Veterinary Assistant

VCA Animal Hospitals • Clackamas, OR

15d • Onsite

About The Position

VCA Northwest Veterinary Specialists is hiring an experienced Veterinary Assistant to support its Medical Oncology team. The role provides compassionate, detail-oriented care to patients undergoing cancer treatment and assists veterinarians and technicians with chemotherapy administration, diagnostics, and patient monitoring. The assistant helps maintain a safe, efficient, and supportive environment for patients, clients, and team members, and delivers exceptional service in line with VCA’s mission.

The position is located at 16756 SE 82nd Dr, Clackamas, OR 97015. It is full-time, Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Compensation is $21–$24 per hour.

The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Veterinary experience is preferred, as is oncology or specialty experience; veterinary assistant experience or relevant training is also preferred. The position involves lifting up to 40 pounds, standing and walking for extended periods, frequent bending and reaching, and handling patients. Adequate visual, auditory, and fine motor skills are needed for clinical duties. Reliable attendance and scheduling flexibility are required, and any animal-related allergies must be manageable.

VCA offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid leave; retirement savings; professional liability and life insurance; mental health resources; fertility benefits; education and certification support; pet care discounts; and professional development and mentorship programs.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow strict safety protocols.
• Excellent communication skills and a compassionate, empathetic approach.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, emotionally sensitive environment.
• Team-oriented approach and commitment to high-quality patient care and continuous learning.
• Basic computer and phone skills.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and stand or walk for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, reach, and handle patients frequently.
• Adequate visual, auditory, and fine motor skills for clinical duties.
• Reliable attendance and scheduling flexibility.
• Manageable animal-related allergies, if applicable.

Nice To Haves

• Veterinary experience, preferably in oncology or a specialty setting.
• Veterinary assistant experience or relevant training.

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate care to oncology patients receiving chemotherapy, radiation support, or palliative treatment.
• Assist with chemotherapy appointments, including patient preparation, restraint, and post-treatment care under supervision.
• Follow safety protocols for handling chemotherapeutic agents and hazardous materials.
• Monitor patients for changes in condition, adverse reactions, and comfort, and promptly communicate concerns to the medical team.
• Assist with diagnostic procedures, including imaging support and collection of blood, urine, and cytology samples.
• Maintain accurate patient identification and treatment documentation.
• Greet clients professionally and warmly, use client and pet names, communicate next steps, and provide timely updates.
• Help reinforce discharge instructions, medication administration, and home care guidance for oncology patients.
• Communicate empathetically with clients managing long-term or serious illness cases.
• Maintain clean and organized oncology treatment areas and ensure readiness for chemotherapy and advanced care procedures.
• Assist with inventory management for oncology drugs, personal protective equipment, and specialized supplies.
• Support scheduling, patient flow, and coordination of complex oncology appointments.
• Cross-train to assist other departments and front office functions as needed.
• Maintain accurate and timely medical records, including treatments, diagnostics, and charges.
• Follow protocols for chemotherapy safety, personal protective equipment, waste disposal, and infection control.
• Recognize and report safety concerns, including exposure risks and equipment issues.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, with HSA/FSA options.
• Fertility benefits.
• Paid vacation, sick, parental, and bereavement leave.
• Access to the Lyra mental health platform, including up to 12 therapy sessions per year, guided self-care, and meditation resources.
• 100% employer-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Access to the Better Together Fund for crisis support in qualifying situations.
• Rabies prophylaxis vaccine and titer testing.
• Continuing education allowance for veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians, and access to RACE-approved WOOF University courses.
• Access to technology and innovation programs, including VCA Next.
• Penn Foster and VTNE test-prep sponsorships and VTNE prep courses.
• Discounted Low-Stress Handling, Fear Free, and AAFP Cat-Friendly certifications, plus VETGirl and VIN subscriptions.
• Free NAVTA membership and Plumb’s subscription.
• Leadership development and mentorship programs.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with increasing employer contribution.
• 100% employer-paid professional liability coverage and life insurance equal to one year’s salary.
• Generous pet care discounts and VIP programs.
• Student loan advisory services, tools, and resources.
• Access to legal resources for common legal services.
• Nationwide hospital transfer opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED