Veterinary Assistant

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc.; Shrewsbury (MA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to improving the lives of pets and their owners. As a Veterinary Assistant, you will play a crucial role in delivering exceptional medical care and customer service at our Vetco Total Care hospitals. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic environment where teamwork and compassion are valued. You will assist veterinarians in various procedures, maintain patient records, and ensure a welcoming atmosphere for clients and their pets. If you are passionate about animal welfare and looking for a fulfilling career path, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• 1+ year experience in veterinary practice or related animal care preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.
• Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting and standing for long periods.

Responsibilities

• Provide medical care to patients and exceptional customer service.
• Assist with surgeries, monitor patients during anesthesia, and maintain EMR.
• Greet clients, document visits, and educate clients on pet care.

Skills

Veterinary Practice Experience

Communication Skills

Compassion and Professionalism

Team Collaboration

Technical Skills (EMR)

Education

Experience in Animal Care

Tools

Electronic Medical Record (EMR)

Telephone Skills

Computer Skills

Job description

time left to apply End Date: November 1, 2025 (30+ days left to apply)

job requisition id R303896

Create a healthier, brighter future for pets, pet parents and people!

If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what’s right for pets, people and our planet.

• We love all pets like our own
• We’re the future of the pet industry
• We’re here to improve lives
• We drive outstanding results together
• We’re welcome as we are

Petco is a category-defining health and wellness company focused on improving the lives of pets, pet parents and Petco partners. We are 29,000 strong and operate 1,500+ pet care centers in the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, including 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. We’re focused on purpose-driven work, and strongly believe what’s good for pets, people and our planet is good for Petco.

Position Purpose:

The purpose of this position involves providing excellent medical care to our Vetco Total Care full-service hospital patients and phenomenal customer care to their owners. The Veterinary Assistant represents our mission and values to all clients. They set the tone for technical and customer support in the hospital and are responsible for fostering cohesion and motivation within the team.

All hospital staff are responsible for performing their duties in a way that creates an environment where:

- The patient’s needs always come first.

- Every team member understands they have the power to do what it takes to create an exceptional customer experience.

- Contentious issues are dealt with and resolved as they occur or as soon as possible.

- Exceptional teamwork and commitment to shared goals benefit the entire organization.

Essential Job Functions:

The incumbent must be able to perform all duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation:

- Greet clients and patients, escort them into exam rooms, obtain weight and vital signs, and record in the electronic medical record (EMR).

- Collect thorough patient histories and document visits in EMRs.

- Assist doctors with appointments, surgeries, dentistry, and euthanasia under supervision from the veterinarian, credentialed veterinary technician, HOM, and HLOD.

- Perform patient restraint, obtain and process laboratory samples, handle and dispense medications, and help maintain the EMR.

- Schedule appointments, provide client education, relay test results, and maintain/update client/patient records.

- Prepare patients for surgical and dental procedures, assist in anesthetizing patients, monitor vital parameters during anesthesia, and help with recovery and discharge preparations.

- Assist in in-hospital treatments, administer medications, perform IV fluid therapy, and ensure patients are clean, fed, and watered as directed.

- Assist in training new staff and disseminate knowledge as required.

- Keep hospital environment neat and clean, perform regular cleaning based on necessity and schedule.

Other Duties:

- Perform additional duties as assigned.

- Provide backup phone and front desk support as needed.

Supervision:

- The incumbent takes direct supervision from veterinarians and Veterinary Technician for patient care activities, and overall direction from HOM/HLOD or supervising technician for shift management.

Planning and Problem Solving:

- Play a crucial role in ensuring efficient hospital operations and providing an optimal patient and client experience.

Impact:

- Contribute to practice growth and high-quality care, ensuring a cohesive, motivated, and well-trained technical team, fostering employee retention, patient well-being, and customer satisfaction.

Supervisory Responsibility:

- This position has no immediate supervisory duties.

Education/Experience:

- Preferably at least 1-year experience in veterinary practice or related animal care.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

- Compassionate, sympathetic, and able to maintain professionalism in emotional/stressful situations.

- Proficient in telephone and computer skills.

- Team player willing to learn, innovate, and accept change.

- Must be able to perform physical tasks including bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, and standing for long periods.

- Extensive contact with clients and pets.

Contacts:

- Regular communication with clients, specialists, and vendors.

Legal Note:

- It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment.

Petco is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected classes.

Our vision is Healthier Pets. Happier People. Better World. We focus on animals first, educating pet parents, and reducing our carbon footprint through initiatives like Think Adoption First and the Petco Foundation.

We seek passionate individuals with great people skills committed to animal welfare and professional growth. Our ongoing expansion offers opportunities for development and enrichment.