Veterinary Assistant, Avian and Exotics

Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists (GCVS) is a leader in specialized care for companion animals, known for excellence and collaboration with the veterinary community. Our state-of-the-art facility and expert team provide top-tier care across a range of specialties, including emergency, cardiology, oncology, neurology, surgery, and more. Join us and make a difference in the lives of pets and their families every day.

Pay

Starting at $18/hr., based on experience

• + $3/hr. Weekend differential
• + $2/hr. Night differential (past 6pm)

Benefits

• 401(k) with matching
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life and Disability insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program and Discounts (including Pet Discount)
• Professional development and tuition assistance
• Uniform stipend
• Retirement plan

Schedule

Full-Time

• Monday 8:30am-6pm
• Tuesday 12pm-6pm
• Thursday 8:30am-6pm
• Friday 8:30am-6:00pm
• Saturday 8am-12pm

Responsibilities

• Provide patient care, including medication administration, laboratory testing, oxygen therapy, IV fluid management, and wound/bandage care.
• Place, maintain, and monitor peripheral, central, and urinary catheters.
• Collect and process diagnostic samples, including blood, urine, fecal, and soft tissue samples.
• Monitor and document patient vitals, intake/output, alerts, and overall condition; communicate concerns to veterinarians.
• Assist with patient transport, drop-offs, triage, tech appointments, and movement between hospital departments.
• Collaborate with veterinary teams and participate in required meetings.
• Maintain accurate medical records, support phone communications, and complete general administrative tasks.
• Support hospital operations through stocking, cleaning, laundry, patient walks, dishwashing, and oxygen tank refills.

Skills

• Assist with patient triage and emergency care under supervision until competency is achieved.
• Perform and monitor patient assessments, including TPRs, blood pressure, SpO₂, EKGs, and CVP support.
• Calculate medication dosages, fluid rates, and unit conversions; safely administer medications through various routes.
• Assist with IV catheter placement, fluid therapy, CRIs, transfusions, oxygen therapy, and nutritional support (PEG, E-tube, NG tube, PPN/TPN).
• Collect and process diagnostic samples, including blood, urine, and laboratory testing (CBC, chemistry, electrolytes, PCV/TS, glucose, SNAP tests, etc.).
• Support advanced patient care procedures, including catheter placement, intubation, CPR, bandage care, and critical monitoring.
• Prepare and maintain medical equipment, supplies, treatment areas, and patient records.
• Maintain knowledge of medications, controlled substance protocols, hospital procedures, and patient care standards.
• Provide compassionate communication with clients and team members while adapting to patient and client needs.
• Utilize administrative skills, including documentation, email communication, record management, and computer systems.

Qualifications

• High School diploma is required; Associate's degree (A.A.) or Bachelor's is preferred; or related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education/experience.
• Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) preferred.
• Experienced Veterinary Assistants with at least 2 years of experience preferred.
• Prior experience with exotics/wildlife is preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to thrive under pressure and make informed decisions in fast-paced situations.
• A genuine passion for animal care and a commitment to patient well-being.
• Fluent English skills (speaking & reading) are required for the role; fluency in multiple languages a plus.

About the Company

At GCVS, we offer a comprehensive range of veterinary specialties, including emergency and critical care, anesthesia and pain management, avian and exotic animal medicine, cardiology, dermatology and allergy care, diagnostic imaging, internal medicine, neurology and neurosurgery, oncology, ophthalmology, sports medicine and rehabilitation, and surgery and orthopedics.

Join us and become part of a team that strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and their families every day.

GCVS attracts Veterinary Assistants from throughout the Greater Houston area, including: Houston, Pearland, Friendswood, League City, Webster, Clear Lake, Pasadena, Baytown, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Katy, Richmond, Cypress, Spring, The Woodlands, Humble, Kingwood, Channelview, La Porte, and Deer Park.

Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world-class medicine, and help shape what veterinary care becomes next. Across our network of 140 specialty and emergency hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You’ll work alongside respected veterinary leaders in academic-caliber hospitals designed for learning, teaching, and discovery.