Vet Assistant - Kensington, Maryland

VetEvolve•Kensington, MD

6h•$22 - $24

About The Position

Wheaton Animal Hospital is seeking a dedicated and compassionate full-time Veterinary Assistant to support its medical team in delivering exceptional care to pets and their owners. The role is suited to an experienced veterinary professional who enjoys a fast-paced environment and is passionate about patient care, client service, and teamwork. The Veterinary Assistant supports medical and surgical operations by assisting veterinarians with patient treatments, diagnostics, procedures, and client education, while helping maintain efficient daily hospital operations.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Working knowledge of anesthesia monitoring, venipuncture, radiology, laboratory procedures, and dentistry support.
Comfort using practice management software and Microsoft Office applications.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a client-service mindset.
Ability to remain composed and professional during emergency or emotionally challenging situations.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to multitask effectively in a busy hospital environment.
Commitment to compassionate patient care and exceptional client service.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and safely assist with handling animals weighing up to 130 pounds.
Comfort standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and moving throughout the workday.
Ability to work around disinfectants, anesthetic gases, radiation, animal waste, and zoonotic disease exposure.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of veterinary assistant experience, preferably with exposure to both appointment and surgical settings.

Responsibilities

Assist veterinarians during examinations, treatments, diagnostic procedures, and surgeries.
Prepare patients for medical and surgical procedures, including pre-operative and post-operative care.
Monitor patient comfort and recovery following surgical procedures and anesthesia.
Safely restrain pets using fear-free and low-stress handling techniques.
Collect blood, urine, and fecal specimens for laboratory testing.
Administer medications, vaccines, and treatments under veterinary direction.
Place and maintain IV catheters and provide nursing care for hospitalized patients.
Maintain accurate treatment records and medical documentation.
Perform in-house diagnostic testing, including hematology, urinalysis, cytology, and fecal evaluations.
Assist with diagnostic imaging procedures, including radiography and ultrasound preparation.
Maintain and sanitize laboratory and diagnostic equipment according to hospital protocols.
Record and communicate diagnostic findings appropriately.
Educate pet owners regarding preventive care, medications, treatment plans, nutrition, and follow-up recommendations.
Provide clear, compassionate communication throughout the patient's visit.
Assist with appointment flow, client check-in/check-out, and general client inquiries.
Support a positive client experience from admission through discharge.
Keep treatment, exam, and surgical areas clean, organized, and fully stocked.
Enter charges, treatment plans, and medical notes accurately into the practice management system.
Assist with inventory organization and daily operational tasks as needed.
Follow hospital policies, safety guidelines, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Contribute to a collaborative, professional, and patient-focused culture.