Veterinary Assistant

Vetcor • Fairfax, VA

38d • Onsite

About The Position

Merrifield Animal Hospital is seeking a Part-Time Veterinary Assistant who brings compassion, strong technical skills, and a team-first attitude to patient care. The hospital emphasizes a "better together" culture where wins are shared, challenges are faced collaboratively, and employees are encouraged to be themselves. This role involves working alongside veterinarians and the veterinary team to provide high-quality care from patient intake through discharge, utilizing Fear Free and low-stress patient handling principles.

Requirements

• Safe and effective patient handling and restraint skills
• Knowledge of preventive care and vaccines
• Diagnostic skills, including radiographs, phlebotomy, sample collection, and in-house laboratory work
• Professional and compassionate communication with clients and teammates
• Clear, concise documentation of patient care and client interactions
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality patient care
• A collaborative, team-first approach
• A willingness to ask for help when you need it and offer help when others do
• A positive, supportive attitude grounded in teamwork and mutual respect
• A desire to continue learning and strengthening your veterinary skills
• The right "cattitude"

Responsibilities

• Triage patients and obtain thorough histories, vitals, and patient assessments
• Assist veterinarians during examinations, treatments, and procedures
• Provide attentive nursing care and patient monitoring, including TPRs, pain scoring, wound care, and other supportive care
• Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, and treatments as directed
• Perform venipuncture, catheter placement, fluid therapy, and sample collection
• Obtain high-quality radiographs while maintaining imaging standards
• Run in-house laboratory testing, including CBC/chemistry, urinalysis, cytology, fecals, and other diagnostics
• Support surgical and dental procedures, including preparation, monitoring, recovery, and instrument care
• Monitor anesthesia and patient vitals during procedures and maintain accurate records
• Practice Fear Free and low-stress handling techniques to help keep patients safe and comfortable
• Educate clients about patient care, medications, discharge instructions, and preventive care with compassion and clarity
• Maintain accurate, concise, and up-to-date medical records and patient charts
• Keep treatment and exam areas clean, stocked, and organized while following infection-control protocols
• Collaborate with teammates to maintain an efficient workflow and positive hospital culture
• Participate in ongoing training and professional growth opportunities

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• 401(k) matching
• Tuition support
• Referral bonuses
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with supplemental options
• Up to three weeks of paid parental leave (full-time employees only; available after one year of service)
• Generous PTO
• Employee pet discounts
• Quarterly team bonuses
• Continuing education allowance
• State veterinary technician license reimbursement
• VTNE exam fee reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities
• Uniform allowance
• Six paid holidays (full-time only)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee discount program
• Flexible Spending Account (full-time only)
• 529 Savings Plan
• Supplemental insurance, including accident, critical illness, hospital, short- and long-term disability, legal plan, and employee, spouse, and child-dependent life insurance (full-time only)
• Sick Time / Paid Time Off
• Free or discounted lab work for all employee pets
• Pet food discount program

What This Job Offers

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