Veterinary Assistant

Alliance Animal Health; Riverdale Park (MD); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Vacation and Sick Time

Paid Bereavement Program

Paid Parental Leave Program

Continuing Education Allowance

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Job summary

Riverdale Park Animal Hospital is seeking a versatile veterinary professional to support both reception and technician duties. The role requires comfort switching between front-desk responsibilities and hands-on patient care, with an emphasis on compassionate client interactions and accurate medical support.

Candidates should be able to handle fast-paced hospital workflow, work well with a team, and have experience in veterinary settings. Bilingual English/Spanish is preferred but not required.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and client service skills.
• Multitask in a fast-paced environment between front desk and patient care.
• Team-oriented, compassionate and able to work with a hospital team.
• Knowledge of veterinary terminology and standard medical procedures.

Responsibilities

• Greet and assist clients and patients in a friendly, professional manner.
• Answer phones, emails, and client questions; triage concerns.
• Schedule appointments and manage hospital flow.
• Process payments and maintain reception area cleanliness and order.
• Provide emotional support to clients during difficult times.
• Assist veterinarians with appointments, procedures and patient care.
• Perform animal restraint and assist with venipuncture and sample collection.
• Maintain knowledge of medical equipment and lab processes, including IDEXX equipment.

Skills

Client communication

Multitasking

Team collaboration

Computer skills

Animal restraint and venipuncture

Tools

IDEXX equipment

Job description

At Riverdale Park Animal Hospital, we treat every pet like family. Our compassionate team provides personalized, fear-free care with a focus on comfort, wellness, and clear communication. We’re proud to be ASL-friendly and offer support in English and Spanish, creating a welcoming experience for every pet parent and their furry family members.

Join a team dedicated to helping pets live happy, healthy lives!

*Fluent in Spanish and English preferred- not required

Job Description

Job Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To:

We are looking for a versatile and team-oriented veterinary professional who is willing and able to support both reception and technician duties. This position is ideal for someone with experience in both areas who enjoys working directly with clients as well as providing hands-on patient care.

Reception Responsibilities:

• Greet and welcome clients and patients in a friendly and professional manner.
• Answer phones, emails, and client questions while appropriately triaging concerns.
• Schedule appointments to maximize efficiency and daily hospital flow.
• Check clients in and out and accurately process payments.
• Provide compassionate and discreet emotional support to clients during times of need.
• Communicate effectively with clients regarding their pets' care and various medical outcomes.
• Maintain the cleanliness and visual appeal of the hospital reception area.
• Provide hands-on patient care and assist veterinarians with appointments and procedures.
• Safely and confidently perform animal restraint.
• Assist with venipuncture, blood collection, sample preparation, and other technical procedures.
• Utilize and maintain knowledge of medical equipment and laboratory processes, including IDEXX laboratory equipment.
• Assist with diagnostics, treatments, and patient monitoring as directed by the veterinarian.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of veterinary medical terminology and general medical procedures.
• Work collaboratively with the entire hospital team to provide high-quality patient care.

Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced veterinary environment and able to transition between reception and technician responsibilities as needed.

Must be able to withstand unpleasant odors and noises. May be exposed to bites, scratches, animal waste, and potentially contagious diseases.

Whether you’re looking to continue mastering your current skills or grow into your next career move, you’ll have opportunities through a variety of virtual and hands-on, interactive training and continuing development.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a general veterinary practice.
• Experience working in both veterinary reception and technician roles strongly preferred.
• Strong technical skills, including animal restraint and venipuncture.
• Working knowledge of veterinary medicine and common medical procedures.
• Compassionate, calm, team-oriented, and able to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and client service skills.
• Highly organized with strong computer skills.
• Self-starter with a desire to continue developing veterinary knowledge and technical skills.
• Ability to confidently transition between front-desk and patient-care responsibilities based on hospital needs.

Additional Information

We offer our staff:

• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time for ALL Employees
• Paid Bereavement Program
• Paid Parental Leave Program
• Competitive Compensation
• Continuing Education Allowance (applies to licensed/registered/certified roles)
• Tuition Reimbursement Program Available to any AVMA Accredited Veterinary Technology Program
• Referral Bonus Program for most positions!
• Additional Benefits May Also Be Available (i.e. Personal Pet Discounts, Holiday Pay, Uniform Allowance, Bonuses etc)
• Hiring eligibility may be contingent to a candidate authorizing and completing a satisfactory background check.

*Note – some benefits may only be available to or vary slightly for full time employment status vs part time status.