Veterinary Assistant

VCA Animal Hospitals; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Paid time off

Disability coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Pet care discounts

Job summary

VCA Feist Animal Hospital in Saint Paul, MN is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to support doctors and technicians and help create a positive experience for pets and their families. This full-time position offers flexible scheduling and a path to growth in veterinary medicine.

As part of the team, you will assist with exams, surgeries, radiographs, lab work, medications, vaccines, and client communication while maintaining AAHA standards and accurate patient records.

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.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians in exams, surgeries, dental procedures, and emergency care.
• Perform diagnostic tests and prepare samples for lab testing.
• Administer medications, vaccines, and treatments as prescribed.
• Monitor and care for patients, including pain and wound management.
• Perform venipuncture.
• Maintain accurate patient records per AAHA standards.
• Educate owners about health plans and post-care instructions.
• Sterilize and maintain instruments and equipment.
• Assist with inventory management and stocking.
• Collaborate with team to promote a positive work environment.

Skills

Veterinary experience

Dog & cat handling

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Veterinary Assistant at VCA Feist Animal Hospital

Schedule

Full-time opportunity, flexible scheduling available

Compensation

$18.00 – $28.00/hour

Pay range is negotiable based on experience, education, skills, and credentials.

About Our Hospital

VCA Feist Animal Hospital is a 5-doctor practice providing high‑quality veterinary care including preventive medicine, surgery, dentistry, diagnostics, and compassionate client service.

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.

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

VCA offers a comprehensive benefits package to support the health, wellbeing, and professional development of its associates. Key benefits include:

• 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‑term disability.
• 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 VETGirl and 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

Location: 1430 Marshall Ave, St Paul, MN 55104

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