Veterinary Assistant: Experience STRONGLY preferred

Banfield Pet Hospital; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

401(k) plan & retirement

Job summary

Banfield Pet Hospital is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to support veterinarians and technicians, ensuring patient and staff safety and high‑quality care. You will use clinical skills daily within NAVTA guidelines, assisting with procedures and maintaining a clean, organized hospital environment.

You will educate clients about Optimum Wellness Plans and preventive care, while mentoring teammates. Strong communication and teamwork are essential in this role.

Qualifications

• Certificate of completion from NAVTA-approved veterinary assistant program or equivalent.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

• Help maintain the flow of patients.
• Communicate with the veterinarian and vet techs.
• Carry out or set up procedures that do not require veterinarian or vet tech assistance.
• Adhere to hospital standards that keep pets safe, and the treatment areas, exam rooms and labs clean and organized.
• Educate clients about Optimum Wellness Plans and preventive care.
• Mentor other members of the hospital team.

Skills

Client communication

Team collaboration

Safety awareness

Education

NAVTA-approved veterinary assistant program

High school diploma (preferred)

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Veterinary Assistant is a key member of the hospital team who supports and assists the veterinarians and veterinary technicians, ensuring the safety of pets, clients and other associates, and the continuity of quality veterinary care.

Preferred Education/Licenses

Certificate of completion from a NAVTA-approved veterinary assistant program or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Preferred Experience

Must be able to perform all required skills of NAVTA-approved veterinary assistant programs at a level that aids in the efficiency of the practice.

Description - External

A Day in the Life of a Banfield Veterinary Assistant

The Vet Assistant provides professional, efficient and exceptional service at all times, making sure that clients and pets are comfortable in the hospital. You will use your technical skills on a daily basis, within state practice acts and as outlined in the NAVTA guidelines for veterinary assistant skills and duties. Other responsibilities include:

• Helping maintain the flow of patients


• Communicating with the veterinarian and vet techs


• Carrying out or setting up procedures that do not require veterinarian or vet tech assistance


• Adhering to hospital standards that keep pets safe, and the treatment areas, exam rooms and labs clean and organized


• Educating clients about our Optimum Wellness Plans and the importance of preventive care


• Mentoring other members of the hospital team

Commitment Beyond Qualifications

Every associate including the Vet Assistant has an important contribution to make to the veterinary team. We’re looking for Vet Assistants who are dedicated to their work, have a positive attitude and use our Five Principles -- Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom - as their guide. In addition, our Vet Assistants are:

• Action Oriented


• Customer Focused


• Good Listeners


• Effective Communicators

The pay range for this role is

$15.00 - $18.39 Hourly

The pay range listed reflects a general hiring range for the area, with the specific rate determined based on the candidate’s experience, skill level, and education, and may vary depending on location or applicable minimum wage laws.

Here at Banfield, we prioritize your well-being and professional growth by offering a comprehensive total rewards package, including health, wellness, and financial support for you, your family, and even your pets. Check out some of our “Meow-velous” benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Enjoy peace of mind knowing your health and wellness are our top priorities. We've got your essential medical, dental, and vision care covered.


• Generous Retirement Plans (401(k) and Roth): Invest in your future and enjoy a generous company match to help you build a secure financial future.*


• Best-in-Class Student Debt Relief Program (for Full-Time DVMs): At Banfield, we understand the significant financial burden of student debt on veterinarians. We are committed to supporting our veterinary professionals and believe that addressing student debt is crucial for the long-term health of the veterinary profession.


• Paid Time Off and Holidays: Take a break, recharge your wellbeing, and celebrate days of personal significance with paid time off and holidays.*


• Top-Tier Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources: Your mental health matters. Access our industry‑leading resources, including free coaching and counseling sessions, to support your overall wellbeing and help you thrive.*


• Associate Life Insurance (company‑paid) & Supplemental Life Insurance: Protect your loved ones with our company‑paid Associate life insurance and have the option to purchase additional coverage for extra peace of mind.


• Company‑Paid Short- and Long‑Term Disability: Feel secure knowing that if you face a temporary or long‑term disability, you’ll have financial protection.


• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Save on healthcare and dependent care expenses by setting aside pre‑tax money. It's a smart way to manage your budget and take care of your needs.


• Health Savings Account (HSA): Make the most of your healthcare dollars with a tax‑advantaged HSA, allowing you to pay for medical expenses with pre‑tax funds.


• Paid Parental Leave: We support growing families with paid parental leave for both birth and adoption, giving you precious time to bond with your new family addition.


• Continuing Education Allowance (for Eligible Positions): Banfield is committed to supporting the professional growth of our Associates. This allowance provides financial assistance to pursue continuing education opportunities.*


• Back‑Up Child and Elder Care & Family Support Resources: When life's unpredictable moments arise, our backup care and family support benefits provide the help you need to keep things running smoothly.*


• Fertility and Family Building Support: We're here for you on your journey to parenthood, offering comprehensive support for fertility treatments and family‑building options.


• Digital Exercise Therapy: Stay active and healthy with our digital exercise therapy program, designed to fit your busy lifestyle, and keep you moving.


• Voluntary Protection Benefits: Get peace of mind with protection against the unexpected. You can purchase coverage to help support you financially during hospital stays, critical illness, and accidents.*


• Legal Plan: Gain extra peace of mind with our affordable and accessible legal plan which includes coverage for a wide range of legal needs.*


• Identity Protection: Identity Protection helps safeguard your personal information by alerting you to suspicious activity and providing support if your information is stolen.*


• Commuter Benefits: Say goodbye to commuting stress with our commuter benefits, making your daily journey more convenient and cost-effective.*


• Three Free Optimum Wellness Plans for Pets: We care about your furry friends too! Enjoy three free wellness plans to ensure your pets receive the best preventive and general care.*


• Exclusive Discounts: Unlock a world of savings on products and services, making life more affordable and enjoyable.*

Benefits eligibility is based on employment status. Full-time (FT) Associates are eligible for all benefit programs (Student Debt Program available for FT DVMs only); Part-time Associates are eligible for those benefits with an asterisk (*).