Veterinary Assistant

Bozeman • Bozeman, MT

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Veterinary Assistant supports veterinarians and veterinary technicians in delivering veterinary care, promoting pet well-being, educating clients, and maintaining hospital standards. The role contributes to efficient day-to-day hospital operations and provides professional, compassionate service to clients and team members. The position is performed onsite at a hospital or an approved offsite event location; remote work is not available. The hospital environment may involve limited space, pet-waste odors, and noise such as barking. Schedules may include shifts of 10 or more hours, Saturdays, evenings, and holidays.

The assistant performs or supports technical tasks such as surgery, dentistry, laboratory procedures, venipuncture, restraint, anesthesia, surgical assistance, and diagnostic testing, following established protocols for sterile and safe work. Additional duties include patient history collection, medical charting, client education, reception support, inventory tracking, and completing assigned hospital duties. The role requires adaptability, accuracy, sound judgment, and the ability to manage competing priorities and interruptions in a fast-paced setting.

Physical and exposure requirements include hand-eye coordination and dexterity; visual abilities for reading and equipment use; lifting more than 50 pounds; and standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and climbing. The role may involve exposure to animals that bite or scratch, biological hazards, anesthesia medication odors, radiation when near an X-ray machine, and prescription medications, including controlled substances.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 6 months of experience in the veterinary industry.
• Ability to handle dogs, cats, and exotic animals.
• Knowledge of basic animal care, including feeding, bathing, grooming, and monitoring for signs of distress or illness.
• Knowledge of common medical procedures, including administering medications, wound care, and assisting with diagnostic tests.
• Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment.
• Ability to multitask, set priorities, and remain action-oriented in a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to remain calm and resilient, take initiative, and work accurately while managing frequent interruptions.
• Ability to learn computer software systems, including EMR and scheduling systems.
• Strong customer-service focus and ability to adapt to individual client needs.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, including the ability to respond empathetically and compassionately in varied emotional situations.
• Ability to lift more than 50 pounds and perform the listed physical activities and visual tasks.
• Ability to work onsite; remote work is not available.
• Ability to work schedules that may include shifts of 10 or more hours, Saturdays, evenings, and holidays.

Nice To Haves

• Completion of an NAVTA-approved veterinary assistant program, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience demonstrating the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Proficiency in anesthesia, surgical assistance, and dentistry, or ability to develop these technical skills.

Responsibilities

• Apply technical skills in surgery, dentistry, laboratory procedures, venipuncture, and proper animal restraint, while following protocols for maintaining a sterile and safe environment.
• Contribute to the day-to-day efficiency and smooth operation of the hospital.
• Communicate effectively with team members and clients.
• Maintain thorough and accurate patient medical charts in accordance with hospital quality-control standards.
• Educate clients about Wellness Plans and provide guidance on pet care and overall health as appropriate.
• Perform selected reception duties, including answering calls, scheduling appointments, and facilitating patient intake and discharge.
• Obtain pertinent medical history and patient information.
• Help manage hospital supplies through inventory tracking and restocking.
• Complete assigned hospital duties before the end of each shift.
• Support the overall success and performance of the hospital.
• Provide professional, efficient, and exceptional customer service; adapt to clients’ individual needs and resolve complaints as appropriate.
• Follow OSHA standards and regulations as outlined in company policies.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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