Veterinary Assistant Surgery
VCA Animal Hospitals•Clackamas, OR
•Onsite
About The Position
VCA Northwest Veterinary Specialists is adding an experienced Veterinary Assistant to our specialty surgery team! This position supports veterinarians and technical staff by providing high-quality patient care, assisting with surgical and anesthetic procedures, maintaining surgical areas and equipment, and ensuring a clean, safe hospital environment. This position requires teamwork, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to patient safety and client service.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and remain on feet for extended periods
- Strong communication, organization, and teamwork skills
- Willingness to work flexible or extended hours as needed
Nice To Haves
- Previous veterinary or animal care experience preferred
Responsibilities
- Prepare patients for anesthesia and aseptic surgical procedures
- Assist veterinarians during surgery as directed
- Monitor anesthetized patients under direct supervision
- Clean, pack, and sterilize surgical instruments and equipment
- Maintain surgery and treatment areas to strict cleanliness standards
- Provide compassionate care to hospitalized and post-operative patients
- Monitor patient comfort, cleanliness, and identification
- Assist with treatments, sample collection, and basic laboratory support
- Maintain hospital cleanliness, including treatment, surgery, and kennel areas
- Accurately document treatments and assist with record keeping
- Support front office staff as needed (phones, appointments, client flow)
- Communicate effectively with doctors, technicians, and team members
Benefits
- Access to the Lyra mental health platform, including up to 12 therapy sessions per year, guided self-care, and meditation resources
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA/FSA options
- Fertility benefits
- Paid vacation, sick, parental, and bereavement leave
- 100% employer-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
- Access to the Better Together Fund for crisis support in qualifying situations
- Rabies prophylaxis vaccine and titer testing
- Continuing Education (CE) allowance for veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians
- Access to WOOF University®, which includes RACE-approved courses
- Opportunities to work with the latest technology and programs that encourage innovation and creativity, such as VCA Next
- Penn Foster and VTNE test prep sponsorships, as well as VTNE prep courses
- Discounted Low-Stress Handling, Fear Free, and AAFP Cat-Friendly certifications
- Discounted VETGirl and VIN subscriptions
- Free NAVTA membership
- Free subscription to Plumb’s
- Leadership development and mentorship programs
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with increasing employer contribution
- 100% employer-paid professional liability coverage
- Life insurance coverage equal to one year’s salary
- Generous pet care discounts and VIP programs
- Student loan advisory services, tools, and resources
- Access to legal resources for common legal services
- Nationwide hospital transfer opportunities
- Medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days
- 401(k)
- Generous employee pet discounts
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
