Fairfax Animal Hospital - Veterinary Surgical Assistant

Surgical & Procedural Support

• Assist with patient preparation for surgery, including pre-op exams, shaving, and aseptic scrub
• Set up and maintain sterile surgical fields and equipment
• Monitor patients during procedures and assist with anesthesia under supervision
• Support post-operative recovery, monitoring vitals and ensuring patient comfort
• Maintain surgical logs and proper documentation

Urgent Care Assistance

• Support veterinarians during urgent or emergent cases
• Safely restrain and triage patients in high-pressure situations
• Communicate effectively with team members to prioritize patient care
• Ensure exam rooms and treatment areas are prepped and restocked

Hospital Operations

• Clean, sterilize, and maintain surgical instruments and equipment
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in surgical and treatment areas
• Absorb general patient care tasks as needed (e.g., blood draws, bandaging, IV catheter placement if trained)

Client Communication & Support

• Communicate pre- and post-operative instructions to clients professionally
• Provide updates to clients during urgent care visits as directed
• Handle pets with compassion and professionalism, even in high-stress situations

Qualifications

• Minimum 1–2 years of veterinary assistant experience, preferably in surgical or urgent care settings
• Strong understanding of sterile technique and surgical support procedures
• Comfortable handling urgent/emergency cases with calm and confidence
• Able to multitask, prioritize, and stay organized under pressure
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs and work on feet for extended periods
• Familiarity with ezyVet and SmartFlow is a plus