Veterinary Assistant - Private Practice

Avon Animal Hospital & Surgical Center; Village of Avon (NY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Avon Animal Hospital & Surgical Center, located in Avon, NY, is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to join a privately owned hospital with high standards and a supportive team culture.

You will assist veterinarians and technicians in exams and surgeries, handle animals safely, prepare for procedures, maintain aseptic techniques, and document care while delivering compassionate client service.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years hands-on veterinary experience required.
• Knowledge of veterinary terminology, animal physiology, anatomy, and basic medical procedures.
• Strong animal handling skills with proficiency in animal restraint techniques.
• Familiarity with laboratory procedures, aseptic technique, and basic veterinary equipment operation.
• Compassion for animals and respect for clients and teammates.
• Ability to work efficiently in individual and team environment.
• Excellent communication skills for interacting with clients and team members effectively.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinary technicians and veterinarians with animal examinations, treatments, and procedures.
• Handle animals safely using proper restraint techniques for exams, injections, diagnostics, and procedures.
• Prepare animals for surgery or diagnostic tests, including setting up equipment, maintaining aseptic techniques, and monitoring.
• Support animal husbandry tasks such as feeding, cleaning enclosures, and maintaining hygiene standards.
• Sterilization and maintenance of all surgical equipment.
• Communicate professionally and compassionately with clients and team.
• Accurately document patient information and treatments.

Skills

Veterinary terminology

Animal handling

Basic medical procedures

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Job description

About the Role:

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Veterinary Assistant to join our privately owned hospital that holds itself to exceptionally high standards of care, clear communication, and a strong, supportive team culture. We believe you can take medicine seriously without taking yourself too seriously—we tell jokes, support one another, and still show up every day highly focused on doing things the right way, even when no one is looking.

In this role, you’ll support both fast-paced general practice and specialty surgical cases. You’ll work closely with veterinarians, technicians, and support staff who value collaboration, accountability, and respect, delivering outstanding patient care—from routine wellness visits to advanced surgical procedures, and everything that occurs behind the scenes to make it all happen.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist veterinary technicians and veterinarians with animal examinations, treatments, and procedures.
• Handle animals safely using proper restraint techniques for exams, injections, diagnostics, and procedures.
• Prepare animals for surgery or diagnostic tests, including setting up equipment, maintaining aseptic techniques, and monitoring.
• Support animal husbandry tasks such as feeding, cleaning enclosures, and maintaining hygiene standards.
• Sterilization and maintenance of all surgical equipment.
• Communicate professionally and compassionately with clients and team.
• Accurately document patient information and treatments.

Requirements:

• 1-2 years of hands-on veterinary experience required.
• Knowledge of veterinary terminology, animal physiology, anatomy, and basic medical procedures.
• Strong animal handling skills with proficiency in animal restraint techniques.
• Familiarity with laboratory procedures, aseptic technique, and basic veterinary equipment operation.
• Compassion for animals and respect for clients and teammates.
• Ability to work efficiently in individual and team environment.
• Excellent communication skills for interacting with clients and team members effectively.

Why Join Us:

• Privately owned Practice with owners that appreciate forward thinkers.
• Supportive, team-oriented work environment.
• Opportunity to expand surgical and clinical skills.
• Competitive pay based on experience.
• Meaningful work making a difference in the lives of pets and their families.

This paid position is perfect for passionate animal lovers who want to grow their veterinary career while actually enjoying where they work. We’re looking for energetic team players who are detail-oriented, compassionate, communicate well, and can keep up in a busy hospital environment. We take our work seriously, hold ourselves accountable, and don’t cut corners—while still laughing, telling jokes, and supporting each other through busy (and sometimes chaotic) days. You’ll take on a variety of hands-on responsibilities, build real skills, and be supported by owners and management who focus on developing and empowering staff. We believe in trust, growth, and giving our team the tools and support they need to succeed, all while delivering exceptional care to our patients.

"You've tried the rest, now come work with the best" ~ Dr. Hoffmann