Veterinary Assistant - 000463

A Caring Doctor (Minnesota), P.A.; Saint Louis Park (MN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan with company match

Paid Time Off and Holidays

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA)

Short‑ and Long‑Term Disability Insurance

Continuing Education Allowance

Paid Parental Leave

Job summary

VCA Inc. is seeking a Veterinary Assistant in St. Louis Park to support veterinarians and technicians in delivering exceptional veterinary care. Responsibilities include educating clients, monitoring the well-being of pets, and ensuring a safe environment.

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills and a passion for animal care. Benefits include comprehensive medical insurance, a retirement plan with company match, and opportunities for continuing education.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years old to perform duties involving radiography.
• Strong organizational ability and systematic approach.
• One year related experience is ideal; customer service experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support veterinarians and technicians in providing quality care.
• Educate clients about pet health needs and hospital services.
• Communicate effectively to maintain patient flow in the hospital.

Skills

Customer Focus

Excellent communication skills

Problem solving skills

Multi-tasking

Client service skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Certificate from NAVTA approved Veterinary Assistant program

Tools

Medical software

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Veterinary Assistant – St. Louis Park / West Minneapolis / West Metro

Summary of job purpose and function: The Veterinary Assistant supports the veterinarians and veterinary technicians in ensuring quality veterinary care for all pets, advocates for pets, educates clients on all aspects of pet health, and maintains a safe and effective hospital environment.

Essential Responsibilities and Tasks

• Live and exemplify the Five Principles of Mars, Inc. within self and team.
• Act as the extra eyes, ears, and hands for the veterinarian and veterinary technician to ensure the best quality pet care and maximize productivity.
• Communicate with veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and other associates to maintain patient flow.
• Provide professional, efficient, and exceptional service at all times, including performing or preparing procedures that do not require veterinary or technician assistance and completing preparatory work for other procedures.
• Ensure clients and pets are comfortable in the hospital, and monitor hospitalized or surgical pets as allowed by state practice acts.
• Educate clients about Optimum Wellness Plans, preventive care, pet health needs, hospital services, and other issues.
• Obtain relevant information and history from clients and maintain proper and complete medical charts.
• Ensure the safety of pets, clients, and associates by utilizing safe restraining techniques, following standard protocols, and maintaining clean, sterile, and organized treatment areas, exam rooms, and labs.
• Assist with surgery as applicable.
• Utilize technical skills to the fullest within state practice acts and as outlined in NAVTA guidelines for veterinary assistant skills and duties.
• Mentor other paraprofessionals in the hospital.
• Other job duties as assigned.

Five Principles

• Quality – The consumer is our boss; quality is our work and value for money is our goal.
• Responsibility – Demand total responsibility from ourselves and support the responsibility of others.
• Mutuality – A shared benefit is a shared benefit that endures.
• Efficiency – Use resources fully, waste nothing, and do only what we do best.
• Freedom – Shape our future with freedom and profit to remain free.

Hiring Qualifications & Competencies

• Action Oriented
• Customer Focus
• Listening
• Peer Relationships
• Personal Learning
  • Ensure medical quality
  • Effective communication
  • Drive for results
• Functional Skills
  • Priority setting

Capabilities and Experience (Can-Do)

• Ability to multi-task; manage multiple tasks quickly and accurately.
• Excellent communication skills; reads, writes, and speaks fluent English.
• Strong organizational ability and systematic approach.
• Problem solving skills; identifies, analyzes, and solves problems with practical solutions.
• Client service skills; provides attentive, courteous, and informative service.
• Intellectual ability; follows instructions and provides directions.
• Mathematical ability; performs basic calculations and conversions.
• Computer skills; uses medical software, Outlook, Word, and Excel confidently.

Special Working Conditions

• Prolonged computer use.
• Confidence around a variety of pets.
• Work hours may exceed 40 per week, including weekends and evenings.
• Reasoning, remembering, mathematics, and language ability required.
• Moderately high noise level.
• Ambulatory skills to perform duties while moving in the hospital.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Exposure to pets that may bite or scratch, anesthesia, radiation, biological hazards, and medication or controlled substances.

Education / Experience

• Preferably a Certificate of completion from a NAVTA approved Veterinary Assistant program or equivalent.
• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• At least 18 years old to perform duties involving radiography.
• One year related experience is ideal; customer service experience preferred.

EEO Statement

Banfield is a drug‑free, smoke‑free, equal‑opportunity employer. Company policy, federal and state laws forbid discrimination because of age, color, race, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin. We are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plan (401(k) and Roth) with company match
• Paid Time Off and Holidays
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Short‑ and Long‑Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave for both birth and adoption
• Continuing Education Allowance (eligible positions)
• Identity Protection and Legal Plan
• Commuter Benefits
• Family Support Resources (e.g., backup child and elder care)