Veterinary Assistant, Blood Bank

About the role

The Veterinary Assistant - Animal Blood Bank supports the Blood Bank team in providing high-quality canine and feline blood products while creating a safe, positive, and low-stress experience for our volunteer donors and their families. This position works closely with Blood Bank RVTs and veterinarians to assist with donor appointments, blood collection procedures, patient handling, laboratory sample preparation, blood product processing, client communication, documentation, and maintenance of a clean and efficient Blood Bank environment.

Donor & Client Support

• Provide friendly, professional service to blood donor families.
• Aid in scheduling donor appointments and maintaining accurate donor information.
• Answer general questions regarding the blood donation process within the scope of the position.
• Help with donor check-in and discharge.
• Create a positive, welcoming experience that encourages continued participation in the donor program.
• Communicate donor concerns or changes in health status promptly to the RVT or veterinarian.

Donor Care & Procedure Assistance

• Safely restrain and position canine and feline donors for examinations, blood collection, laboratory testing, and other procedures.
• Aid veterinarians and RVTs during blood donation procedures and prepare donors and supplies for collection.
• Maintain donor comfort and behavior throughout appointments and assist with post-donation monitoring, feeding, comfort, and recovery.
• Utilize Fear Free and low-stress handling techniques whenever possible.
• Aid with peripheral venipuncture and other technical skills when appropriately trained and permitted within the scope of the position.
• Aid with sedated or anesthetized feline donor procedures under the direction and supervision of an RVT or veterinarian, as permitted by hospital policy and applicable regulations.

Blood Product & Laboratory Support

• Aid with preparation, labeling, processing, and storage of blood products after completion of required training.
• Prepare laboratory samples for in-house and outside laboratory testing.
• Operate approved laboratory and Blood Bank equipment after appropriate training.
• Maintain accurate identification and organization of samples, blood products, and supplies.

Documentation & Hospital Support

• Aid with accurate documentation of donor visits and procedures.
• Maintain clean, organized, and properly stocked Blood Bank work areas, kennels, equipment, collection areas, and treatment spaces.
• Prepare donation supplies and procedure areas for upcoming appointments and assist with inventory.
• Participate in community blood drives, donor recruitment events, and educational events as needed.
• When Blood Bank caseload and operational needs are low, this position may be assigned to assist other departments within the hospital based on staffing and patient-care needs.

What You Bring

• A high school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous veterinary assistant, animal care, kennel, shelter, or related experience preferred.
• Previous experience safely handling dogs (including large breed dogs) and cats preferred.
• Veterinary Assistant certification is welcomed but not required.
• Ability to recognize changes in patient behavior or condition and communicate concerns promptly.
• Caregiving and compassionate approach to animal care.
• Ability to remain focused and organized in a fast-paced veterinary environment.
• Strong attention to detail, communication, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Basic computer skills and an interest in learning specialized veterinary blood banking and transfusion medicine procedures.
• Previous blood banking experience is not required; specialized Blood Bank training will be provided!
• Must demonstrate a willingness to learn, follow established protocols, and work collaboratively with RVTs, veterinarians, and other hospital team members.

Percs & Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance - Multiple health plan options so that you can choose something that suits your needs best.
• Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, FSA, HSA
• 401K + company match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Uniforms
• Generous CE Allowance
• Professional development assistance
• Hands on learning as well as opportunities for credentialing
• Onsite continuing education events as well as virtual learning platforms

About Ethos Veterinary Health

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. Here, mentorship is a two-way street. You’ll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to grow, clinically, professionally, and personally.