Veterinary Assistant

Westland Veterinary Hospital Inc; Westland (MI); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 3,031,000; Full time

Job summary

Westland Animal Hospital in Westland, MI seeks a dedicated Veterinary Assistant to join our AAHA-accredited, full-service practice. You will support veterinarians in exams, diagnostics, surgery prep, and client communication, while fostering Fear Free patient care and a collaborative team environment.

We value professional development and offer mentorship, internal specialty access, and education programs to help you advance your veterinary career within our growing hospital network.

Qualifications

• Previous veterinary assistant experience.
• Proficiency in safe animal restraint and handling.
• Knowledge of core versus lifestyle-based vaccines.
• Familiarity with veterinary medications and medical terminology.
• Strong communication, organizational, and teamwork skills.
• Compassionate approach to patient care and client service.

Responsibilities

• Safely restrain patients for examinations, treatments, and procedures.
• Assist veterinarians and technicians with appointments, treatments, and diagnostics.
• Help prepare patients and equipment for surgery and dental procedures.
• Monitor patients and assist with anesthesia and surgical recovery, as trained.
• Assist with venipuncture, IV catheter placement, and other technical procedures.
• Administer vaccinations and medications as directed within training scope.
• Maintain clean, organized exam rooms, treatment areas, and surgical spaces.
• Communicate professionally with clients and team members.
• Support Fear Free handling practices and promote positive patient experience.
• Maintain accurate medical records and follow hospital protocols.

Skills

Vet assistant experience

Animal restraint

Vaccines knowledge

Vet medications/terminology

Communication skills

Compassionate patient care

Education

High school diploma

Tools

AVImark

Job description

Westland Veterinary Hospital invites you to join a dedicated team focused on providing exceptional care for small animals in Westland, Michigan. Our commitment to maintaining the highest medical and operational standards is evident in our prestigious AAHA accreditation, a distinction that reflects our dedication to continuous quality improvement in patient care and facility management. We believe that when you are supported by an environment of professionalism and collaboration, you can do your best work. This is an immediate opportunity to integrate your passion for veterinary medicine into a supportive culture focused entirely on clinical excellence.We understand that robust support systems are crucial for achieving career longevity. As part of a larger network of hospitals, we prioritize your professional development and provide the resources necessary for all teammates to succeed. You will benefit from dedicated mentorship opportunities, access to internal specialty consultations, and robust educational programs designed to help you achieve your career goals. Whether you are aiming to become a credentialed technician, pursue leadership roles, or expand your advanced medical skills, we have structured programs in place to foster that growth and ensure every teammate feels valued.Our foundation of clinical quality is anchored by our AAHA accreditation, ensuring that our medical standards are consistently among the best in the industry. As a dedicated small animal practice, we focus intensely on comprehensive preventative care, advanced diagnostics, and modern treatment protocols. While we invest in the latest tools and technology, we equally invest in the continuing education that ensures you know how to use them effectively. We promote a culture where open dialogue about complex cases is encouraged, ensuring every patient benefits from collective knowledge and evidence-based decision-making.Westland, Michigan offers a welcoming suburban setting with strong Midwestern community roots, making it an excellent place to establish a career and home. Located conveniently outside of Detroit, you benefit from affordable living while retaining easy access to the cultural, sporting, and dining amenities of a major metropolitan area. Westland provides a stable, community-oriented environment where you can focus on professional growth while enjoying local parks, diverse shopping opportunities, and the overall ease of living in a supportive neighborhood.

Job Description

Veterinary Assistant – Full-Time

Westland Animal Hospital | Westland, MI

Are you a compassionate, skilled Veterinary Assistant who enjoys helping pets live healthier lives? Westland Animal Hospital is looking for a dedicated Full-Time Veterinary Assistant to join our team!

We are a soon to be 3-doctor, AAHA-accredited, full-service general practice serving Westland and the surrounding communities. Our team is committed to providing high-quality veterinary care while creating a positive, supportive experience for our patients, clients, and team members. We emphasize preventive care and Fear Free techniques to help make veterinary visits as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Our services include wellness and preventive care, vaccinations, dentistry, surgery, radiography, ultrasound, and diagnostic testing. We primarily care for dogs and cats and are proud to offer a variety of services to meet our patients' needs.

We use AVImark practice management software and value team members who are comfortable working in a collaborative, fast-paced veterinary environment.

What You'll Do

• Safely and confidently restrain patients for examinations, treatments, and procedures.
• Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians with appointments, treatments, and diagnostic procedures.
• Help prepare patients and equipment for surgery and dental procedures.
• Monitor patients and assist with anesthesia and surgical recovery, as trained.
• Assist with venipuncture, IV catheter placement, and other technical procedures as skills and training allow.
• Administer vaccinations and medications as directed and within the scope of your training.
• Maintain clean, organized exam rooms, treatment areas, and surgical spaces.
• Communicate professionally and compassionately with clients and team members.
• Support Fear Free handling practices and promote a positive patient experience.
• Maintain accurate medical records and follow hospital protocols.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Previous veterinary assistant experience.
• Proficiency in safe animal restraint and handling.
• Knowledge of core versus lifestyle-based vaccines.
• Familiarity with veterinary medications and medical terminology.
• Strong communication, organizational, and teamwork skills.
• A compassionate approach to patient care and a commitment to client service.

Why Join Westland Animal Hospital?

• Work with a dedicated team focused on high-quality patient care.
• Be part of an AAHA-accredited hospital committed to established standards of veterinary excellence.
• Gain exposure to a wide variety of diagnostic, surgical, dental, and preventive care services.
• Contribute to a culture that prioritizes compassionate handling, teamwork, and patient comfort.

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.

How You're Supported

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.

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

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.

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 .

Driving the award-winning culture are the WAG values – Work Together, Amaze, and Grow. Mission Pet Health is veterinarian‑led, people‑focused, and on a mission to be the best place to work in veterinary medicine. We are proud to be recognized as a 2025 "Most Loved Workplace," ranked #2 in America's Top 100 and #1 in veterinary care.

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.

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