Senior Veterinary Assistant

About the role

Sea Island Animal Hospital is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to join their AAHA-accredited, fear-free focused small animal general practice in Beaufort, South Carolina. This role is ideal for someone with a basic foundation in animal care who is passionate about veterinary medicine and eager to grow within a supportive, team-driven hospital.

About Sea Island Animal Hospital

Sea Island Animal Hospital is a well-established small animal GP with a strong emphasis on fear-free handling, collaboration, and culture. Our hospital features:

• 6 full-time veterinarians
• Visiting board-certified surgeons and an internist
• Newly remodeled surgical and dental suites
• Full IDEXX in-house laboratory
• Digital radiology & digital dental radiology
• Ultrasound, oxygen cage, and advanced anesthesia monitoring

We’ve intentionally built a strong, positive culture grounded in communication, accountability, and respect. Our team operates with shared team agreements, reviewed regularly to maintain a healthy and supportive work environment.

Responsibilities

Veterinary Assistants are essential members of our medical team, supporting doctors and technicians through appointments, treatments, diagnostics, and preventative care. Key Responsibilities:

• Assist veterinarians and technicians during exams and outpatient appointments
• Provide safe, fear-free patient restraint
• Support preventative care and vaccination protocols
• Aid in basic treatments and patient care
• Help maintain cleanliness and organization of exam rooms and treatment areas
• Support patient comfort and recovery
• Deliver excellent client service and communication

Requirements

We're looking for someone with:

• A minimum of 6 months of veterinary assistant experience
• A basic understanding of: Patient restraint, Animal behavior, Preventative care and vaccination protocols
• A passion for veterinary medicine and animal welfare
• A willingness to learn and accept coaching
• A positive attitude, strong work ethic, and team-first mindset
• A reliable, compassionate, and detail-oriented approach

Qualifications

Reliable, compassionate, and detail-oriented

Skills

Passion for veterinary medicine and animal welfare

Benefits & Perks

• Medical, dental & vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Quarterly Paw Plan Bonus
• Annual Paw Plan Bonus
• Pet care discounts
• Uniform allowance
• Employee discounts

Schedule & Compensation

• Full-time: 4 ten-hour shifts (8:00am–6:00pm)
• 1–2 Saturdays per month
• When working a Saturday, you’ll receive a ½ day off during the week
• Veterinary Assistants follow their doctor’s schedules
• $17–$20/hour, based on experience
• No overnights or holidays

Growth & Career Development

• Structured in-house training program
• Clear training guides and a leveling system
• Training milestones tied directly to raises
• At least two CE opportunities per month (Lunch & Learns)
• Supportive leadership and doctors who love to teach
• Opportunity to pursue Veterinary Technician certification after one year of employment for the right candidate