Veterinary Assistant

VCA Animal Hospitals; Richfield (MN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mental Health program

Healthcare: medical, dental, vision +H

Paid Time Off

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Pet care discounts

Sponsorships: VTNE prep

Transfer opportunities

Career development

401(k) with company match

Continuing education support

Team-oriented environment

Hospice and emergency care exposure

Job summary

VCA Animal Care Hospital in Richfield, MN is seeking a full-time Veterinary Assistant. The role supports doctors and technicians during exams, surgeries, and procedures, while delivering compassionate care to pets and their families.

The position requires prior veterinary experience, comfort handling dogs and cats, and a high school diploma. Schedule includes some Saturdays, with a compensation range of $18-$25/hour based on experience.

Qualifications

• Requires experience in a veterinary setting as a Veterinary Assistant.
• Ability to handle dogs and cats of all sizes and temperaments.
• High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians in patient care, exams, surgeries, dental procedures, and emergency care.
• Perform diagnostic tests and prepare samples for lab testing.
• Administer medications, vaccines, and treatments as prescribed.
• Monitor patients, manage pain, and provide wound care and nutrition support.
• Perform venipuncture and maintain accurate records per AAHA standards.
• Educate owners on pet health, plans, and post-care instructions.
• Ensure sterilization and maintenance of instruments and equipment.
• Assist with inventory management and ordering.

Skills

Veterinary experience

Dog and cat handling

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Location: 1208 E. 66th Street. Richfield, MN 55423

Full-time Veterinary Assistant at VCA Animal Care Hospital

About Our Hospital

VCA VCA Animal Care Hospital is a trusted AAHA- accredited hospital serving pets and families in our community with personalized veterinary care. From routine wellness visits to surgery and dental care, we focus on building lasting relationships with our clients while creating a supportive and collaborative workplace for our team.

The Opportunity

As a Veterinary Assistant, you’ll play an important role in supporting our doctors and technicians while helping create a positive experience for pets and their families. This is a great opportunity for someone who loves animals, enjoys teamwork, and wants to grow in veterinary medicine.

Schedule:

Full-time, flexible position that would include some Saturdays.

Compensation:

$18 - 25/hr, and the starting range is determined by skill set and years of experience in the field.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist veterinarians in all aspects of patient care, including physical exams, surgeries, dental procedures, and emergency care.

• Perform diagnostic tests, such as radiographs, blood work, and urinalysis, and prepare samples for laboratory testing.

• Administer medications, vaccines, and treatments as prescribed by veterinarians.

• Monitor and care for patients, including pain management, wound care, and nutritional support.

• Perform venipuncture.

• Maintain accurate and detailed patient records in accordance with AAHA standards and clinic protocols.

• Educate and communicate with pet owners about their pet's health, treatment plans, and post-care instructions.

• Ensure proper sterilization and maintenance of surgical instruments and equipment.

• Assist with inventory management, including ordering and stocking supplies.

• Collaborate with a team that values experience, stability, and a positive work environment.

Benefits:

• Mental Health: Access to the Lyra mental health platform, including up to 12 therapy sessions per year, guided self-care, and meditation resources.

• Full Healthcare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA/FSA options, as well as fertility benefits.

• Paid Time Off: Paid vacation, sick, parental, and bereavement leave.

• Financial Support: 100% employer-paid short-term and long-termdisability.

• Protection: Access to the Better Together Fund for crisis support in qualifying situations.

• Perks: Rabies prophylaxis vaccine and titer testing.

• Latest Tech & Innovation: Opportunities to work with the latest technology and programs that encourage innovation and creativity, such as VCA Next.

• Sponsorships: Penn Foster and VTNE test prep sponsorships, as well as VTNE prep courses.

• Discounts: Discounted Low-Stress Handling, Fear Free, and AAFP Cat-Friendly certifications, along with VETGirland VIN subscriptions.

• Programs: Leadership development and mentorship programs.

• Retirement: 401(k) retirement savings plan with increasing employer contribution.

• Full Coverage: 100% employer-paid professional liability coverage and life insurance coverage equal to one year’s salary.

• Pet Care Perks: Generous pet care discounts and VIP programs.

• Transfer Opportunities: Nationwide hospital transfer opportunities.

Qualifications:

• Previous experience in a veterinary setting as a Veterinary Assistant

• Comfortable handling dogs and cats of all sizes and temperaments

• High school diploma or equivalent required

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!

The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development)

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com