Veterinary Assistant, Specialty

Ethos Veterinary Health • Plainview, NY

78d • Onsite

About The Position

Long Island Veterinary Specialists (LIVS) is hiring a full-time Veterinary Assistant in Plainview, NY, to support emergency and specialty patient care in a fast-paced animal hospital. The role works alongside veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians and offers hands-on patient care, training, mentorship, and opportunities to learn. Open departments include ER, ICU, and Surgery.

The Veterinary Assistant supports patient care and hospital operations by providing comfort and daily nursing care to hospitalized animals, helping with restraint and routine husbandry, and assisting veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians with examinations, treatments, and procedures. The position also involves maintaining the hospital environment, documenting medical records, following cleaning and infection-control procedures, adapting to department needs, and serving clients compassionately during emergency situations.

The role is full-time, with several listed shift options. Compensation starts at $18 per hour, based on experience and skillset, with an additional $4 per hour for overnight shifts from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The employer describes LIVS as an AAHA-accredited specialty and emergency hospital with more than 160 professionals, and Ethos Veterinary Health as a network of 140 specialty and emergency hospitals.

Requirements

• Genuine passion for working with animals and supporting their care.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced emergency hospital environment.
• Professional communication skills with clients and team members.
• Reliable, adaptable, and team-oriented mindset.
• Ability to lift 40+ pounds and remain on your feet for extended periods.
• Willingness to learn and participate in hands-on training opportunities.
• Fluent English speaking and reading skills.

Nice To Haves

• Previous veterinary, animal care, kennel, or healthcare experience is preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide comfort, nursing support, and daily care for hospitalized patients.
• Assist with patient restraint, feeding, walking, and general husbandry.
• Support veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians during examinations, treatments, and procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe hospital environment.
• Assist with accurate medical record documentation.
• Follow hospital cleaning and infection-control protocols.
• Adapt to the needs of various departments and support patient care where needed.
• Deliver compassionate service to clients and their pets during emergency situations.

Benefits

• Hands-on training and mentorship.
• Continuing education and uniform allowance, plus free VetBloom access with RACE-approved continuing education.
• CVT/LVT/RVT license reimbursement.
• RECOVER training for advanced CPR skills.
• Veterinary Technician education sponsorships, VTNE reimbursement, and VTS support.
• 16-week VTNE study group.
• Professional development assistance.
• Starting at 2 weeks of PTO, 7 days of sick/personal time, and paid holidays.
• Employee referral bonuses and employee discount.
• Access to financial benefits for student loans, mortgages, and personal loans.
• NVA Pet Resort discount and pet insurance discount.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus HSA/FSA options.
• Life insurance.
• AD&D, short- and long-term disability, critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity insurance options.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Employee Assistance Program.

What This Job Offers

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