Veterinary Assistant – Surgery & Appointments

Veterinary Assistant – Surgical & Appointments | Part-Time | Wheaton Animal Hospital | Kensington, MD

Position Summary:

The Surgical/Appointment Veterinary Assistant supports the veterinary team in providing attentive, efficient, and compassionate care to patients and their families. This role assists with surgical and appointment-related duties, performs a range of clinical and technical tasks, and helps educate clients throughout their pets’ care. The Veterinary Assistant also contributes to a safe, organized hospital environment while helping the team maintain high medical standards, smooth daily operations, and a positive client experience.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provides compassionate, professional care to patients and clients at all times.
• Communicates clearly and respectfully with clients, doctors, and team members, including answering phones and routing inquiries as needed.
• Handles sensitive client situations with empathy and discretion, escalating medical questions appropriately.
• Provide high-quality nursing care to hospitalized patients, including IV catheter placement, medication administration, and ongoing monitoring. 
• Assists the veterinarian during exams, diagnostics, treatments, and surgical procedures.
• Safely restrains animals of varying sizes and temperaments using low-stress handling techniques.
• Administers medications, draws up vaccines, collects lab samples, and performs basic lab tests as directed.
• Educates clients on common vaccinations, medications, and treatment protocols to ensure understanding of care plans and follow-up recommendations.
• Accurately records patient information and maintains organized, up-to-date medical records.
• Enters charges accurately and assists with the client check-out process, including processing payments when needed.
• Ensures exam rooms, treatment areas, and hospital spaces are clean, stocked, and well maintained.
• Demonstrates consistent reliability, punctuality, and commitment to supporting patients, clients, and hospital operations.
• Prepare, monitor, and recover patients undergoing surgical procedures, ensuring patient safety and comfort throughout all phases of care. 
• Assist veterinarians during examinations, diagnostics, treatments, and surgical procedures, providing proper restraint, preparation, and patient monitoring. 
• Perform laboratory diagnostics including urinalysis, hematology, fecals, and cytology; accurately document, interpret, and communicate results as appropriate. 
• Operate and maintain diagnostic equipment, including radiology and ultrasound systems, in compliance with safety and regulatory standards. 
• Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, and treatments as prescribed, maintaining strict compliance with DEA, OSHA, and hospital regulations. 
• Maintain accurate daily controlled drug logs and ensure proper handling, storage, and documentation of controlled substances. 
• Create, review, and enter treatment plans accurately in the medical record system. 
• Support hospital operations through accurate medical recordkeeping, charge entry, and chart auditing. 
• Provide compassionate, clear client education related to preventative care, treatment plans, medications, products, and nutritional recommendations. 
• Maintain clean, organized, and well-stocked treatment and surgical areas, ensuring sterile conditions for medical and surgical procedures.  
• Promote a positive and professional workplace culture through effective communication, teamwork, and collaboration across departments. 
• Ensure all duties are performed in accordance with state practice acts, legal requirements, and hospital policies. 
• Perform additional duties as assigned based on hospital needs. 

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 or more years of experience as a Surgical/Appointment Veterinary Assistant+ preferred. 
• High school diploma or equivalent required. 
• Demonstrated proficiency in anesthesia monitoring, venipuncture, laboratory procedures, radiology, and dentistry. 
• Basic computer literacy, including the ability to navigate practice management software and use Microsoft Office applications. 
• Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. 
• Maintains professionalism, composure, and sound judgment in emotionally charged or high-stress situations. 
• Capable of multitasking in a fast-paced setting while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. 
• Compassionate and committed to delivering exceptional patient care and client service. 
• Able to work safely around cleaning chemicals, anesthetic gases, radiation, zoonotic diseases, and animal bodily fluids. 
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and safely handle animals up to 130 pounds. 
• Comfortable sitting, standing, walking, bending, and kneeling for extended periods throughout the workday.  
• Professional, neat appearance consistent with hospital standards. 

Compensation and Benefits:

• We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage. In addition, employees are eligible to participate in our 401(k) retirement plan. Other benefits include paid time off, paid holidays and access to employee assistance program. 

Hours:

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule and be available for scheduling during all hours the practice is open to support hospital operations.