Veterinary Assistant - Belle Forest Animal Hospital

Belle Forest Animal Hospital; Nashville (TN); Hybrid; USD 19,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Belle Forest Animal Hospital in Nashville, TN seeks a Veterinary Assistant to support hospital operations and provide high-quality care to pets and clients. You will perform examinations, assist during surgeries, manage nursing duties, and maintain records in a fast-paced, team-focused environment.

The role offers a supportive culture with opportunities for growth, a varied patient mix including dogs, cats and exotics, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience in a veterinary setting.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Professional and mature communication.
• Ability to stand and walk for long periods.
• Two years of veterinary assistant experience preferred.
• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this position

Responsibilities

• Determine animal requirements by examining and interviewing, reviewing care plans and records, and performing tests.
• Care for patients by monitoring vital signs and administering meds.
• Assist veterinarians during examinations, surgeries, and procedures.
• Maintain medical records with accurate documentation of conditions and changes.
• Communicate with pet owners about patient status as directed by the veterinarian.
• Maintain equipment and inventory, and ensure a clean, safe environment.

Skills

Veterinary experience

Physical stamina

Professional communication

Job description

Veterinary Assistant - Belle Forest Animal Hospital

PetVet Care Centers' Belle Forest Animal Hospital is currently seeking a Veterinary Assistantto join their team!

At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage — for all the moments that matter.

Because life is better with pets.

We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.

With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:

• Local autonomy with national support
• Career mobility and development opportunities
• A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.

Position Overview

Join our team as aVeterinary Assistantwho supports hospital operations by providing dedicated quality veterinary care and exceptional service to our patients and clients. Responsibilities include providing patient care by determining animal requirements, conducting examinations and diagnostic procedures, assisting during surgery and operations, providing nursing care, assisting with feeding and caring for patients, maintaining medical supplies and equipment, overseeing triage and discharging patients, and maintaining patient medical records.

Belle Forest Animal Clinic in Nashville, Tennessee, is an excellent place to work thanks to our supportive, close-knit team and exceptionally low staff turnover. We provide the opportunity to care for a diverse range of patients, including dogs, cats, and a variety of exotic animals. Our fun, energetic environment makes every day exciting and rewarding for animal lovers and veterinary professionals alike.

Why Join Us:

• Since 1975, Belle Forest Animal Hospital has provided compassionate veterinary care to families and their pets. We treat small animals and exotic species, delivering high-quality, species-appropriate care.
• We deeply value our team—reflected in our low staff turnover—and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including 401(k), paid time off, a scrub allowance, and medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Key Responsibilities

• Determine animal requirements by conducting examinations and interviews, reviewing care plans and records, completing laboratory tests and studies, and diagnostic imaging.
• Care for patients by taking vital signs, collecting samples, administering medications, drugs, and vaccines, and bandaging and wrapping wounds.
• Support patient examinations and operations by assembling required supplies and instruments, securing and bringing patients to examination rooms, and restraining patients; aids as directed by the veterinarian.
• Provide excellent pet care by applying full knowledge of anatomy, physiology, disease processes, pharmacology, specialized equipment usage, and specialized drug administration.
• Obtain and verify medications.
• Ensure that patients have food and water, clean patients' rooms, cages, and equipment; observe patients for clinical signs of disease.
• As directed, fill prescriptions and administer medications, including proper documentation, logging, and security of controlled drugs.
• Maintain a safe, secure, healthy, and humane environment by sterilizing and wrapping instruments, sanitizing and disinfecting holding and operating areas, storing sterile supplies, verifying shelf life, following standards and procedures, and in compliance with applicable legal regulations.
• Maintain medical records by documenting patients’ conditions, reactions, and changes; update the database in an accurate and timely manner.
• Communicate with the pet owner about the status of the patient, as directed by the veterinarian.
• Maintain equipment by following operating instructions, troubleshooting breakdowns, maintaining equipment supplies, performing preventive maintenance, and calling for repairs.
• Maintain inventory, place orders for needed supplies, verify, and maintain receipts.
• Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities and reading professional journals.
• Release pets to their owners as directed; ensure that every animal released is clean and properly groomed before their release.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Manager or practice.

Qualifications (Required)

• High school diploma or GED.
• Relevant experience in a veterinary setting.
• Ability to work with or around sick animals, potentially hazardous materials, cleaning chemicals, gas anesthetics, zoonotic diseases, and unpleasant odors.
• Communicate and approach job duties in a professional and mature manner.
• This is a strenuous job that requires a lot of lifting, cleaning, and constant motion.
• Depending on the functional area of assignment, tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation and/or extended periods of time standing and/or walking.
• May include some climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Some tasks involve the periodic performance of moderately physically demanding work, usually involving lifting or carrying moderately heavy animals (up to 50 pounds).
• Answer phones and perform other duties as needed by the hospital.
• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this position

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• Two years of experience as a veterinary assistant preferred.

Schedule: Monday-Friday from 7AM-6PM and required every other Saturday from 8AM-1PM

What We Offer
We care deeply about supporting our team members — professionally and personally. Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
• 401(k) with discretionary contribution
• Team Member Pet Discounts
• Emotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
• CE stipends and career development resources
• Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources

Pay Range

$14.12 — $22.14 USD

At PetVet Care Centers, we’re committed to aCulture of Care — for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 400 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.

Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you’re providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.

You care for pets. We care for you.

PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V

PetVet respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. Please see our privacy notice for additional information about our data practices.

At Belle Forest Animal Hospital, our team members all share the same passion for making and keeping animals healthy.

Our hospital truly is an excellent place to work, with a highly skilled team focused on 'best in practice' veterinary care.

We are very supportive of individuals looking to grow their veterinary careers and look forward to hearing from you.

We invite you to explore your veterinary career options with Belle Forest Animal Hospital, where you'll be a respected member of a team that loves animals and values the contributions from every individual on the team.