Lead Veterinary Assistant

About Us

Southeast Veterinary Hospital in historic St. Augustine, FL, is a comprehensive, boutique-style practice committed to providing high-quality veterinary care where we treat your pets like our own. Established in 2015, we offer a full spectrum of small animal medicine, including wellness, surgery, and emergency care. Our dedication to clinical excellence and client service has earned us a 4.9-star Google rating, solidifying our reputation as a trusted local partner.

We prioritize pathways for career growth and provide a supportive, family-owned environment where your professional input is respected. Our mission is to deliver exceptional, full-service care across all stages of small animal health, ensuring patients receive dedicated attention and consistent adherence to the highest standards of medical practice.

St. Augustine, the oldest continually inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States, offers a unique coastal lifestyle with pristine beaches, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a rich cultural scene. The walkable downtown historic district and local dining provide an incredible backdrop for both professional growth and personal fulfillment.

About the Role

As a Lead Veterinary Assistant, you are a pivotal leader on the medical support team, ensuring the highest standards of patient care and hospital operations. You will serve as the primary point of contact for medical support staff, guiding workflows, modeling our values, and fostering a collaborative and supportive culture. You are the bridge between hospital leadership and the team, helping to implement protocols and mentor the next generation of veterinary professionals.

Responsibilities

• Act as a shift leader, coordinating workflow, assigning tasks, and ensuring optimal staff coverage.
• Mentor and support veterinary technicians and assistants, providing guidance, onboarding support, and opportunities for development.
• Identify gaps or inefficiencies in workflows and partner with the hospital manager to recommend and implement solutions.
• Support veterinarians in providing patient care, maintaining accurate medical records, and upholding infection control standards.
• Provide exceptional client support, from scheduling and check-ins to explaining discharge instructions and estimates.
• Ensure the hospital remains clean, organized, and safe, upholding all protocols and equipment maintenance standards.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 5 years as a veterinary assistant to qualify (7+ years preferred).
• Strong ability to lead by example, motivate others, and maintain composure in high-pressure situations.
• Proficiency in veterinary assistant functions, including patient handling, cleaning protocols, and client communication.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfort working with a wide range of animals, including those that may be fractious or fearful.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted and stand/walk for extended periods.
• 3+ years of leadership experience is preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation: A competitive hourly rate or salary based on your experience and role.
• Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive coverage options including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, along with access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Financial Security: 401k retirement options and additional financial protection benefits like Life Insurance and Disability coverage.
• Commitment to Growth: Opportunities for professional development, including educational assistance for qualified teammates to enroll in AVMA-accredited veterinary technician programs.
• The Power of a Network: Join a nationwide community of over 20,000 veterinary professionals who share a passion for collaboration, career growth, and sharing best practices.
• Valuable Perks: Discounted veterinary care for your own pets, access to an online discount platform, and free 24/7 access to doctors through Teladoc.

About Mission Pet Health

Mission Pet Health was founded by veterinarians on the belief that local practices thrive with clinical autonomy, collaboration, and medical excellence. The organization provides world-class support to its 850+ hospital teams on a hyper-local basis so they can focus on what matters most: the medicine, their patients, and their team culture. Mission Pet Health is veterinarian-led, people-focused, and on a mission to be the best place to work in veterinary medicine. We are proud to be recognized as a 2025 "Most Loved Workplace," ranked #2 in America's Top 100 and #1 in veterinary care.