Veterinary Assistant - Animal Care Center

About the role

Animal Care Center in Princeton, West Virginia (just one hour from Blacksburg) is a team of compassionate and experienced veterinarians who practice high-quality veterinary medicine in a collaborative small-animal focused environment. Our beautiful 10,000 square foot custom-built facility includes ultrasound and endoscopy/rhinoscopy units, laser therapy and laser surgery equipment, and a layout designed to facilitate smooth workflows. We offer quality mentorship from multiple experienced veterinarians on staff and customized scheduling opportunities to meet your needs for a better work-life balance. ACC is proud of our loyal clientele and excellent community reputation, and we have a sister hospital located nearby in Pearisburg, Virginia.

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.
• 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.
• Creates, reviews, and enters treatment plans accurately in the medical record system.
• 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.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Basic computer proficiency, including the ability to use practice management software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Previous experience working with animals preferred; veterinary or animal care background strongly valued.
• Able to work safely around cleaning chemicals, anesthetic gases, radiation, zoonotic diseases, and animal bodily fluids.
• Maintains composure and professionalism in emotionally challenging or high-stress situations.
• 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.

Schedule

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

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Eligibility to participate in our 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Access to employee assistance program.