Veterinary Assistant-Heritage Pet Hospital

Lakefield Veterinary Group; Rochester (MN); On-site; USD 24,796 - 37,195; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Generous Employee Pet Discount

401K with company match

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

HSA company contributed account

Job summary

Heritage Pet Hospital in Rochester, MN, is looking for a Full-Time Veterinary Assistant to join our award-winning team. With a new facility opening in 2026, you'll work in a collaborative environment that values mentorship. Responsibilities include supporting veterinarians, providing pet care, and ensuring a safe, comforting atmosphere for pets during visits.

We offer competitive compensation, starting at $18-$27 per hour based on experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including PTO, medical, and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in a pet care setting preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and professionalism in a client-focused environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians and technicians in providing quality care.
• Document patient information and maintain medical records.
• Calm and restrain pets for examinations and procedures.
• Monitor vital signs and report any changes during treatments.

Skills

Broad knowledge of animal science

Basic knowledge of pharmacology

Customer-oriented communication skills

Attention to detail and accuracy

Organizational and time management skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Certificate from NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant program

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Job description

Heritage Pet Hospital – Hiring a Full-Time Veterinary Assistant

Brand-New Facility Opening 2026 | Award-Winning Team | Mentorship-Friendly

Heritage Pet Hospital is excited to welcome a Full-Time Veterinary Assistant to our award-winning and rapidly growing practice! We were honored to be voted Best of the Best again in 2025, and we’re preparing for an even brighter future—including moving into our brand-new, state-of-the-art hospital in 2026.

Why Heritage?

At Heritage Pet Hospital, we are committed to strengthening the bond between pets and their families while empowering our team to build meaningful, long‑lasting client relationships. Our current team of seven dedicated veterinarians enjoys a strong and diverse caseload, ideal for both developing and seasoned Technicians seeking growth.

What We Offer

• Preventive medicine & senior wellness
• Dentistry and dental radiology
• Nutritional counseling
• Exotic pet care
• In‑house diagnostics & imaging
• Soft‑tissue surgery
• A collaborative, communication‑focused culture that feels like family

With our new 2026 facility, you’ll enjoy modern equipment, thoughtfully designed treatment and surgical spaces, expanded diagnostic capabilities, and a work environment built to support efficiency, teamwork, and high‑quality medicine.

Schedule

• 40 hours per week
• Various shift options
• Rotating Saturdays
• Schedule may change as we continue to grow to meet the needs of the community

Compensation

$18-$27 per hour based on experience

Benefits

• PTO
• Generous Employee Pet Discount
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401K with company match
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• HSA company contributed account
• Voluntary Life and AD&D insurance, long‑term care, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Employer Paid Life and AD&D
• Employer Paid STD and LTD
• Eligible for performance‑based bonus

Position Summary

The Veterinary Assistant supports and assists the Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians, ensuring the safety of pets and clients, and the continuity of quality veterinary care. They work to keep pets safe and comfortable during their visit.

What You’ll Do (Essential Functions)

• Foster a culture built on our values: Respect, Learning, Do the Right Thing, WOW Service, and Fun
• Clean, disinfect, and prepare exam rooms, medical equipment, and surgery between each appointment
• Obtain initial patient information, medical histories, vaccination records, and the reason for the pet’s visit. Document patient information, and update records
• Calm, soothe, comfort, and restrain pets before, during, and after procedures
• Take note on examination results and update records as directed by veterinarians
• Provide the owners education, resources and information on how best to care for pets in general, at the Veterinarian’s direction, for specific conditions, and after various procedures
• Monitor and track pet’s physical status and vital signs following surgery
• Monitor, record, and report the physical condition and vital signs of the hospitalized and boarded pets
• Clean and disinfect cages, pens, runs, and boarding areas
• Feed, water, bathe, and exercise pets during their visit
• Respond to general questions from clients
• Perform and set up procedures that do not require Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician assistance
• Examine pets, performing basic health checks, looking for signs of disease, illness, or injury, and treat them under the direction of the Veterinarian
• May administer medication, perform routine laboratory tests, fill prescriptions, and educate client on use and side effects of medication under the direction of a Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician
• 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
• Comply with all practice policies, quality assurance guidelines, and minimum standards of care
• Perform other duties as requested

What We’re Looking For (Essential Qualifications)

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required

Professional Licenses/Certifications

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

Experience

• One year of experience in a pet care setting preferred

Skills, Ability and Knowledge

• 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, judgment, 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

Working Conditions / Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to talk and hear. The team member must frequently use a computer for long periods of time. Specific vision abilities are required to do this job including close vision. This position requires walking, standing, and sitting for long periods of time. May be exposed to low to moderate noise levels as well as disinfectant/sanitation chemicals, pet dander, and excretions. May experience aggressive, frightened, abused or injured pets that bite and scratch. This position requires exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds frequently, and/or 10 pounds constantly in order to lift, carry, pull or move objects. Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

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