Veterinary Assistant - ER Outpatient

COVE Animal Health; City of Middletown (NY); On-site; USD 26,174 - 31,684; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Mental Health Focused Services

Job summary

COVE Animal Health in Middletown, NY, is hiring an experienced Veterinary Assistant for a VECCS Level I Facility. The ideal candidate will work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, assisting with patient care and basic surgical preparations. Competitive hourly rates range from $19 to $23, depending on experience. Benefits include medical insurance, 401(k) plan, and a supportive culture. Must possess strong communication skills and a compassionate approach to animal care.

Qualifications

• Prior experience working in a veterinary setting, ideally in an ER setting.
• Basic knowledge of animal behavior and medical terminology.
• Willingness to continue learning and stay updated on veterinary practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist Veterinary Technicians in a clinical setting.
• Prepare for basic surgeries and handle animal restraint.
• Deliver excellent client care with a positive attitude.

Skills

Experience in veterinary setting

Animal handling

Strong communication skills

Multi-tasking

Compassion for animals

Organizational skills

Ability to work under pressure

Attention to detail

Tools

EzyVet

Smartflow

Job description

Career Opportunities with COVE Animal Health

Description

Are you an experienced Veterinary Assistant looking to thrive in a VECCS Level I Facility that is deeply committed to caring for both its patients and its team? Join our team at Pieper Memorial Veterinary Center in Middletown, CT.

Do you want to work alongside like‑minded professionals who encourage growth, collaboration, and long‑term career success? If so, we invite you to explore this opportunity.

Our vision is a simple one: to make the community and the animals and people in it happier and healthier.

What to Expect

• Commitment to Continuing Education – numerous in‑house CE opportunities and mentoring to support and achieve your career goals.
• Career Advancement – recognition of top talent and strong work ethic with the possibility of promotion.
• Environment of Belonging – specialties available so you can find your fit; inclusivity so everyone feels welcome.
• Environment of Collaboration – a VECCS Level 1 Certified Hospital with specialists in Emergency & Critical Care, Neurology, Internal Medicine, Radiology, Oncology, Surgery, and Exotics; a full staff of experienced Emergency and Primary Care Veterinarians and supportive technicians and assistants.

About You

We strongly believe that veterinary medicine is a team sport, and our ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic environment that is always evolving and communicates well with others.

We are seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant comfortable handling/restraint, basic surgery prep, and assisting Veterinary Technicians and other staff in a clinical setting. Experience with EzyVet and Smartflow is an additional plus but not required. We value collaboration and encourage speaking up.

Anticipated Schedule

Schedule A

• Tuesday – 4:00 pm to 2:00 am
• Thursday – 2:00 pm to 12:00 am
• Friday – 2:00 pm to 12:00 am
• Saturday – 2:00 pm to 12:00 am

Schedule B

• Sunday – 4:00 pm to 2:00 am
• Monday – 4:00 pm to 2:00 am
• Thursday – 4:00 pm to 2:00 am
• Friday – 4:00 pm to 2:00 am

Holidays are required.

Compensation

$19.00 – $23.00 an hour, dependent on experience and education.

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
• Team Building

We know it's not always easy to make a move. We treat all interviews as confidential and offer casual chat if that's your style. We genuinely love what we do and the people we work with.

Requirements

• Prior experience working in a veterinary setting, ideally in an ER setting.
• Experience in handling animals and performing basic animal care tasks.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with clients and team members.
• Ability to multi‑task and remain organized in a fast‑paced environment.
• Compassion and patience when handling animals.
• Basic knowledge of animal behavior and medical terminology.
• 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.
• Positive attitude, professionalism, and a compassionate approach to client care.
• Willingness to continue learning and stay updated on veterinary practices.