Veterinary Assistant

WellHaven Pet Health•Tumwater, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Veterinary Assistant supports veterinarians and veterinary technicians in promoting pet well-being, educating clients, and maintaining high standards of veterinary care. The role contributes to the hospital’s daily efficiency and helps ensure a positive experience for clients and patients. The position is performed onsite at a WellHaven hospital or an approved offsite event location; remote work is not available. The assistant performs technical and patient-care tasks, maintains accurate medical records, helps with client communication and reception duties, and supports hospital inventory and daily operations. The position involves working in a fast-paced hospital environment with limited space, pet-related smells, and noise. Schedules may include shifts of 10 or more hours, Saturdays, evenings, and holidays.

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 or experience providing basic animal care, including feeding, bathing, grooming, and monitoring for signs of distress or illness.
Knowledge or experience with 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, remain action-oriented, and stay calm and resilient in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to maintain accuracy while working with frequent interruptions.
Ability to learn new computer software systems, including electronic medical records and scheduling systems.
Strong customer-service focus and ability to adapt to clients’ needs.
Excellent communication skills and ability to respond empathetically and compassionately in a variety of emotional situations.
Good hand-eye coordination, arm-hand-finger dexterity, and ability to reach and grasp; visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment, and read information.
Vision abilities including close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Ability to lift more than 50 pounds.
Ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb.
Availability for schedules that may include 10+ hour shifts, Saturdays, evenings, and holidays.
Ability to work around pets that may bite or scratch, biological hazards, anesthesia medication smells, radiation near an X-ray machine, and prescription medications, including controlled substances.

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.
Ability or interest in developing veterinary technical skills in anesthesia, surgical assistance, and dentistry.

Responsibilities

Apply technical skills in surgery, dentistry, laboratory procedures, venipuncture, and proper restraint while following protocols for 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 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 assigned reception duties, including answering phone calls, scheduling appointments, and facilitating patient intake and discharge.
Obtain relevant medical history and patient information.
Help manage hospital supplies by tracking inventory and restocking as necessary.
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 communication and service to clients’ needs and resolve complaints as appropriate.
Follow OSHA standards and company policies.
Perform other job duties as assigned.