Community Medicine Veterinary Assistant

Humane Society for Southwest Washington • Longview, WA

9d • $21 - $26 • Onsite

About The Position

The Community Medicine Veterinary Assistant provides advanced technical and operational support within the Humane Society for Southwest Washington’s Community Veterinary Clinic. The role supports veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians in a high-volume, fast-paced environment focused on spay/neuter surgery, preventative care, and improving access to veterinary services for underserved communities. The assistant works in a surgical setting, supporting anesthesia and patient care while helping maintain efficient clinic operations and a high standard of compassion and professionalism with clients and animals.

The position reports to the Director of Community Medicine Operations and works closely with veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, and volunteers. This is a full-time, FLSA nonexempt position. The hourly pay range is $20.85 to $25.84, with starting wage dependent upon experience.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of experience as a Veterinary Assistant in a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or high-volume spay/neuter program.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced medical environment.
• Strong animal-handling skills with dogs and cats of varying temperaments.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to multitask and maintain attention to detail in a high-volume environment.
• Commitment to improving access to veterinary care and supporting the human-animal bond.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting surgical or anesthesia procedures.
• Experience in shelter medicine or high-volume spay/neuter environments.

Responsibilities

• Assist with patient intake, handling, and preparation for surgery and medical appointments.
• Support veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians with examinations, treatments, and procedures.
• Prepare animals for surgery, including patient identification, weighing, pre-operative preparation, and surgical prep.
• Assist with anesthesia induction, monitoring, and recovery under the direction of veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians.
• Monitor patient safety and promptly report changes in condition.
• Maintain accurate medical records in the clinic database.
• Assist with post-operative monitoring and discharge preparation.
• Support daily clinic flow to maintain efficient patient throughput.
• Prepare and maintain surgical packs, instruments, and treatment areas.
• Clean and disinfect clinical areas, equipment, and kennels according to disease-control protocols.
• Assist with inventory management and stocking clinic supplies.
• Support patient discharge and provide clear instructions to clients.
• Assist with community cat program patients and high-volume spay/neuter services.
• Communicate professionally and compassionately with clients accessing community veterinary services.
• Educate clients on preventative care, surgery preparation, and post-operative instructions.
• Support a welcoming environment for people and pets from diverse backgrounds.
• Collaborate with veterinary staff to support efficient clinic operations.
• Assist with training newer veterinary assistants and volunteers as needed.
• Promote a positive, respectful workplace culture focused on teamwork and accountability.
• Represent HSSW professionally and courteously.

Benefits

• Health insurance for eligible full-time employees, effective the first of the month following hire.
• Dental and vision insurance, effective the first of the month following hire.
• Matching 401(k) retirement plan beginning the first month after hire, with a 3-year graded vesting schedule and Roth contribution option.
• Employee Assistance Program available to employees and household members.
• Section 125 FSA Cafeteria Plan for out-of-pocket health and/or dependent day care expenses.
• Access to affordable life, disability, and accidental supplemental insurance.
• Employee discounts and discounts with partner organizations.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer.
• PTO accrual of 1.84 hours for every 40 hours worked.
• Floating holidays for full-time employees.
• Bereavement leave.
• Pet bereavement leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed