Veterinary Assistant - Inpatient Nursing - 2nd shift

COVE Animal Health; Middletown, Northern (CT, KY); Hybrid; USD 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive PTO/holidays

Medical, dental & vision insurance

401(k) match

Job summary

Pieper Memorial Veterinary Center in Middletown, CT, is seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant for inpatient nursing on the 2nd shift. You will support veterinarians and technicians, handle animals with care, and contribute to a collaborative team focused on exceptional patient care.

The role offers a full-time schedule, with 4 days of 10-hour shifts (2pm-12am), weekends required, and a strong benefits package. EzyVet/SmartFlow experience is a plus but not required.

Qualifications

• Prior experience working in a veterinary setting preferred.
• 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.
• Willingness to continue learning and stay updated on veterinary practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist Veterinary Technicians and other staff in inpatient nursing.
• Provide basic nursing care and animal husbandry.
• Support team with handling and restraint as needed.
• Collaborate with veterinarians across departments to ensure high patient care standards.

Skills

Veterinary care

Animal handling

Communication

Multi-tasking

Team collaboration

Tools

EzyVet

SmartFlow

Job description

JOIN OUR TEAM OF
PASSIONATE AND
DEDICATED
PROFESSIONALS!

Positions are available at all of the hospitals within the COVE Veterinary network. You’ll have the opportunity to practice the highest level of care, along with great benefits and a supportive work environment.

Explore many exciting opportunities with COVE!

COVE’s five respected regional brands offer positions for all veterinary professionals in Connecticut, Massachusetts/Rhode Island, Maine, Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Veterinary Assistant - Inpatient Nursing - 2nd shift

Are you a skilled and compassionate Veterinary Assistant ready to take your career to the next level in a dynamic and supportive environment?

At Pieper Memorial Veterinary Center , in Middletown, CT , we are proud to be a VECCS Level I Facility , committed not only to providing exceptional patient care but also to fostering the growth, well-being, and success of our team.

Here, you will join a collaborative group of veterinary professionals who value mentorship, teamwork, and continuous learning. We strive to create a workplace where your passion for animal care is matched by opportunities to thrive, develop, and advance your career.

Our vision is simple: to make the community—and the animals and people in it—happier and healthier. If that resonates with you, we invite you to explore the opportunities waiting at Pieper.

What to Expect:

• Commitment to Continuing Education: We want to retain and develop our talent to the best of our ability. You can expect numerous in-house CE opportunities, and any mentoring available to support and achieve your career goals!
• Career Advancement: We pride ourselves on recognizing top talent and strong work ethic and if you demonstrate those things, you can expect to be promoted.
• Environment of Belonging: With so many specialties at your fingertips, it's easy to find where you fit. We also promote an environment of inclusivity so that everyone feels welcome.
• Environment of Collaboration: Our VECCS Level 1 Certified Hospital includes specialists in Emergency & Critical Care, Neurology, Internal Medicine, Radiology, Oncology, Surgery, and Exotics and a full staff of experienced Emergency and Primary Care Veterinarians. With the support of their technicians, assistants, and liaisons the hospital teams work closely together to deliver the highest quality of care.

About You:

We believe veterinary medicine is truly a team sport, and we’re looking for a candidate who shares that mindset. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment and communicates effectively with both colleagues and clients.

We are seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant who is comfortable with basic nursing care, animal husbandry, handling/restraint, and assisting Veterinary Technicians and other staff in a clinical setting. Experience with EzyVet and SmartFlow is a plus but not required.

Collaboration is highly valued on our team, and we encourage every staff member to speak up—your input is not only welcomed but can make a meaningful difference in patient care and team success.

Compensation:

$19.50-$22.00/ hour dependent upon experience / plus $2.00 an hour shift differential.

Anticipated Schedule:

This is a full-time position:

4 days a week / 10-hour shifts (2pm-12am) - includes 1 weekend day requirement. Holidays are required!

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

We know it’s not always easy to make a move. We treat all interviews as confidential and if a casual chat is more your style, we can do that too! We genuinely love what we do and the people we work with!

Requirements:

• Prior experience working in a veterinary setting preferred. Tech students are encouraged to apply.
• 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.
• Must be 18 years or older to apply.

EEO Statement:

Pieper Veterinary/Cove Animal Health is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Don’t see the right role just yet? Stay connected—we’ll keep you in mind as new opportunities open up.