Veterinary Assistant

Cara Veterinary • Woodinville, WA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Woodinville Veterinary Hospital, part of the Cara Network, is seeking a Veterinary Assistant. We are known for our dedicated care and as an exceptional place to work, offering training, support, opportunities for growth, and recognition for going the extra mile. We prioritize pets and our people, offering competitive compensation, flexible schedules, clear advancement paths, and a commitment to excellence. Located in Woodinville, WA, our hospital offers a great work-life balance in a welcoming community near Seattle, known for its nature, food, wineries, and breweries.

Requirements

• Minimum of 1-year experience in Veterinary Assistant Role.
• Good with people as well as pets.
• Enjoys educating and connecting with people.
• Communicates effectively.
• Advocates for patients.
• Reliable and trustworthy.
• Demonstrable animal care skills.
• Shows adaptability and resilience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Washington State Medical Clerk License.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to defuse difficult client interactions gracefully.
• Patient, empathetic, and professional in challenging situations.

Responsibilities

• Cleaning, disinfection, and care of cat room, kennel room, inside runs, and outside area.
• Cage card interpretation (diagnosis, food/water intake, stool/urine samples, medications).
• Laundry, including disinfection of regular and Isolation Ward linens.
• Husbandry and Husbandry Standards (feeding, water, walking, litter pans).
• Obtain and document body weights, temperature, heart rates, and respiratory rates.
• Safe and effective animal restraint and muzzle application for canines and felines.
• Disposal of waste and sharps.
• Proper care and use of clippers and blades.
• Isolation Protocol.
• Care and handling of neonates.
• Perform ear flushes (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Nail trims.
• Fecal set up and preparation for outgoing lab (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Perform all SNAP tests (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Telephone etiquette including appointment scheduling.
• Add new clients & patients and schedule appointments.
• Check-in & check-out patients using Practice Management Software.
• Open, complete, and obtain signatures for Admit Forms.
• CareCredit application and setup.
• Admit & discharge patients.
• Administer biological injections (vaccines) (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Administer biological vaccines for rabies (under direct DVM supervision).
• Administer intramuscular and subcutaneous injections (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Administer intravenous injections into catheterized veins (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Anal gland expression.
• Lab sample collection and test preparation (under direct DVM supervision).
• Venipuncture (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Skin scraping (exfoliative) (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Imaging procedures: produce radiographs and transfer images (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Removal of sutures, drains, and staples (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Use and maintenance of ultrasonic cleaner and instrument milk.
• Bandage applications (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Removal of exposed foreign bodies (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Knowledge and understanding of the Cara Surgical Sterility Protocol.
• Knowledge of surgical instruments, their use, and names.
• Maintenance and use of autoclave/gas sterilizer (including proper instrument selection).
• Assembly of surgical packs and autoclave.
• Proper procedure for opening sterile instruments, suture material, and scalpel blades.
• Patient preparation for surgery (clipping, positioning, surgical scrub, urinary bladder expression).
• Microchip implantation (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Perform enema (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Massage, except when otherwise regulated (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Dispense non-controlled pharmaceuticals (Requires Veterinary Medical Clerk License).
• Perform ECG & blood pressure readings (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Set up for all surgery types.
• Change oxygen tank.
• Know how to care for an intravenous catheter.
• Knowledge of IDEXX equipment and how to run samples.
• Knowledge of IDEXX maintenance procedures and frequency of care as well as documentation.
• Know locations of drugs for emergency use.
• Client education (admit, discharge & present estimates).
• Ability to be assigned to a doctor and assist them in handling their cases.
• How to prepare an estimate for a client.
• Know how to invoice a client.
• Ultrasound set up including client/patient information input.
• Bandage application (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Know proper technique to scrubbing, gowning, and gloving.
• Monitor anesthetized patients’ vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration) (under IMMEDIATE DVM/LVT supervision).
• Set up and maintenance of suction equipment.
• IV Catheterization - peripheral (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Know the names of dental instruments and care/maintenance of dental equipment.
• Routine Dental Prophy (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Perform non-invasive CPR and basic first aid.
• Provide comprehensive client education during admissions, discharges, and while presenting treatment estimates.
• Serve as a resource for clients, offering detailed information and guidance on their pets' health and treatment options.
• Proactively anticipate the needs of the veterinarian during appointments, procedures, and surgeries.
• Prepare necessary equipment, supplies, and treatment plans to streamline the care process.
• Efficiently manage patient flow, ensuring timely appointments and procedures.
• Act as a partner with clients in their pets' healthcare journey, fostering a relationship-based approach to veterinary care.
• Create experiential, not transactional, client interactions by actively engaging with clients, answering their questions, addressing concerns, and making them feel heard and valued.
• May assist in training of other team members as directed by hospital leaders.

Benefits

• Competitive salary ranging from $23-$27
• Medical, vision, & dental insurance premium with 4 options for all full-time employees
• Child, spousal, and family insurance options for all medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off (PTO), up to 80 hours + 10 hours for Personal Celebration Day
• Up to six paid floating holidays per calendar year
• 401k + 4% employer match
• Employee pet care discount for up to four personal pets
• Uniform allowance
• Professional Development (CE) reimbursement, up to $500 each year
• Quarterly Incentive Bonus Program with potential earnings of up to $250/quarter
• Veterinary Medical Clerk License application and renewal covered
• Regular reviews and feedback

What This Job Offers

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