Veterinary Assistant

Maple Tree Veterinary Hospital; Waynesville (NC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Maple Tree Veterinary Hospital seeks a Veterinary Assistant to provide compassionate, hands-on care and support veterinarians and RVTs in medical, surgical, and dental tasks in a fast-paced hospital setting.

The role requires animal-handling skills, attention to detail, and teamwork, reporting to the Head Veterinary Technician. Full-time, on-site, with some weekend/holiday availability and safety protocol adherence.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to handle animals of varying size.
• Strong communication with clients and team.
• Willingness to work weekends/holidays.

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate care to patients and clients.
• Restrain pets safely for exams and procedures.
• Record weights, temperature, pulse, and respiration.
• Assist veterinarians and RVTs during exams and procedures.
• Administer oral medications and SQ injections when directed.
• Prepare patients for surgery and assist in recovery.
• Maintain clean exam rooms and manage supplies.
• Enter notes and charges in the medical records system.
• Collaborate with team and follow safety protocols.

Skills

Animal handling

Communication

Multitasking

Team player

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

ezyVet

Job description

Veterinary Assistant

Position Overview

The Veterinary Assistant provides compassionate, hands-on care to patients and supports veterinarians and Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) in daily medical, surgical, and dental care.

This is a full-time position that requires strong animal-handling skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

The Veterinary Assistant reports directly to the Head Veterinary Technician and works under the direction and supervision of the attending veterinarians and RVTs. The role includes only those tasks permitted for unregistered staff under North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board rules.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Care & Clinical Support

• Provide compassionate care to patients and clients at all times
• Safely and effectively restrain pets for exams, treatments, and procedures, including large or difficult animals
• Obtain and record weights, temperature, pulse, and respiration in ezyVet
• Assist veterinarians and RVTs during exams, treatments, and medical, surgical, and dental procedures
• Administer oral medications and, as directed and permitted, subcutaneous (SQ) injections and fluids
• Prepare patients for surgery (clipping, positioning, surgical scrub) and assist with monitoring patients in recovery
• Help position patients for radiographs, following radiation safety protocols
• Feed, walk, bathe, and monitor hospitalized and boarding patients, reporting changes in condition promptly
• Assist the medical team during emergencies, including CPR, as directed

Laboratory Support

• Collect and prepare samples (fecal, urine, skin) for testing
• Run basic in-house tests, such as fecal flotations and heartworm tests, under supervision
• Label, log, and package samples for outside laboratories
• Clean and maintain laboratory equipment

Client Communication

• Greet clients and patients warmly and escort them to exam rooms
• Take patient histories and record the reason for visit in ezyVet
• Relay veterinarian and technician instructions clearly and professionally
• Explain prescription labels and basic home-care instructions as directed
• Refer medical questions to veterinarians or RVTs

Facility & Inventory

• Maintain clean, organized exam rooms, treatment areas, kennels, and surgical suites
• Clean, wrap, and sterilize surgical instruments and packs, and operate the autoclave
• Do laundry and restock exam rooms, treatment areas, and surgical supplies
• Assist with receiving and organizing inventory according to hospital systems
• Uphold hospital cleanliness and sanitation standards at all times

Administrative & Recordkeeping

• Enter accurate, timely notes and charges in ezyVet in line with hospital policies
• Assist with admitting and discharging patients according to established procedures

Teamwork & Professional Conduct

• Maintain a positive, cooperative relationship with team members
• Conduct yourself in a confident and professional manner, even under stress
• Take direction from the Head Veterinary Technician, RVTs, and attending veterinarians, and elevate concerns through the appropriate chain of command
• Participate in team-building activities, community outreach, and educational events 2–3 times per year

What We Value

• Genuine compassion for animals and the people who care for them
• Eagerness to learn and grow clinical skills
• Attention to detail and follow-through
• Ability to stay calm, organized, and efficient in a fast-paced setting
• Clear, friendly communication with clients and coworkers
• Dependability, flexibility, and a team-first mindset

How Success Is Measured

• Safe, confident patient handling and restraint
• Quality and consistency of patient care, cleanliness, and room and surgical preparation
• Accuracy in sample handling, records, and following instructions
• Reliability, attendance, and adherence to hospital and safety protocols
• Effective teamwork and communication with doctors, technicians, and support staff

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Comfort handling and restraining animals of varying size and temperament
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including some weekends and holidays as needed

Preferred

• Prior experience in a veterinary hospital, shelter, kennel, or other animal-care setting
• Completion of a veterinary assistant program or Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) certification
• Experience with ezyVet practice management software
• Interest in pursuing veterinary technician education

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs unassisted, and more with assistance
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and kneel for extended periods throughout a shift
• Manual dexterity sufficient to perform clinical, cleaning, and laboratory tasks
• Ability to safely restrain animals of varying size and temperament

Work Environment

• Fast-paced veterinary hospital or clinic setting
• Exposure to animals of varying temperaments and medical conditions, including potential bites and scratches
• Exposure to anesthetic gases, radiation, cleaning chemicals, and animal waste, managed through established safety protocols
• Physical stamina required for lifting, restraining animals, and standing for extended periods