Veterinary Assistant - Surgery

Pieper Veterinary; City of Middletown (NY); On-site; USD 24,796 - 28,929; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Supportive culture with social events

Competitive paid time off

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan with strong employer match

Up to 75% employee pet care discount

Annual uniform allowance

Job summary

A veterinary practice in Middletown is seeking a compassionate Veterinary Assistant to join their Surgery Team. The successful candidate will assist with pre- and post-operative care, manage animal handling, and work collaboratively with veterinary technicians and surgeons. Ideal applicants have prior experience in a veterinary setting and are comfortable in a fast-paced environment. The position offers competitive pay, a supportive culture, and numerous career growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Prior experience working in a veterinary setting.
• Ability to work collaboratively with veterinarians, technicians, and other staff members.
• Must be 18 years or older to apply.

Responsibilities

• Assist with pre- and post-operative care.
• Help with cleaning, stocking, and taking TPRs.
• Restraining patients for exams and appointments.

Skills

Handling animals

Basic surgical prep

Strong communication

Multi-tasking

Attention to detail

Tools

EzyVet

SmartFlow

Job description

Overview

Description: Are you a dedicated and compassionate Veterinary Assistant with a passion for surgery and a desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of pets and their families? Join the Surgery Team at Pieper Memorial Veterinary Center in Middletown, CT—a VECCS Level I Facility committed to delivering exceptional patient care while supporting the growth and development of every team member. At Pieper, you will work alongside experienced surgeons and technicians in a collaborative, fast-paced environment where precision, empathy, and teamwork drive everything we do. As a member of the surgical team, you will assist with pre- and post-operative care — playing a vital role in improving quality of life for our patients. Our mission is simple: to make our community—and the animals and people in it—healthier and happier. If you are ready to grow your career in veterinary surgery with a team that values your skills and shares your passion, we would love to hear from you.

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, 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 are looking for a candidate who shares that mindset. This position is perfect for someone who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and communicates effectively with both colleagues and clients. We are seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant who is comfortable with handling/restraint, basic surgical prep, and assisting Veterinary Technicians and other staff members in a clinical setting. This role also includes all other assistant responsibilities, such as cleaning, stocking, taking TPRs, restraining patients for exams and appointments, and assisting with admissions and discharges. Experience with EzyVet and SmartFlow is a plus but not required. Collaboration is highly valued on our team, and we encourage all staff members to speak up—your input is not only welcomed but can make a meaningful difference in patient care and team success.

Anticipated Schedule

This is a full-time position:

• Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Monday - 9am-7pm
• Holidays are required.

Compensation

$18.00 - $21.00 an hour dependent on experience and education.

What\'s in it for you?

• Supportive culture with social events & team building
• Competitive paid time off & holidays
• Career Growth & Training Opportunities
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Mental Health Focused Services
• 401(k) plan with strong employer match
• Up to 75% employee pet care discount
• Annual uniform allowance
• Team Building

Requirements

• Prior experience working in a veterinary setting.
• 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.