Veterinary Assistant

VCA Ark Animal Hospital is seeking a full-time Veterinary Assistant.

About the role

VCA Ark Animal Hospital is a well-established, full-service small animal hospital in Chicago, IL, dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality veterinary care and an excellent client experience. Our team supports pets and their families through every life stage, offering preventive care, dentistry, diagnostics, and surgery in a collaborative, supportive environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians and technicians with exams and procedures
• Take patient histories and perform TPRs (temperature, pulse, respiration)
• Restrain animals safely and compassionately
• Prepare and clean exam rooms
• Aid with radiographs, lab sample collection, and basic in-house diagnostics
• Maintain accurate medical records and support charting
• Provide client education and ensure excellent service during visits
• Support surgery prep and recovery as needed
• Help maintain a clean, stocked, and organized hospital environment

Requirements

• Previous experience in a veterinary setting
• A passion for animals and a desire to learn and grow in the veterinary field
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Comfortable handling dogs and cats of all sizes and temperaments
• A high school diploma or equivalent required

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required

Skills

• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to handle animals of various sizes and temperaments

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision insurance
• Free mental health care through Lyra Health
• Access to free counseling through Cigna Life Assistance program
• Access to Headspace app
• Employer-paid life, long-term and short-term disability insurance
• Paid vacation, paid sick time, holiday pay
• Paid parental leave
• Fertility coverage, gender affirmation services
• Generous hospital discounts for your pets
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!

Pay

The starting range is $18 -21 /hr and is determined by skill set and years of experience in the field.

Schedule

Full-time opportunity. 4 x 10 hour shifts with rotating Saturdays.