Veterinary Assistant, Surgery

Ethos Veterinary Health; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Short/long-term disability

Life insurance

CE allowance

Professional development

Job summary

Summit Veterinary Referral Center is seeking a Veterinary Assistant - Surgery in Tacoma, WA. The role supports the surgical team and perioperative care, from patient prep to recovery, with a focus on teamwork and patient welfare.

The position requires adaptability in a busy surgical environment, with opportunities to work across anesthesia, imaging, and lab tasks. Training is available for the right candidate who demonstrates strong communication and reliability.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of veterinary medical terminology, anatomy, and pharmacology preferred.
• Experience in a specialty hospital preferred; willing to train the right candidate.
• WA state medical clerk license preferred; willing to obtain within 3 months of hire.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, often chaotic, and stressful environment.
• Collaborative mindset with attention to detail, reliability, dependability, and trustworthiness.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation of patients for surgery, including vitals, restraint, blood collection, and IV placement.
• Set up the OR and aseptic prep of the surgery site.
• Move sedated or anesthetized patients to/from the OR and maintain sterile fields.
• Assist with recovery and OR maintenance (daily/weekly/monthly).
• Perform in-house lab work as required.
• Assist with imaging (X-ray, Ultrasound, CT) and radiograph positioning.
• Prepare prescriptions and communicate discharge orders to clients clearly.
• Work closely with veterinarians, technicians, and support teams.
• Contribute to a positive, team-focused hospital culture.

Skills

Vet terminology

Veterinary experience

WA license

Fast-paced work

Team player

Job description

Summit Veterinary Referral Center

Veterinary Assistant - Surgery

Hourly pay range: $22–$28 depending on experience

Opportunity in Tacoma / South Puget Sound, WA

Schedule: Must be available for either 3 twelve-hour shifts or 4 ten-hour shifts. On-call rotation required once fully trained. Flexibility is required, as surgery times may extend beyond scheduled hours.

The Veterinary Assistant plays a critical role within the Surgery department at Summit Veterinary Referral Center. This position supports the veterinary team by assisting with surgical procedures and ensuring excellent perioperative care for patients, from preparing patients for surgery to assisting with recovery and ensuring a smooth workflow in the operating room. The ideal candidate will be adaptable, demonstrate excellent communication skills, and possess a passion for animal care.

Why Join Summit Veterinary Referral Center

At Summit Veterinary Referral Center, part of Ethos Veterinary Health, you'll be part of the largest Emergency and Specialty Center in the South Puget Sound. With specialists in Anesthesia, Cardiology, Emergency/Critical Care, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Nutrition, Oncology, Ophthalmology, Surgery and Radiology, we work as a team to provide the most comprehensive patient and client care in our region, with daily grand rounds and 7 surgical suites, CT/MRI, endoscopy, and more. Our culture is all about collaboration and a thriving passion for best medicine, with a robust CE budget, VTS support, and multiple structures in place to help reduce burnout.

In your day-to-day, you will:

• Assist with the preparation of patients in the surgery department, including obtaining vitals, patient restraint, blood collection, and IV catheter placement
• Set up the OR for surgical procedures, including appropriate shaving and aseptic prep of the surgery site
• Safely move sedated or anesthetized patients to/from the OR, and maintain sterile fields as needed
• Assist with recovery and OR daily/weekly/monthly maintenance
• Perform in-house lab work as required
• Assist with advanced imaging (X-ray, Ultrasound, CT), including radiograph positioning for orthopedic procedures, chest radiographs, chest tube placements, and urethral catheterization
• Prepare prescriptions and communicate discharge orders to clients clearly and compassionately
• Work closely with veterinarians, technicians, and support teams
• Contribute to a positive, team-focused hospital culture

What You Bring

• Knowledge of veterinary medical terminology, anatomy, and pharmacology preferred
• Prior veterinary experience preferred, especially in a specialty hospital, but willing to train the right candidate
• Current WA state medical clerk license preferred; must be willing to obtain within 3 months of hire
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, often chaotic, and stressful environment
• A collaborative mindset and commitment to exceptional patient care; team player with strong attention to detail, reliability, dependability, and trustworthiness

Perks & Benefits

• Benefits for this role may include health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement benefits, paid time off (including sick leave and vacation), short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance
• Competitive compensation
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• CE allowance and professional development support
• Paid time off
• Retirement savings options (401k with employer match)
• Comprehensive benefits package

Location Highlight

Tacoma sits at the gateway to the South Puget Sound, offering easy access to Mount Rainier, Puget Sound waterways, and a revitalized downtown with a growing food and arts scene. With Seattle just 30–40 minutes north, you get small‑city affordability and character alongside big‑city amenities.

About Ethos Veterinary Health

Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world‑class medicine, and help shape what veterinary care becomes next. Across our network of 140 specialty and emergency hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You'll work alongside respected veterinary leaders in academic‑caliber hospitals designed for learning, teaching, and discovery. Here, mentorship is a two‑way street. You'll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to grow, clinically, professionally, and personally. At Ethos, you inspire hope, deliver exceptional care, and pursue veterinary medicine at its highest level, together.

Join Us

At Ethos, this isn't just a job, it's an opportunity to practice medicine at the highest level and help shape the future of veterinary care.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.