Veterinary Assistant (Rotating Shift) - Creature Comforts Veterinary Hospital

PetVet Care Centers; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 24,796 - 30,004; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid parental leave

401(k) plan

Team member discounts

Wellbeing support

Job summary

PetVet Care Centers in Ankeny, IA is seeking an enthusiastic Veterinary Assistant to support veterinarians and technicians. You will help with exams, treatments, patient restraint, and routine clerical tasks to ensure quality care for every patient.

Greet clients, assist with check‑in, and maintain accurate medical records while upholding safety standards and compassionate service. Join a team focused on excellent patient care and client education.

Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Any animal care experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate care to all patients.
• Greet patients and owners and facilitate check-in procedures.
• Triage patients and assist with exams, treatments and medications under supervision.
• Calm and soothe anxious patients; assist doctors and technicians with procedures.
• Maintain medical records and hospital documentation.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety of the hospital environment.
• Bath and care for patients staying overnight.
• Educate clients about insurance, wellness, and plans.
• Promote hospital products and services and support the organization.

Skills

Compassionate care

Patient handling

Client communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Not credentialed yet? Uncredentialed technicians and veterinary assistants may qualify for a sign‑on bonus of up to $1,000.

Position Overview

Join our team as a Veterinary Assistant who supports veterinarians and technicians in their daily tasks. The role includes cleaning and maintaining equipment, feeding, exercising and grooming patients, preparing and sanitizing surgery suites, restraining and handling patients, and clerical and administrative work. The goal is to deliver quality care for all patients and provide exceptional service.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate care to all patients.
• Greet patients and their owners as they arrive and facilitate check‑in procedures.
• Triage patients, perform physical exams, treatments, and administer medication under the supervision of licensed veterinary technicians.
• Calm and soothe anxious patients.
• Assist doctors and technicians with medication administration or patient restraint.
• Perform laboratory tests and take radiographs.
• Operate and maintain hospital equipment, including EKG, fluid pump, syringe pump, scales, anesthetic monitors, and other machines.
• Fill prescriptions, calculate and administer medications, maintain correct documentation, logging, and security of controlled drugs.
• Feed patients as prescribed, record appetites, and report any unusual conditions or abnormal behaviors.
• Communicate in a positive manner with clients and ensure they feel comfortable leaving their pet.
• Educate clients about insurance, wellness, and medicinal plans.
• Maintain the cleanliness of the hospital each day, including equipment, kennels, and facilities using appropriate chemicals and supplies.
• Bath and care for patients who stay overnight; ensure that each animal released is clean and properly groomed.
• Adhere to the hospital’s safety and wellness regulations.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Maintain accurate medical records.
• Show up for work regularly; full‑time presence is essential for every shift.
• Promote hospital products and services and support the organization.
• Respond respectfully and promptly to directions from the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or Licensed Veterinary Technicians.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Manager; may have additional duties in specialty areas such as dentistry, surgery, emergency, radiology, cardiology, neurology, or internal medicine.

Qualifications

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Any experience in animal care or related education is desirable.

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid parental leave (birth, adoption, foster).
• 401(k) plan with discretionary contribution.
• Team member pet discounts.
• Emotional wellbeing support, including Calm app access and 24/7 Employee Assistance Program.
• Continuing education stipends and career development resources.
• Grant Circle relief fund for team members facing personal hardship.
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources.

Pay Range: $18–$21.78 USD.

PetVet is an equal‑opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V.

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