Veterinary Assistant job description

A Veterinary Assistant provides essential support to veterinarians and veterinary technicians in animal care facilities, handling tasks from patient restraint to administrative duties. This role is crucial for maintaining efficient clinic operations and ensuring high-quality care for animal patients.

Briefcase
Hiring for this role?
POST THIS JOB FOR FREE
Arrow
Folder Search
Find more suitable candidates for this role ?
TRY FOR FREE
Arrow

What is a Veterinary Assistant?

A Veterinary Assistant is an animal healthcare professional who supports veterinarians and veterinary technicians in providing medical care to animals. They work in various settings including veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and research facilities, serving as the backbone of daily operations by ensuring smooth workflow and patient comfort. Unlike licensed veterinary technicians, assistants typically receive on-the-job training or complete certificate programs rather than degree requirements, making this an accessible entry point into the animal care field.

What does a Veterinary Assistant do?

Veterinary Assistants perform both clinical and administrative tasks to support animal care teams. Their responsibilities include restraining animals during examinations and procedures, cleaning and disinfecting examination rooms and surgical equipment, feeding and exercising hospitalized animals, and administering medications under veterinary supervision. They also maintain medical records, schedule appointments, communicate with pet owners about basic care instructions, and assist with laboratory tests such as collecting samples and preparing slides. Additionally, they help with inventory management, sterilize instruments, and provide comfort to anxious animals and their owners throughout the treatment process.

Job Overview

A Veterinary Assistant provides essential support to veterinarians and veterinary technicians in delivering high-quality animal care. This entry-level position involves handling animals, maintaining clean facilities, assisting with medical procedures, and providing excellent client service in a fast-paced veterinary environment.

Veterinary Assistant responsibilities include:

1. Restrain and handle animals safely during examinations and procedures 2. Clean and disinfect kennels, cages, and examination rooms 3. Prepare examination rooms and surgical equipment for procedures 4. Assist veterinary staff with basic medical procedures and treatments 5. Feed, exercise, and provide basic care for hospitalized animals 6. Maintain inventory of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals 7. Perform basic laboratory tests including fecal exams and urinalysis 8. Provide compassionate client communication and education 9. Schedule appointments and maintain patient records 10. Sterilize instruments and maintain surgical equipment
Want to generate an attractive job description?

Must-Have Requirements

1. High school diploma or equivalent 2. Minimum 6 months experience in animal handling 3. Physical ability to lift 50 pounds and restrain animals 4. Basic computer skills for record keeping 5. Excellent communication and customer service skills 6. Ability to work weekends and holidays as needed 7. Valid driver's license 8. Compassion for animals and their owners 9. Ability to work in fast-paced, sometimes stressful environment 10. Willingness to learn and follow precise instructions

Preferred Qualifications

1. Certificate from accredited veterinary assistant program 2. 1+ years experience in veterinary practice 3. Knowledge of veterinary terminology 4. Experience with veterinary software (AVImark, Cornerstone) 5. Fear Free Certified professional 6. Current certification in pet CPR/first aid 7. Bilingual abilities (Spanish/English) 8. Experience with exotic animals or specialty practice 9. Previous customer service experience 10. Knowledge of OSHA and safety protocols

Bonus Skills

1. Veterinary Assistant Certified (VAC) credential 2. Experience with digital radiography and ultrasound 3. Proficiency in laboratory equipment operation 4. Knowledge of veterinary pharmacology 5. Surgical assisting experience 6. Emergency veterinary care experience 7. Ability to perform dental prophylaxis 8. Experience with behavioral training techniques 9. Specialized skills in avian or reptile care 10. Membership in professional organizations (NAVTA)

Are you ready to innovate your recruitment process?

Join thousands of leading companies and experience the next generation of intelligent recruitment

No credit card required | 7-day full-featured trial | Dedicated customer support

Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions, answered

Everything you need to know about TalentSeek and how itcan transform your hiring process.

What is TalentSeek

toggle

TalentSeek is an AI-powered global recruitment platform designed to make hiring talent worldwide faster, smarter, and more affordable. Powered by advanced AI Agents, TalentSeek helps companies effortlessly connect with top professionals across borders — breaking human network limits and reducing hiring costs. Start hiring globally with ease. One platform, endless talent.

Who can use TalentSeek ?

toggle

TalentSeek is built for recruiters. If you are searching for Global Talent or hard-to-find talent, TalentSeek is a fit for you. We work with companies ranging from Fortune 500 to boutique recruiting agencies — and hopefully, you too.

What distinguishes TalentSeek from other recruitment tools?

toggle

TalentSeek is an AI-driven global recruitment platform that enables real-time searching of over 900 million job seekers across more than 200 countries and regions. This platform empowers companies to effortlessly connect with top professionals beyond borders, breaking the limitations of personal networks and reducing hiring costs.

Does TalentSeek have access to global candidate data?

toggle

Yes. TalentSeek has 900 million profiles across the globe from dozens of data sources. Covers over 200 countries and regions worldwide.We continue to add region-specific sources to enhance global coverage.

Is there a free trial available for TalentSeek?

toggle

Yes. To get started, use the "Start for Free" button to open the platform. Then, sign up or log in to access your account.