Veterinary Assistant

About the role

Armistead Avenue Veterinary Hospital provides primary and urgent care treatment, as well as soft-tissue surgery and dentistry, to Hampton, Virginia and surrounding small-animal communities. AAHA-accredited since 1992, our efficient, communicative, highly skilled team strives to make every client and patient experience positive and stress-free, earning a strong reputation in the community.

The Veterinary Assistant provides essential support to the veterinarian during outpatient exams and throughout diagnosis and treatment. They deliver compassionate care to all patients, assist with medical procedures, and help ensure each patient receives high-quality, empathetic care. The role also serves as a key connection between the veterinarian and clients, building trust and fostering lasting relationships through exceptional service and communication.

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate, professional care to patients and clients at all times.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with clients, doctors, and team members, including answering phones and routing inquiries as needed.
• Handle sensitive client situations with empathy and discretion, escalating medical questions appropriately.
• Assist the veterinarian during exams, diagnostics, treatments, and surgical procedures.
• Safely restrain animals of varying sizes and temperaments using low-stress handling techniques.
• Administer medications, draw up vaccines, collect lab samples, and perform basic lab tests as directed.
• Create, review, and enter treatment plans accurately in the medical record system.
• Educate clients on common vaccinations, medications, and treatment protocols to ensure understanding of care plans and follow-up recommendations.
• Accurately record patient information and maintain organized, up-to-date medical records.
• Enter charges accurately and assist with the client check-out process, including processing payments when needed.
• Ensure exam rooms, treatment areas, and hospital spaces are clean, stocked, and well-maintained.
• Demonstrate consistent reliability, punctuality, and commitment to supporting patients, clients, and hospital operations.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 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.
• Maintain 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

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Access to employee assistance program.