Veterinary Assistant

Companion Pet; Yuma (AZ); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision insurance

401k with company match

Paid time off (PTO)

Job summary

Foothills Animal Hospital in Yuma, AZ is seeking a full-time Veterinary Assistant to join our high-energy team. You will assist veterinarians with exams, treatments, and diagnostics, restrain animals, and help maintain records and a clean, organized hospital environment.

We value compassionate care, clear client communication, and teamwork. Benefits include comprehensive coverage, 401k with company match, paid time off, and opportunities for professional growth in a busy emergency-capable

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• One or more years of experience in a veterinary environment required.
• Must know how to restrain and handle cats and dogs of all temperament.
• Basic computer skills for maintaining electronic medical records.
• Associate degree in veterinary technology or continuing education in veterinary science a plus.

Responsibilities

• Restrain and handle animals during examinations and procedures.
• Assist with treatments, diagnostics, and surgeries, prepare equipment, monitor patients, and maintain medical records.
• Maintain hospital cleanliness and organization to ensure a safe environment.
• Relay important patient updates to veterinarians and team members.
• Educate clients about care, medications, and home treatment plans.

Skills

Animal handling

Diagnostic imaging positioning

Venipuncture

Medication administration

Client communication

Record keeping

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in veterinary technology (preferred)

Tools

Digital radiography

Electronic medical records (EMR)

Job description

Why Join Our Team

Join the dynamic team at Foothills Animal Hospital, a premier, five-doctor facility located in sunny Yuma, Arizona. Since 1991, we've proudly served our community, providing high-quality preventative, wellness, and advanced emergency care.

As a high-energy practice, approximately 70% of our caseload is emergency medicine, giving our team continuous opportunities to hone their skills and make a real difference for pets and their families. Despite the fast pace, our culture is deeply rooted in teamwork, communication, compassion, and a shared commitment to delivering the highest standard of empathetic patient care.

What Sets Us Apart

• Advanced Technology: Work with state-of-the-art equipment, including CT, fluoroscopy, flexible/rigid endoscopy, ultrasound, and digital radiography.
• Exceptional Team Support: Benefit from a robust support structure with 5-8 highly skilled technicians per doctor, ensuring smooth operations.
• Diverse Caseload: Gain experience across the spectrum of veterinary medicine, from routine procedures to critical, high-impact emergency cases.
• Mentorship Focused: We prioritize professional growth with ongoing teaching and mentorship from our leadership team.
• Ideal Location: Enjoy the unique Yuma lifestyle, offering affordable housing, abundant sunshine, and outdoor adventures just 2.5 hours from Phoenix and San Diego.

About This Role

Join our veterinary hospital as a full-time Veterinary Assistant and become a teammate of our animal healthcare team! This position offers the perfect opportunity to make a meaningful difference in animals' lives while building a strong foundation in veterinary medicine. If you have a genuine love for animals and a desire to grow in the veterinary field, we'd love to welcome you to our team!

What Success Looks Like

• Compassionate Care Provider: You'll handle and restrain animals with confidence and gentleness, ensuring their comfort during examinations and procedures while providing reassurance to pets experiencing stress or illness.
• Medical Support Expert: You'll assist our veterinary team with treatments, diagnostics, and surgeries, preparing equipment, monitoring patients, and maintaining accurate records of care provided.
• Hospital Caretaker: You'll maintain the cleanliness and organization of our hospital, ensuring a safe, sanitary environment for our patients, clients, and team members.
• Communication Liaison: You'll relay important patient updates to veterinarians and fellow team members, helping maintain continuity of care and ensuring all staff are well-informed about patients' status.
• Client Educator: Under veterinarian guidance, you'll communicate with pet owners about their animals' care, medications, and home treatment plans, providing clear instructions with empathy and professionalism.

What Makes You a Great Fit

• Strong animal handling skills with the ability to safely restrain patients of all temperaments for examinations and procedures
• Knowledge of diagnostic imaging positioning and laboratory diagnostics
• Proficiency with venipuncture including IV catheter placement and blood draws
• Experienced with medication administration (PO, SQ, IM, and IV) and vaccine administration
• Knowledge of prescription medications to effectively instruct clients with home care instructions
• Excellent attention to detail in monitoring patients and maintaining medical records
• Effective communication skills with team members and clients

Education & Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent required
• One or more years of experience in a veterinary environment required
• Must know how to restrain and handle cats and dogs of all temperament
• Basic computer skills for maintaining electronic medical records
• Associate degree in veterinary technology or continuing education in veterinary science a plus

How We’ll Support You

• Competitive Pay: $15.00 - $25.00 per hour, commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, plus 401k with company match
• Growth Opportunities: Continuing education and professional development support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO and mental health assistance
• Perks: Employee discounts on services, a scrub allowance, and a referral program
• A Welcoming Team: We’re a hard-working and collaborative team where your voice matters!

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.