Veterinary Technician Assistant (VTA) – Urgent Care

COVE Pet Care; Kentucky; Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

COVE Pet Care in Kentucky seeks a dedicated support role to assist veterinary technicians and veterinarians in providing care to urgent care patients. Responsibilities include patient handling, monitoring, and basic care tasks. The position requires the ability to work flexible shifts, including nights, and emphasizes teamwork and communication. Ideal candidates will have experience in veterinary or animal care, with a commitment to cleanliness and patient comfort.

Qualifications

• Prior veterinary or animal care experience preferred.
• Ability to work daytime, evening, and/or overnight shifts.
• Strong patient handling and restraint skills.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds without assistance.

Responsibilities

• Assist RVTs and veterinarians with urgent care appointments.
• Safely restrain patients for exams and treatments.
• Provide basic patient care including cleaning and feeding.
• Help monitor hospitalized patients and report changes.
• Maintain cleanliness of treatment areas.

Skills

Patient handling

Teamwork

Communication

Job description

The purpose of this position is to support veterinary technicians and veterinarians in providing care to urgent care patients. This role includes assisting with patient handling, treatments, diagnostics, and maintaining a clean and efficient work environment.

Flexible scheduling is available, including daytime, evening, and overnight shifts. Overnight shifts require reliability, strong work ethic, and the ability to assist with patient monitoring and basic care tasks with reduced staffing.

Reporting Structure

Directly reports to the Lead Technician and works alongside Urgent Care veterinarians, RVTs, and clinical staff. Periodically receives direction from the Lead Technician, Department Supervisors, Office Manager, Practice Manager, and veterinarians.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assists RVTs and veterinarians with urgent care appointments and treatments.
• Safely restrains patients for exams, treatments, and procedures.
• Assists with sample collection and basic treatments as directed.
• Provides basic patient care including cleaning, feeding, walking, and maintaining comfort.
• Helps monitor hospitalized patients and reports changes to RVTs or veterinarians.
• Overnight: Assists with patient monitoring, maintains cleanliness of treatment areas, and supports RVTs with ongoing treatments in a lower-staffed environment.

Medical Records

• Assists with maintaining accurate treatment sheets and patient updates as directed.
• Ensures clear communication with team members during shift changes.
• Assists with preparation and handling of diagnostic samples.
• Supports staff during diagnostic procedures as needed.

Equipment and Facility Maintenance

• Cleans and disinfects exam rooms, treatment areas, and equipment.
• Assists with stocking supplies and maintaining inventory.
• Ensures hospital cleanliness and organization throughout shifts.

Personal Conduct

• Adheres to all hospital policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates professionalism, teamwork, and a positive attitude.
• Maintains punctuality and flexibility with scheduling, including overnight coverage.
• Works efficiently and follows direction in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Duties

• Attends staff meetings and training sessions as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Prior veterinary or animal care experience preferred.
• Ability to work daytime, evening, and/or overnight shifts.
• Ability to work in a lower-staffed environment during overnight hours.
• Strong patient handling and restraint skills.
• Willingness to learn and take direction from RVTs and veterinarians.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Commitment to patient care and hospital cleanliness.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds without assistance and more with assistance.
• Ability to remain on task for the duration of scheduled shifts, including overnight hours.