Veterinary Assistant - Emergency/Critical Care

Bellevue Veterinary Emergency + Specialty; Bellevue (WA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Bellevue Veterinary Emergency + Specialty in Bellevue, Washington, is seeking a Veterinary Assistant for our Emergency and Critical Care team to assist veterinarians and licensed technicians in urgent care settings. You will prepare treatment areas, perform triage, monitor vital signs, administer medications, and communicate clearly with clients to provide updates and aftercare instructions.

The role requires 1–2 years of emergency experience and a strong team mindset.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of emergency and critical care experience as a veterinary assistant preferred.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant program preferred or required.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians and licensed technicians with emergency procedures and treatments.
• Prepare and maintain treatment areas, ensuring cleanliness and stocking.
• Perform triage, history taking, basic nursing care, and patient discharge.
• Take and record vital signs; administer medications and perform basic lab tests.
• Communicate with clients to provide status updates and aftercare instructions.

Skills

Emergency care

Critical care

Client communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant program

Job description

Veterinary Assistant - Emergency/Critical Care

Bellevue Veterinary Emergency + Specialty - Bellevue, Washington

Quality medicine starts with happy team members.

We Love PetsandPeople.Bellevue Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital was established with one goal in mind: to be there for pets and their people. We know emergency visits aren’t planned, and navigating specialty care can be overwhelming. We are looking for dedicated team members to join our growing team and help us implement people-centric processes to create an environment where pets receive world class care and pet parents receive clarity and compassion at every step in the process.

At Bellevue Veterinary Emergency + Specialty, we work hard to deliver unparalleled care, experiences for our patients and clients. Providing fulfilling careers and enabling healthy work-life harmony aren’t talking points for us, they’re part of who we are. We listen to our staff to understand what matters most, and work to ensure everyone has the support they need to thrive.

We believe learning is a life-long commitment.

Building our team, we require leaders who take the initiative to grow—and we help them do just that. Our goal is to help people be the best version of themselves. Interested in learning a new skill? Pursuing another credential? We’re on your side, providing resources and support to help you fulfill your goals.

What You’ll Do Under the Supervision of DVMs:

• Foster a culture built on our values: Respect, Learning, Do the Right Thing, WOW Service, and Fun.
• Assist veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians with emergency procedures, treatments, and medical care for animals.
• Prepare and maintain treatment areas, ensuring they are clean, organized, and stocked with necessary supplies.
• Performs accurate and appropriate triage, history taking, assists with physical exams, basic nursing care, and discharges.
• Provide nursing care to patients according to hospital standards of care and core values.
• Ability to accurately count heart rate, pulse rate, capillary refill time, mucus membranes, temperature, respiratory rate and effort.
• Remain current on R.E.C.O.V.E.R. CPR guidelines and demonstrates proficiency in designated roles as assigned by attending clinician and/or supervisor.
• Clean, disinfect, and prepare exam rooms.
• Set up supplies for procedures: centesis, central line placement, NG tube placement, intravenous catheter placement, etc. for LVTs and DVMs.
• Clean, wrap, and sterilize surgical instruments.
• Place intravenous catheters under the supervision of a DVM or LVT.
• Restrain patients safely during exams, treatments, procedures, and radiographs.
• Follow the treatment sheet and complete treatments in a timely manner.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Proficient in taking and recording vital signs, administering medications, and performing lab tests.
• Assist LVTs with restraint, procedures, and treatments.
• Communicate effectively with clients to provide updates on their pet’s status, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
• Adhere to hospital protocols and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Provide professional, efficient, quality care and exceptional service to clients while maintaining maximum productivity.
• Support a practice environment that promotes collaboration and teamwork and ensures the delivery of quality, compassionate, effective, and efficient health care to pets.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Active Washington State Medication Clerk License preferred

Professional Licenses/Certifications:

• Certificate of completion from a NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant program preferred

Experience:

• 1-2 years of emergency and critical care experience as a veterinary assistant preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Broad knowledge of animal science.
• Basic knowledge of pharmacology.
• Proficiency with a variety of computer programs including Microsoft Outlook, Word and industry internet sites.
• Basic written, verbal, and active listening communication skills with a customer-oriented approach.
• Basic mathematical skills to ensure the administration of accurate drug and fluid doses.
• Basic analytical, critical thinking, judgement, and problem-solving skills.
• Compassion and empathy for both pets and pet owners.
• Interact with a variety of clients and employees in a professional, caring, compassionate, and tactful manner.
• Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, including managing multiple priorities.
• Handle and maintain sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Maintain a calm demeanor in a work environment that fluctuates from orderly to fast paced and stressful.

Schedule:

Monday-Friday differential between 7pm-7am: $1.50/hour

Saturday and Sunday differential between 7am-7pm: $1.50/hour

Saturday and Sunday differential between 7pm-7am: $3.00/hour

Compensation Range

$22 - $26 USD