Experienced Veterinary Assistant

Horton Animal Hospital-Discovery•Columbia, MO

About The Position

Horton Animal Hospital Discovery is hiring an experienced Veterinary Assistant to provide care for small-animal patients and support clients and the hospital team. The role includes client and patient interactions, diagnostic and treatment support, surgical assistance, and maintaining a clean and hygienic hospital. Responsibilities may vary according to hospital needs and the employee’s experience, training, certifications, credentials, and assigned duties. This is a full-time position with a compressed schedule of either three 12-hour shifts or four 10-hour shifts, including weekends. Weekend and night availability is required. The hospital describes a collaborative, inclusive team culture and offers mentoring, training in anesthesia monitoring and surgical assistance, and professional development opportunities.

Requirements

At least 1–2 years of experience as a Veterinary Assistant in a small-animal practice, including critical care and emergency-room experience.
Familiarity with standard veterinary hospital procedures and protocols.
Availability to work weekends and nights.
Strong communication and client service skills, including tact and diplomacy when handling sensitive conversations.
Professional, friendly, and welcoming approach with clients and patients.
Commitment to treating every animal humanely and compassionately.
Team-first attitude that supports the hospital’s ethical principles and standards of practice.
Dependability and regular attendance.
Ability to stand for most of 8- to 12-hour shifts.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted.

Responsibilities

Interact with clients in the exam room, take verbal histories, and record TPRs.
Perform venipuncture to obtain blood samples for diagnostic testing.
Place IV catheters.
Run diagnostic laboratory procedures.
Assist with diagnostic imaging, including positioning and restraint for radiographs.
Provide safe, compassionate patient restraint during medical procedures.
Manage hospital and surgical patient intake and discharge.
Fill prescriptions.
Complete medical documentation and billing.
Monitor anesthesia and assist in the surgical suite, with training and experience.
Help maintain and sterilize surgical instruments and handle laundry.
Keep the hospital and patients clean, hygienic, and well maintained.

Benefits

401(k) matching and Roth Retirement Savings Plan.
Flexible Spending Account for full-time employees.
529 Savings Plan.
Tuition Support Program.
Referral bonus program.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance for full-time employees.
Supplemental insurance options, including accident, critical illness, hospital, short- and long-term disability, legal plan, and life insurance for full-time employees.
Up to three weeks of full pay for the birth or adoption of a child for eligible full-time employees after one year of service, subject to the stated state paid-family-leave limitation.
Sick time and paid time off.
Free or discounted lab work for employee pets.
Pet discounts on services and products, plus a pet food discount program.
Quarterly Team Rewards Bonus Program.
State veterinary technician license reimbursement.
VTNE exam fee reimbursement.
Professional development opportunities.
Continuing education allowance.
Uniform allowance.
Six paid holidays for full-time employees.
Employee Assistance Program.
Employee discount program.
Competitive compensation based on experience and skill set and future performance.
Fridge stocked with drinks and snacks, occasional coffee runs, potlucks, and meals.