Veterinary Assistant

Ethos Veterinary Health • Fredericksburg, VA

9d • $20 - $25 • Onsite

About The Position

Virginia Veterinary Center of Fredericksburg is hiring a Veterinary Assistant for its 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital. The role offers hands-on experience with high-acuity cases and opportunities to develop emergency and critical care skills while supporting patient care and client service. The position is full-time, scheduled for three 12-hour shifts, with all shifts available. Two on-call shifts per month are required; weekends may be needed, and the schedule may change based on hospital needs. Pay is $20–$25 per hour, including shift differential, based on experience and skills.

The assistant will triage and assess incoming patients, help identify critical cases, communicate with clients and the veterinary team, support outpatient procedures and hospitalization, and provide patient care under the guidance and delegation of licensed staff. The role also includes completing Client Service Representative training to help with client service tasks.

The hospital describes its culture as respectful, kind, collaborative, safe, and inclusive, with a focus on continuing education, training, and shared learning. Veterinary assistants interested in advancing their veterinary medicine careers—particularly those enrolled in a veterinary technician program—are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong veterinary assistant and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced veterinary environment.
• At least one year of experience in veterinary medicine as an assistant is stated as a quality of the ideal candidate.

Nice To Haves

• Emergency or critical care experience.
• Active enrollment in a veterinary technician program to obtain licensure.

Responsibilities

• Triage and physically assess incoming patients to evaluate stability and prioritize immediate versus non-emergent care.
• Recognize critical patients and facilitate timely care; communicate and obtain approval for Critical Care forms.
• Obtain adequate medical histories from clients about patients’ health and presenting complaints.
• Provide excellent client service and patient care, maintaining communication with owners during their hospital visit.
• Recognize normal and abnormal vital sign parameters and alert appropriate team members to patients who are decompensating.
• Between triages, assist licensed technicians with outpatient procedures, including diagnostics, subcutaneous fluid therapy, and medication administration.
• Assist with initial patient hospitalization and hourly treatments, following hospital protocols for treatment-sheet and practice-management-software documentation.
• Restrain patients for diagnostic testing and physical examinations.
• Complete Client Service Representative training and assist with tasks such as checking clients in and out, obtaining payments, and answering phones.
• Follow guidance and delegation from licensed staff, including DVMs and LVTs.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k).
• Paid time off.
• Continuing education allowance and free access to VetBloom RACE-approved continuing education.
• Veterinary Technician scholarship opportunities.
• VTNE and/or license reimbursement.
• Uniform allowance.
• Employee pet discount.
• Disability insurance.
• Life insurance.

What This Job Offers

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