Veterinary Assistant Laboratory

VCA Animal Hospitals, Inc; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

401(k)

Pet discounts

Job summary

VCA Colonial Animal Hospital is seeking a compassionate Veterinary Assistant to join as a Laboratory Veterinary Assistant. This full-time role involves collecting, processing, and running samples, maintaining lab equipment, and ensuring precise results for doctors to make informed treatment decisions.

We value attention to detail, a proactive mindset, and the ability to work in a fast-paced team. Weekend rotation is required and compensation ranges from $19.00 to $21.00 per hour, depending on

Qualifications

• The Laboratory Assistant must be organized; detail oriented, and have a high level of multi-tasking.
• An understanding of Idexx lab equipment is preferred, but not required.
• Good time management skills
• Must be able to communicate effectively with team members
• Operate Analyzers
• Prepare samples for shipment
• Track lab results
• Run routine Quality Control
• Machine Maintenance
• Trouble shoot laboratory equipment issues
• Prepare inventory order for lab supplies
• Restock and clean work area
• OSHA Coordinator
• Miscellaneous items
• Help with treatments as needed under guidance from DVM or technician
• Unpack and shelve inventory

Responsibilities

• Collect and process samples for lab analysis
• Operate analyzers and track results
• Maintain lab equipment and perform quality control

Skills

Lab equipment

Multi-tasking

Communication

Idexx equipment

Tools

Idexx equipment

Job description

• Operate Analyzers

VCA Colonial Animal Hospital

is seeking a compassionate and dedicated experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our team, full time.

Working as a Laboratory Veterinary Assistant, you’ll play a vital behind-the-scenes role in delivering exceptional patient care. Every diagnosis starts with accurate lab work, and you’ll be the one making it possible: collecting, processing, and running samples, maintaining lab equipment, and ensuring results are precise and timely so our doctors can make confident treatment decisions.

Your attention to detail directly impacts how quickly pets are diagnosed, treated, and on their way to feeling better. If you love science, take pride in accuracy, and want to make a meaningful difference in veterinary medicine, this role puts you at the heart of it.

Potential Schedule:

Full time, weekend rotation required.

$19.00 - $21.00 / hour dependent on experience, and skill set.

Learn more about us here: https://vcahospitals.com/colonial

Veterinary Assistant Skills

• The Laboratory Assistant must be organized; detail oriented, and have a high level of multi-tasking.
• An understanding of Idexx lab equipment is preferred, but not required.
• Good time management skills
• Must be able to communicate effectively with team members
• Operate Analyzers
• Prepare samples for shipment
• Track lab results
• Run routine Quality Control
• Machine Maintenance
• Trouble shoot laboratory equipment issues
• Prepare inventory order for lab supplies
• Restock and clean work area
• OSHA Coordinator
• Miscellaneous items
• Help with treatments as needed under guidance from DVM or technician
• Unpack and shelve inventory

We're looking for someone positive, motivated, and ready to bring ideas to the table — our team meets frequently, and your input genuinely shapes how we grow. We protect our culture fiercely, and that means hiring people with the determination to rise above obstacles, wear multiple hats, and show up for their team.

VCA Total Rewards Benefits Package:

Career Growth & Education

• VCA-sponsored Veterinary Technician National Exam + employer-paid test prep
• Paid yearly NAVTA membership & state credential renewal
• VCA-sponsored scholarships and generous discounts to Penn Foster's Veterinary Technician Program
• Woof University: free, RACE-approved CE, training and job support webinars on demand
• Free subscriptions to Vetfolio and Plumb's online formulary, plus substantial VETgirl savings
• Unlimited access to Mars Veterinary Health library (2,000+ journals, 600+ textbooks)
• Nationwide hospital transfer opportunities

Time Off & Family Support

• Paid vacation and paid sick days
• Paid parental leave & fertility benefits
• Paid bereavement days

Health & Wellness

• Free mental health support through the Cigna Life Assistance Program & Lyra
• Free Headspace subscription (meditation and sleep support)

Perks for You & Your Pets

• Generous hospital discounts for your personal pets, including free vaccines
• Discounted Hills or Royal Canin pet food delivered to your home
• 3 pairs of scrubs per year

Compensation & Financial Security

• 401(k) retirement savings with employer contribution
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA/FSA options
• Multiple, flexible health insurance plans to fit your needs
• 100% employer-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Employer-paid basic life insurance
• and more!

Take a moment to watch what life as a veterinary technician at VCA looks like, straight from a technician's point of view: https://vimeo.com/684755121/10c909cbf5

Why VCA

VCA is one of the largest networks of animal hospitals in the country — but you'd never know it from the way we operate. Every hospital keeps its own identity, its own team, and its own culture, while giving you access to the resources, mentorship, and career opportunities of a national organization behind you. You get the best of both: the tight‑knit feel of a local practice and the backing, benefits, and growth potential of an industry leader.

We're genuinely invested in your career — not just your job. From continuing education to credential support to nationwide transfer opportunities if life takes you somewhere new, we build the kind of support system that helps technicians build real, lasting careers, not just punch a clock. This is a place where your work is seen, your growth is prioritized, and your future in this field matters to us.

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!

The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development)

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!

The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development)

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com