Experienced Veterinary Assistant

Vetcor•Columbia, MO

About The Position

Horton Animal Hospital Discovery is hiring an experienced Veterinary Assistant for a full-time position. The role offers a compressed schedule of either three 12-hour shifts or four 10-hour shifts, including weekends, with competitive compensation based on experience and skill set. The assistant works with clients, patients, and the hospital team to provide compassionate care and support medical and surgical services. Responsibilities may vary according to hospital needs and the employee’s experience, training, certifications, credentials, and assigned responsibilities. The hospital describes its culture as collaborative and supportive, with team members’ ideas and contributions valued. The position includes mentoring and opportunities to develop skills, including anesthesia monitoring and surgical assistance. The organization emphasizes humane patient care, teamwork, inclusion, and support for employees’ lives outside work.

Requirements

At least 1–2 years of experience as a Veterinary Assistant in a small animal practice, including critical care and ER experience.
Familiarity with standard veterinary hospital procedures and protocols.
Availability to work weekends and nights.
Strong communication and client service skills, including tact and diplomacy in sensitive conversations.
Professional, friendly, and welcoming approach with clients and patients.
Commitment to treating every animal humanely and compassionately.
Team-first attitude that supports the hospital’s ethical principles and standards of practice.
Dependability and regular attendance.
Ability to stand for most of 8- to 12-hour shifts.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted.

Responsibilities

Interact with clients in exam rooms, take verbal histories, and obtain temperature, pulse, and respiration measurements (TPRs).
Perform venipuncture to obtain blood samples for diagnostic testing.
Place IV catheters.
Perform diagnostic laboratory procedures.
Assist with diagnostic imaging, including positioning and restraining patients for radiographs.
Restrain patients safely and compassionately for medical procedures.
Manage hospital and surgical patient intake and discharge.
Fill prescriptions.
Complete medical documentation and billing.
Monitor anesthesia and assist in the surgical suite, with training and experience.
Help maintain and sterilize surgical instruments and handle laundry.
Keep the hospital and patients clean, hygienic, and well maintained.

Benefits

401(k) matching and Roth Retirement Savings Plan.
Flexible Spending Account (full-time only).
529 Savings Plan.
Tuition Support Program.
Referral bonus program.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance (full-time only).
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).
Up to three weeks of full pay for the birth or adoption of a child for eligible full-time employees after one year of service; this benefit does not apply in states with paid family leave programs.
Sick Time / Paid Time Off.
Free or discounted lab work for employee pets.
Pet discounts on services and products.
Pet food discount program.
Quarterly Team Rewards Bonus Program.
State veterinary technician license reimbursement.
VTNE exam fee reimbursement.
Professional development opportunities.
Continuing education allowance.
Uniform allowance.
Six paid holidays (full-time only).
Employee Assistance Program.
Employee discount program.