment.
• Provide exceptional customer service to clients.
• Restrain and calm pets during procedures as needed.
• Obtain initial patient information and update records.
• Support a collaborative, team-oriented work environment.

Skills

Communication

Customer service

Multitasking

Team oriented

Compassion

Professional demeanor

Education

High School Diploma or GED

NAVTA-certified program (preferred)

Tools

Cornerstone software

Job description

Veterinary Assistant – Full-Time

Cat and Dog Hospital of Portland

Cat and Dog Hospital of Portland is seeking a caring, dependable, and dedicated Veterinary Assistant to join our team full-time. Responsibilities include assisting veterinarians and veterinary technicians with patient care, maintaining a clean and organized hospital environment, and providing exceptional customer service. The ideal candidate will be able to stay focused in a fast-paced setting, multitask effectively, and communicate professionally and compassionately with clients.

Cat and Dog Hospital of Portland is a compassionate, Feline-Friendly and Fear Free hospital with a bright, modern facility in the heart of SE Portland Sellwood neighborhood. Our close-knit team relies on strong communication, teamwork, hard work, and reliability to provide the best possible care. We are looking for someone who takes pride in their work and is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and comfortable experience for our patients and their people.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a veterinary hospital is preferred.
• Familiarity with Cornerstone veterinary software is a plus.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to multitask in a busy environment.
• A compassionate, team-oriented attitude and a strong sense of responsibility.
• Kind and supportive of your team members.

Compensation and Benefits

• medical insurance
• dental insurance
• vision insurance
• paid time off for full-time employees
• paid holidays
• 401(k)-retirement plan

Wages are based on experience.

Position Summary

The Veterinary Assistant supports and assists the Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians, ensuring the safety of pets and clients, and the continuity of quality veterinary care. They work to keep pets safe and comfortable during their visit.

WHAT YOU’LL DO (Essential Functions)

• Foster a culture built on our values: Respect, Learning, Do the Right Thing, WOW Service,and Fun
• Clean, disinfect, and prepare exam rooms, medical equipment, and surgery between eachappointment
• Obtain initial patient information, medical histories, vaccination records, and the reason for thepet’s visit. Document patient information, and update records
• Calm, soothe, comfort, and restrain pets before, during, and after procedures
• Take note on examination results and updates records as directed by veterinarians
• Provide the owners education, resources and information on how best to care for pets in general, atthe Veterinarian’s direction, for specific conditions, and after various procedures
• Monitor and track pet’s physical status and vital signs following surgery
• Monitor, record, and report the physical condition and vital signs of the hospitalized and boardedpets
• Clean and disinfect cages, pens, runs, and boarding areas
• Feed, water, bathe, and exercise pets during their visit
• Respond to general questions from clients
• Perform and set up procedures that do not require Veterinarian or Veterinary Technicianassistance
• May administer medication, perform routine laboratory tests, fill prescriptions, and educate clienton use and side effects of medication under the direction of a Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician
• Provide professional, efficient, quality care and exceptional service to clients while maintainingmaximum productivity
• Support a practice environment that promotes collaboration and teamwork and ensures thedelivery of quality, compassionate, effective, and efficient health care to pets
• Comply with all practice policies, quality assurance guidelines, and minimum standards of care
• Perform other duties as requested

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR (Essential Qualifications)

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required

Professional Licenses/Certifications

• Certificate of completion from a NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant program preferred

Experience

• One year of experience in a pet care is preffered.

PreferredSkills, Ability and Knowledge

• Broad knowledge of animal science
• Basic knowledge of pharmacology
• Proficiency with a variety of computer programs including Microsoft Outlook, Word andindustry internet sites
• Basic written, verbal, and active listening communication skills with a customer-orientedapproach
• Basic mathematical skills to ensure the administration of accurate drug and fluid doses
• Basic analytical, critical thinking, judgement, and problem-solving skills
• Compassion and empathy for both pets and pet owners
• Interact with a variety of clients and employees in a professional, caring, compassionate, andtactful manner
• Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy
• Strong organizational and time management skills, including managing multiple priorities
• Handle and maintain sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Maintain a calm demeanor in a work environment that fluctuates from orderly to fast pacedand stressful

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to talk and hear. Theteam member must frequently use a computer for long periods of time. Specific vision abilities arerequired to do this job including close vision. This position requires walking, standing, and sitting forlong periods of time. May be exposed to low to moderate noise levels as well asdisinfectant/sanitation chemicals, pet dander, and excretions. May experience aggressive,frightened, abused or injured pets that bite and scratch. This position requires exerting up to 30pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds frequently, and/or 10 pounds constantly in order tolift, carry, pull or move objects. Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities

ABOUT LAKEFIELD VETERINARY GROUP

We believe exceptional veterinary care starts with exceptional people.

We partner with hospitals across the country to preserve what makes each practice special - its people, culture, and connection to community - while providing the operational support and resources that allow teams to thrive.

As we grow, we are committed to creating an environment where team members feel respected, supported, and empowered to deliver outstanding care.

If these resonate with you,you’ll fit right in.

Our Values

• Respect
• Learning
• Do theRightThing
• WowService
• Fun

Equal Employment Opportunity

Lakefield Veterinary Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members and applicants.