Experienced Veterinary Assistant

Cara Veterinary • Seattle, WA

9d • $22 - $27 • Onsite

About The Position

Fremont Animal Hospital, part of the Cara Network of Neighborhood Veterinary Practices, is hiring an experienced Veterinary Assistant to support patient care and client service in its Seattle, Washington hospital. The role is essential to the health and well-being of animal patients and to maintaining Cara Veterinary’s standards of care. The assistant provides day-to-day patient care, helps maintain a clean and safe environment, and performs medical and client-related tasks under the supervision specified for each procedure.

The position includes animal husbandry, patient monitoring, assisting with medical procedures and surgery, maintaining equipment and supplies, and supporting appointment and patient flow. It also emphasizes empathetic client education and communication, a welcoming client experience, and collaboration with veterinarians and other team members. Training and support, learning and advancement opportunities, flexible schedules, and regular feedback are described as part of the employment offering.

Requirements

• At least 1 year of experience in a veterinary assistant or equivalent role.
• Demonstrable animal care skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and enjoy educating and connecting with people.
• Ability to advocate for patients.
• Reliability and trustworthiness.
• Adaptability and resilience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Washington State Medical Clerk License.

Responsibilities

• Clean, disinfect, manage, and care for the cat room, kennel room, inside runs, and outside area; handle laundry, waste, sharps, and isolation protocols.
• Interpret cage cards and follow husbandry standards, including feeding, watering, walking, and litter-pan care.
• Obtain and document patient weights, temperatures, heart rates, and respiratory rates; monitor anesthetized patients under immediate DVM supervision.
• Restrain animals safely, apply muzzles, care for neonates, perform nail trims and anal gland expression, and provide other patient care tasks.
• Assist with diagnostic, laboratory, treatment, and imaging procedures under the specified DVM or LVT supervision, including SNAP tests, fecal preparation, sample collection, venipuncture, radiographs, ECGs, blood pressure readings, and ultrasound setup.
• Assist with injections, IV catheterization, bandaging, removal of sutures, drains, staples, and exposed foreign bodies, and other supervised procedures listed in the job description.
• Prepare patients and equipment for procedures and surgery; set up for surgery, follow surgical sterility procedures, prepare surgical packs, and maintain sterilization equipment and instruments.
• Use, maintain, and document care of veterinary equipment, including IDEXX equipment, autoclaves, suction equipment, dental equipment, and oxygen tanks.
• Provide telephone support, schedule appointments, create client and patient records, check patients in and out, complete admission forms, and admit and discharge patients.
• Present estimates, prepare invoices, assist with CareCredit applications, and dispense non-controlled pharmaceuticals when licensed to do so.
• Educate and support clients during admissions, discharges, and treatment estimates; listen empathetically, answer questions, and help address client concerns, including challenging interactions.
• Anticipate veterinarians’ needs, assist with assigned cases, and help direct patient flow for timely appointments and procedures.
• Build positive, relationship-based client interactions and contribute to a welcoming, memorable client experience.
• May assist with training other team members as directed by hospital leaders.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance options for full-time employees, with child, spousal, and family coverage options.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid Time Off (PTO), up to 80 hours, plus 10 hours for a Personal Celebration Day.
• Up to six paid floating holidays per calendar year.
• 401(k) with a 4% employer match.
• Employee pet-care discount for up to four personal pets.
• Uniform allowance.
• Continuing education reimbursement up to $500 each year.
• Quarterly incentive bonus program with potential earnings up to $250 per quarter.
• Veterinary Medical Clerk License application and renewal covered.
• Regular reviews and feedback.
• Competitive salary ranging from $22 to $27.
• Flexible schedules.
• Training, support, and opportunities to learn, grow, and advance.

What This Job Offers

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