Veterinary Assistant I - Surgery

Tree-House-Humane-Society; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Tree House Humane Society in Chicago, Illinois seeks a Veterinary Assistant I to assist the surgeon and staff with anesthesia, patient prep, and post-operative care in a high-volume surgical unit. The role includes helping with intake, discharge instructions, and wellness exams within the Veterinary Wellness Center.

The ideal candidate has a High School diploma and at least 1 year in veterinary care, with strong customer service and communication skills.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• At least 1 year of experience in veterinary medical or animal care.
• Passion for animals and welfare; strong customer service.
• Spanish speaking a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients for surgery and assist in restraint.
• Maintain pre-operative area and operating room readiness.
• Assist during surgery and in recovery; monitor anesthesia basics.
• Ensure equipment like pulse oximeters and anesthesia machines function.
• Support and stock supplies; clean kennels and instruments.
• Follow SOPs and assist in other clinic areas as needed.

Skills

Customer service

Verbal communication

Time management

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Veterinary Assistant I - Surgery

Tree House Humane Society Chicago, Illinois, United States

About this position

JOB TITLE:Veterinary Assistant - Surgical (I)

DEPARTMENT:Veterinary Wellness Center

REPORTS TO:Manager, Veterinary Wellness Center

SUPERVISES:N/A

CLASSIFICATION:Non-Exempt, Full-Time, Hourly

EFFECTIVE: 5/18/2026

SUMMARY: The Surgical Assistant assists the veterinarian and other assistants with patient care services in relation to surgery intake, discharge appointments, post-operative rechecks and wellness exams. This position assists in the preparation of patients for surgery, assists in patient restraint for exams, recovers patients after surgery, and assists in patient discharges. Services of the VWC include high quality, high volume spay/neuter (80%) in addition to basic wellness/preventative care (20%).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Know basic veterinary medical concepts, including, but not limited to vaccine protocols and anesthetic risks. Be able to communicate such information to clients.
• Knowledge and ability to intake and release patients, including delivering post-operative instructions in a competent and friendly manner
• Responsible for prepping patients for surgery, observing all clinic procedures, to enforce sterility and safety of patients
• Organize and maintain pre-operative area and operating room for patient anesthesia
• General duties in the operating room during surgery, assisting with movement of patients, recovery of patients, and general flow
• Able to monitor basic anesthesia with a clear idea of abnormal conditions
• Direct all concerns immediately to the veterinarian, supervisor, and or the manager on duty
• Able to respond appropriately during an emergency, able to take directions from a veterinarian and/or superior veterinary staff and maintain competency in CPR procedures
• Ensure anesthetic machines, pulse oximeters, scales, and other equipment are functional.
• When equipment is not working properly, report all findings to the assistant supervisor or manager
• Assists veterinarians and staff with medical exams as needed; involves but is not limited to fear-free restraint, vaccinations, other injections, intubation and preoperative prep and or blood work
• Clean and sonicate surgical instruments and prepare surgical packs as needed.
• Assist with replenishing supplies in all areas of the hospital as needed
• Clean and disinfect kennels and equipment
• Supports and follows all SOP’s and verbal instructions provided by all senior management
• Cross train and assist in the resident clinic as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management based on the needs of the hospital and organization

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Desired at least 1-year experience in veterinary medical or animal husbandry in a veterinary hospital, shelter or spay/neuter clinic.
• Passion for animals and animal welfare
• Strong background in customer service
• Flexibility with work hours and able to work additional hours when necessary
• Must be able to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands
• Strong organizational and time management skills, as well as a strong sense of personal accountability
• Excellent verbal communication skills, Spanish speaking a plus but not required

COMPETENCIES:

Customer Service - Treats customers (internal and external) with respect and courtesy. Shows interest in, anticipates, and responds timely to customer needs and concerns. Goes beyond basic service expectations to help customers. Responds appropriately to and resolves difficult and emotional situations. Seeks ways to improve service delivery.

Diversity - Enthusiastically works with all employees, regardless of race, gender, culture, and age. Values contributions of people from diverse backgrounds. Demonstrates respect for opinions and ideas of others. Shows awareness of and sensitivity to cultural and individual values.

Ethics- Respects and maintains confidentiality. Offers the truth and be honest in all dealings. Avoids situations and actions considered inappropriate or which present a conflict of interest. Upholds organizational values. Does not misrepresent self or use position or authority for personal gain.

Teamwork - Listens and responds constructively to others views. Gives and welcomes feedback. Provides assistance to others when they need it. Shares expertise and acknowledges others effort and contribution. Puts the success of the team above their own interests. Creates a positive work environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Frequently required to stand, walk, kneel and bend over or stoop.
• Occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions (non-weather).
• Must occasionally lift and /or move up to 40 pounds assisted
• May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises and animal bodily fluids or feces.
• May be exposed to aggressive, ill and/or injured animals, as well as bites, scratches, and infectious (zoonotic) animal diseases.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Tuesday to Saturday (alternating)

Salary Information

$17.84 - $18.5Hourly Wage