Veterinary Assistant

Mission Pet Health; Southport (NC); On-site; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Southport Animal Hospital in Southport, NC is seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant. The role offers a full-time schedule (Mon–Fri 8–5, Saturdays every 4–5 weeks), $17–$19/hour, and opportunities to grow within a supportive team and network.

Candidates need at least 2 years of veterinary experience, strong animal-handling skills, and excellent communication. A calm, organized approach is valued to maintain high-quality patient care.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of veterinary assistant experience.
• Strong patient restraint and animal handling skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for delivering outstanding care to pets and their families.

Responsibilities

• Provide essential patient care and assist medical team with hands-on duties.
• Support the veterinary team to ensure a smooth, efficient workflow.
• Assist with scheduling, payments, and client communications to enhance the visit experience.
• Help maintain a clean, safe clinic environment and proper equipment upkeep.

Skills

2+ years veterinary experience

Patient restraint

Teamwork & communication

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Laboratory skills

Radiology

Pharmacy procedures

Job description

You are invited to join Southport Animal Hospital, a cornerstone of comprehensive veterinary medicine serving the Southport, NC community since 1976. We are deeply committed to promoting responsible pet ownership, utilizing preventative health care measures, and treating every highly-valued patient like our own. The trust we have built is clear, reflected in our exceptional 4.9-star Google rating. We also proudly support the local area through our community-supported Angel Fund, which covers urgent medical costs for pets in need. If you are seeking a supportive environment where community impact and high-quality care converge, this is where you can do your best work. We understand that your professional growth drives the hospital's success. As part of a larger network of hospitals, you gain access to significant internal resources designed to help all teammates succeed. This includes programs geared toward helping you achieve your career goals, whether that means becoming a credentialed technician, moving into leadership, or accessing internal specialty consultations to elevate case management. We invest in a culture of education and support, ensuring you always have the tools and mentorship necessary to provide the highest level of care. Our medical standards prioritize comprehensive care for small animals across their lifespan, focusing heavily on preventative wellness, diagnostics, and advanced medical and surgical procedures. You will be utilizing state-of-the-art methods across all areas of patient care, including testing, diagnostics, advanced care, emergency services, and complex surgical procedures. This commitment to full-service veterinary medicine ensures that your caseload remains diverse and professionally challenging. We are dedicated to providing the necessary environment for our teammates to practice gold-standard medicine every day. Located in beautiful Southport, North Carolina, the hospital is deeply integrated into the local community. This is a region known for its supportive residents who truly value their pets, as evidenced by the high community support for our Angel Fund program. If you are looking for a place where your professional work extends into meaningful local connections, and where client loyalty is high, Southport offers a uniquely rewarding experience.

Veterinary Assistant – Southport Animal Hospital

Southport, NC

Pay: $17–$19/hour

Southport Animal Hospital is looking for an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our compassionate and collaborative team! If you have at least 2 years of experience in veterinary medicine and enjoy providing exceptional patient care while supporting a positive team environment, we'd love to meet you.

Schedule

• Full-Time
• Four weekdays per week (7:30 AM – 5:30 PM)
• One Saturday every 4–5 weeks (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
• One-hour lunch break

What We're Looking For

• Minimum of 2 years of veterinary assistant experience
• Strong patient restraint and animal handling skills
• Excellent communication and teamwork
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Passion for delivering outstanding care to pets and their families

Why Join Southport Animal Hospital?

• Competitive pay: $17–$19/hour
• Consistent full-time schedule with one weekday off each week
• Supportive and experienced team
• Opportunity to continue growing your veterinary skills
• Work-life balance with limited Saturday rotations

Hospital Hours

• Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Sunday: Closed

Your Impact as a Veterinary Assistant

• Provide Essential Patient Care: You'll be a key player in the health of our patients, assisting the medical team with hands-on care and ensuring every animal is treated with compassion and respect.
• Be the Go-To Support for the Medical Team: You'll be the backbone of the clinic, anticipating the needs of veterinarians and technicians to ensure a smooth, efficient, and collaborative workflow.
• Create a Positive Client Experience: You'll help create a seamless visit for our clients by assisting with scheduling, payments, and communications, always with a courteous and informative approach.
• Ensure a Safe and Clean Environment: You'll take pride in maintaining the hospital, performing clinic upkeep and equipment maintenance to uphold our high standards of care.

What You'll Bring to the Team

• A High School Diploma or equivalent.
• A calm and efficient approach, with the ability to handle a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment with composure.
• Confidence and skill in handling pets of all sizes and temperaments.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Proficiency in fundamental veterinary skills ranging from laboratory and pharmacy to nursing and radiology is a strong asset.

As part of the Mission Pet Health family, you get the stability of a local practice backed by the comprehensive benefits and resources of a larger network. The focus is on investing in you, so you can focus on what you love.

Note: Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you at every stage. Eligibility for specific benefits varies based on your role and hours worked.

Competitive Compensation

A competitive hourly rate or salary based on your experience and role.

Health & Wellbeing

We offer comprehensive coverage options including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, along with access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all teammates.

Financial Security

Plan for your future with our 401k retirement options and additional financial protection benefits like Life Insurance and Disability coverage.

Commitment to Growth

We support your career goals with opportunities for professional development, including educational assistance for qualified teammates to enroll in AVMA-accredited veterinary technician programs.

The Power of a Network

Join a nationwide community of over 20,000 veterinary professionals who share a passion for collaboration, career growth, and sharing best practices.

Valuable Perks

Enjoy discounted veterinary care for your own pets, access to an online discount platform, and free 24/7 access to doctors through Teladoc.

About Mission Pet Health

Mission Pet Health was founded by veterinarians on the belief that local practices thrive with clinical autonomy, collaboration, and medical excellence. The organization provides world-class support to its 850+ hospital teams on a hyper-local basis so they can focus on what matters most: the medicine, their patients, and their team culture. Learn more at missionpethealth.com.

Reasonable Accommodations:

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation. Please contact [e-mail] with your request and contact information.

EEO Statement:

Mission Pet Health is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.