Veterinary Assistant - Critical Care

COVE Animal Health; Middletown (CT); On-site; USD 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan

Mental Health Services

Paid time off

Job summary

Pieper Memorial Veterinary Center in Middletown, CT, seeks an experienced Veterinary Assistant for its Critical Care team. The role provides life-saving care in a VECCS Level I certified hospital with a collaborative, mentorship-driven culture.

You will support veterinary staff in critical care, monitor patients, and assist with nursing tasks in a fast-paced environment. Prior experience and a willingness to continue learning are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience as a veterinary assistant.
• Experience with emergencies and/or critical care is advantageous.
• RECOVER Basic Life Support (BLS) certification preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinary technicians and doctors in administering treatments to critically ill animals.
• Monitor vital signs and report changes to the veterinary team.
• Provide basic animal care including feeding, grooming, and mobility support.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in the animal care area.
• Adhere to veterinary protocols to ensure animal safety and well-being.

Skills

Veterinary assistant

Nursing care

Handling & restraint

Team collaboration

Communication skills

EzyVet

SmartFlow

Education

High school diploma

Veterinary Assistant Certification

Tools

EzyVet

SmartFlow

Job description

Career Opportunities with COVE Animal Health

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Description

Are you an experienced Veterinary Assistant who thrives in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment? Join the Critical Care team at Pieper Memorial Veterinary Center, a VECCS Level I Certified Hospital in Middletown, CT, where you'll play a vital role in providing exceptional, life-saving care to critically ill patients.

At Pieper, you'll work alongside a team of highly skilled specialists, emergency clinicians, and dedicated support staff who are passionate about collaboration, mentorship, and advancing veterinary medicine. We foster a culture where your expertise is valued, your professional growth is encouraged, and every team member has the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Our vision is simple: to make our community—and the animals and people happier and healthier. If you're ready to take the next step in your veterinary career while making a difference every day, we'd love to meet you.

What to Expect

• Commitment to Continuing Education: We want to retain and develop our talent to the best of our ability. You can expect numerous in-house CE opportunities, and any mentoring available to support and achieve your career goals!
• Career Advancement: We pride ourselves on recognizing top talent and strong work ethic and if you demonstrate those things, you can expect to be promoted.
• Environment of Belonging: With so many specialties at your fingertips, it's easy to find where you fit. We also promote an environment of inclusivity so that everyone feels welcome.
• Environment of Collaboration: Our VECCS Level 1 Certified Hospital includes specialists in Emergency & Critical Care, Neurology, Internal Medicine, Oncology, Surgery, and Exotics and a full staff of experienced Emergency and Primary Care Veterinarians. With the support of their technicians, assistants, and liaisons the hospital teams work closely together to deliver the highest quality of care.

About You

We strongly believe that veterinary medicine is a team sport, and our ideal candidate is someone who feels the same. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment that is always evolving and communicates well with others.

We are seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant who is already comfortable with basic nursing care, husbandry, handling / restraint and assisting Veterinary Technicians and other staff members in a clinical setting highly preferred. The Critical Care Veterinary Assistant will provide essential support to veterinary staff in the critical care service. They will assist in monitoring and caring for critically ill animals under the supervision of veterinary technicians and doctors.

Experience with EzyVet and Smartflow are an additional plus but not required. We highly value collaboration from all staff members, so please speak up as your input is not only valued but can make a difference.

Candidates must have minimum 1 year of experience as a veterinary assistant.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinary technicians and doctors in administering medical treatments and procedures to critically ill animals
• Monitor animals' vital signs and report any changes to the veterinary team
• Provide basic animal care, including feeding, grooming, and assisting with mobility
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in the animal care area
• Adhere to all veterinary protocols and procedures to ensure animal safety and well-being

Anticipated Schedule

This is a full-time position:

Wednesday – Saturday – 7:30am-5:30pm

Holidays are required.

What’s in it for you

• Supportive culture with social events & team building
• Competitive paid time off & holidays
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Mental Health Focused Services
• 401(k) plan with strong employer match

We know it’s not always easy to make a move. We treat all interviews as confidential and if a casual chat is more your style, we can do that too! We genuinely love what we do and the people we work with!

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; certification as a veterinary assistant preferred Experience in handling animals and performing basic animal care tasks.
• Previous experience in a veterinary setting required (1 year or more). Experience with emergencies and/or critical care is advantageous
• RECOVER Basic life support (BLS) certification or equivalent preferred, but not required
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a fast-paced veterinary environment
• Compassionate and empathetic towards animals and their owners
• Willingness to work flexible shifts, including weekends
• Physical stamina to stand for extended periods and lift/move animals as needed
• Attention to detail and ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently in a demanding veterinary setting
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with clients and team members.
• Ability to multi-task and remain organized in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work well under pressure and in stressful situations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with veterinarians, technicians, and other staff members.
• Willingness to take direction and adapt to new tasks and procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.
• Punctuality and reliability, with a commitment to maintaining a high standard of care.
• Willingness to continue learning and stay updated on veterinary practices.