Veterinary Assistant

Vista Pet Hospital•Portland, OR

About The Position

Vista Pet Hospital is looking for an Experienced Veterinary Assistant who brings kindness, confidence, and positive energy to every appointment. Vista Pet Hospital is a friendly, fast-paced, three-doctor practice where teamwork, compassion, and great client experiences matter just as much as excellent medicine. We are seeking a client-focused, experienced Veterinary Assistant who loves being in the exam room, building trust with pet owners, and supporting veterinarians through thoughtful, hands-on patient care.

Requirements

Previous experience in a veterinary hospital required
Strong client communication and interpersonal skills with a calm, professional demeanor
Comfortable educating clients and anticipating veterinarian and patient needs
Basic knowledge of drug calculations
Ability to multitask and stay organized in a fast-paced environment
Self-motivated, dependable, and team-oriented
Passion for animals and empathy for their owners
Professional appearance and positive attitude

Responsibilities

Serve as a primary point of contact for clients during appointments, ensuring they feel informed, supported, and confident in their pet’s care
Admit, room, and discharge patients efficiently based on the veterinarian's instructions
Obtain accurate patient histories and relay pertinent information to the veterinary team
Provide client education on vaccines, preventive care, diagnostics, treatment options, medications, and home care, confidently reinforcing the veterinarian’s recommendations in a clear, compassionate manner
Prepare, review, and discuss estimates; support client understanding of recommended services while adhering to hospital financial policies and standards of care
Provide empathetic support and education during emotionally difficult situations, including illness and end-of-life care
Maintain accurate and organized client and patient records in eVet/Pulse
Assist veterinarians during exams, procedures, and treatments
Safely restrain patients using Fear Free techniques whenever possible
Perform venipuncture (jugular, cephalic, saphenous) and catheter placement
Ensure patient comfort and safety throughout visits and hospitalization
Prepare and fill prescriptions accurately and maintain a clean, organized pharmacy area
Maintain clean, stocked exam rooms, treatment areas, kennels, and surgical/dental suites
Assist with supplies, laundry, and unpacking orders to support daily operations
Collaborate closely with veterinarians, technicians, and client service staff to ensure a seamless client and patient experience

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
Generous PTO
Employee discounts
Quarterly team bonuses
Continuing education allowance
State license & VTNE fee reimbursement
Uniform allowance
Six paid holidays
Employee Assistance Program
A flexible approach to compensation that reflects your skill set and future performance
Roth Retirement Savings Plan
Flexible Spending Account (full-time only)
529 Savings Plan
Tuition Support Program (full-time only)
Referral bonus program
Health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision (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 (full-time only; after one year of service)
Sick Time / Paid Time Off
Free/discounted lab work for all employee pets
Pet discounts on services and products
Pet food discount program
Quarterly Team Rewards Bonus Program
State 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