Veterinary Assistant

Vista Pet Hospital•Portland, OR

28d

About The Position

Vista Pet Hospital is a fast-paced, three-doctor practice committed to providing exceptional care for pets and their families. We are seeking a friendly, motivated, and driven Experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our team. This role is ideal for a highly skilled assistant with a strong interest in dentistry, client communication, and collaborative medical support. If you love animals, excel at patient care, and thrive in a dynamic environment, we’d love to hear from you!

Requirements

Previous experience in a veterinary hospital required.
Basic knowledge of drug calculations.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to anticipate patient and DVM needs.
Comfortable with frequent client communication and medical follow-up.
Proficient with computers and office equipment; experience with eVet/Pulse is a plus.
Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
Self-motivated and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Passion for animals and empathy for their owners.
Professional appearance and demeanor.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience with dental prophylaxis and dental radiographs strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform and support dental prophylaxis procedures, including scaling, polishing, and charting.
Obtain high-quality full-mouth dental radiographs and assist with interpretation and documentation.
Properly prepare and maintain the dental suite, equipment, and instruments.
Monitor patients under anesthesia and support safe induction and recovery during dental procedures.
Educate clients on dental disease, home dental care, and follow-up treatment recommendations.
Venipuncture – jugular, cephalic, and saphenous
Catheter placement.
Restraint of patients for diagnostic procedures (i.e., ultrasonography, radiology), sample collection, medical and surgical procedures.
Safely restrain fractious and anxious patients using fear-free techniques when possible.
Responsible for patient comfort in a safe and hygienic environment during treatment and hospitalization, including cleaning kennels, laundry, and other areas of the facility, with exposure to urine, feces, and other bodily fluids.
Ensure treatment rooms, kennels, surgical and dental suites, exam rooms, and all hospital areas are clean, stocked, and orderly.
Properly fill prescriptions, maintain materials and equipment, and keep treatment areas stocked and prepared.
Knowledge of common vaccines and vaccination protocols, with the ability to confidently explain them to clients.
Legibly maintain accurate medical records in accordance with hospital policy.
Strongly support the Chief of Staff with ongoing client communication and medical follow-up.
Respond to clients via phone calls, text, and email regarding diagnostics, treatment plans, estimates, and post-visit follow-up.
Communicate follow-up care instructions, treatment plans, and next steps clearly and compassionately.
Admit, room, and discharge patients per veterinarian orders, ensuring patients are medically appropriate for discharge.
Prepare and review estimates, discuss financial commitments, and support hospital financial policies.
Maintain accurate and organized client and patient records using eVet/Pulse.
Collaborate closely with doctors and staff to ensure seamless client and patient experiences.
Provide compassionate support to clients during difficult or emotional situations.

Benefits

Competitive pay
401(k) matching
Tuition support
Referral bonuses
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with supplemental options
Up to three weeks of paid parental leave
Generous PTO
Employee discounts
Quarterly team bonuses
Continuing education allowance
State license & VTNE fee reimbursement
Uniform allowance
Six paid holidays
Employee Assistance Program
A flexible approach to compensation that reflects your skill set and future performance
Roth Retirement Savings Plan
Flexible Spending Account (full-time only)
529 Savings Plan
Tuition Support Program (full-time only)
Referral bonus program
Health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision (full-time only)
Supplemental insurance, including accident, critical illness, hospital, short and long-term disability, legal plan, and employee, spouse, and child-dependent life insurance (full-time only)
Up to three weeks of full pay for the birth or adoption of a child (full-time only; after one year of service)
Sick Time / Paid Time Off
Free/discounted lab work for all employee pets
Pet discounts on services and products
Pet food discount program
Quarterly Team Rewards Bonus Program
State license reimbursement
VTNE exam fee reimbursement
Professional development opportunities
Continuing education allowance
Uniform allowance
Six paid holidays (full-time only)
Employee Assistance Program
Employee discount program