Veterinary Assistant

Whittaker Road Animal Clinic; Ypsilanti Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 37,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401k Retirement Plan

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Whittaker Road Animal Clinic in Ypsilanti, MI, is seeking a Veterinary Assistant for our growing four-doctor practice. The role focuses on compassionate nursing care, anesthesia support, and collaborative surgery assistance in a high-quality, AAHA-accredited setting.

You will gain exposure to advanced soft tissue procedures, dental radiography, and in-house ultrasound, while helping with patient workups and client communication. A dynamic team environment supports ongoing growth.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Proficiency in venipuncture and IV catheter placement.
• Anesthesia experience is preferred.
• Comfort with restraint, surgical prep, and assisting treatments.

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate nursing care for dogs and cats.
• Assist with surgical prep and soft tissue procedures.
• Prepare instruments and maintain a clean surgical environment.
• Assist with anesthesia monitoring and postoperative care.
• Support dental procedures, diagnostics, and client communication.

Skills

Venipuncture

IV catheter placement

Anesthesia support

Surgical assistance

Patient care

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

At Whittaker Road Animal Clinic, we are committed to providing exceptional small animal medicine with a focus on high-quality patient care, collaboration, and continuous growth. As a proud AAHA-accredited practice, we hold ourselves to the highest standards in veterinary medicine—a commitment recognized by our community through our outstanding 4.7-star Google rating. Our team culture is built around supporting one another, respecting each teammate’s expertise, and creating an environment where veterinary professionals can thrive. We believe great medicine happens when passionate people work together, and we are dedicated to ensuring every patient receives thoughtful, compassionate, and advanced care. When you join Whittaker Road Animal Clinic, you become part of a supportive network that prioritizes your professional development. We provide opportunities for continued education, mentorship, and career advancement, including pathways for teammates interested in expanding their clinical skills, earning credentials, or pursuing leadership opportunities. Our goal is to provide the tools, resources, and encouragement you need to achieve your professional aspirations. As an AAHA-accredited hospital, we maintain rigorous medical standards and provide the resources necessary to practice advanced, evidence-based veterinary medicine. Our collaborative approach allows our team to work together on challenging cases, utilizing the full expertise of our veterinary professionals. Whether you are passionate about diagnostics, surgery, dentistry, client education, or comprehensive patient care, you will have the support and equipment needed to deliver your best work. Located in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Whittaker Road Animal Clinic offers the opportunity to practice in a vibrant community with historic charm and easy access to metropolitan amenities. Ypsilanti is known for its welcoming atmosphere, cultural diversity, and close proximity to major universities, making it a wonderful place to live and work. If you are looking for a hospital where your medical skills are valued, your growth is encouraged, and your passion for veterinary medicine is shared by your teammates, Whittaker Road Animal Clinic is the place to build your future.

Job Description

Veterinary Assistant

Whittaker Road Animal Clinic | Ypsilanti, MI

Pay: $18–$20/hour, based on experience

Are you a Veterinary Assistant who enjoys a fast-paced environment, loves learning new skills, and wants to be part of an elevated general practice? Whittaker Road Animal Clinic is growing, and we're looking for a motivated Veterinary Assistant to join our team as we expand our advanced surgical services!

Why Join Whittaker Road Animal Clinic?

We’re an AAHA-accredited, elevated general practice dedicated to high-quality medicine, progressive surgical care, and a supportive team environment where you can continue to learn and grow.

Our busy, four-doctor practice cares for dogs and cats and is introducing new soft tissue procedures, including BOAS surgeries and perineal urethrostomies (PUs). If you enjoy surgery, patient care, and expanding your clinical skills, this is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing surgical program.

We perform a high volume of dental procedures, with dental radiographs taken for every dental , and offer ultrasound services right here in the hospital.

What You'll Do

• Provide compassionate, high-quality nursing care for dogs and cats.
• Assist with surgical preparation and procedures, including advanced soft tissue surgeries.
• Help prepare surgical instruments and maintain a safe, organized surgical environment.
• Assist with anesthesia, patient monitoring, and postoperative recovery.
• Support dental procedures, diagnostics, treatments, and patient workups.
• Communicate with clients and collaborate with veterinarians, Licensed Veterinary Technicians, and fellow Veterinary Assistants.
• Use Fear Free and low-stress handling techniques to help keep patients comfortable.
• Continue developing your skills while supporting our growing range of services.

Hospital Highlights

• AAHA-accredited, four-doctor elevated general practice.
• Growing advanced soft tissue surgery program, including BOAS and PU procedures.
• High-volume dentistry with dental radiographs for every dental procedure.
• Ultrasound services offered in-house.
• Orthopedic procedures and advanced medical workups.
• Abaxis in-house laboratory equipment.
• EzyVet practice management software.
• Fear Free and low-stress handling techniques.

Schedule & Work-Life Balance

We understand the importance of a schedule that works for you and the team.

• Monday–Friday schedule with flexible 9–10-hour shifts.
• Approximately one Saturday shift per month, typically a half day.
• Closed Sundays.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a Veterinary Assistant who:

• Has a passion for patient care and enjoys working in a progressive veterinary setting.
• Has a strong interest in surgery and anesthesia.
• Has proficiency in venipuncture and IV catheter placement.
• Has previous anesthesia experience and is comfortable assisting with anesthetic monitoring.
• Is confident with patient restraint, surgical preparation, and supporting treatments.
• Works well in a collaborative, multi-doctor environment.
• Is eager to learn, grow, and contribute to an expanding surgical program.

Anesthesia experience is strongly preferred , as this role will help support our growing surgical caseload. We’re looking for someone who enjoys being hands-on, takes patient safety seriously, and wants to continue building their clinical skills.

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.

If you're using NVDA, press NVDA key + space to enable focus mode to read the slider properly.

Location:Southside Animal Hospital (Johns Island)

Location:Williamson County Animal Hospital

Location:Colonial Heights Animal Hospital

Location:Commonwealth Veterinary Hospital