Veterinary Assistant (Day Shift) - The Regional Veterinary Referral Center

At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage — for all the moments that matter. With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer local autonomy with national support, career mobility, and a collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first.

About the role

Join our team as a Veterinary Assistant who supports the veterinarians and technicians in their daily tasks. The Regional Veterinary Referral Center in Springfield, VA is a 24/7 emergency and critical care facility with on-site MRI and CT scan capabilities, backed by ten specialty departments and board-certified specialists. You will deliver quality care for all patients and provide exceptional service in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate care to all patients
• Greet patients and their owners, show them to examining rooms, and take vital signs
• Triage patients, perform physical exams, treatments, and administer medication as directed by licensed veterinary technicians (LVTs)
• Calm and soothe anxious patients
• Assist doctors and technicians with medication administration and patient restraint
• Perform laboratory tests and take radiographs
• Operate and maintain hospital equipment (EKG, fluid pump, syringe pump, scales, anesthetic monitors, etc.)
• Fill prescriptions, calculate and administer medications, and maintain proper documentation for controlled drugs
• Feed patients as prescribed, record appetites, and report unusual conditions or behaviors
• Communicate positively with clients and educate them about insurance, wellness, and medicinal plans
• Maintain hospital cleanliness, including equipment, kennels, and facilities using chemicals and supplies
• Bath and care for overnight patients, ensuring animals are clean and groomed prior to release
• Adhere to safety and wellness regulations
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Maintain accurate medical records
• Show up for work regularly and promote hospital products and services
• Respond respectfully and urgently to directions from DVMs or LVTs
• Perform additional duties as assigned, including specialty-specific tasks (e.g., dentistry, surgery, emergency, radiology)

Requirements

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older
• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2+ years' experience in an emergency room setting
• Strong basic technician skills (IVC placement and maintenance, phlebotomy, radiology, in-house lab work, clear communication with clients and staff)
• Comfortable managing hospitalized and potentially critical patients

Preferred Skills

• RECOVER Certification
• Fear Free Certification

Schedule

Monday to Friday; 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM. Fixed schedule with opportunity to pick up additional shifts for overtime as available.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
• 401(k) with discretionary contribution
• Team Member Pet Discounts
• Emotional wellbeing support (Calm app access and 24/7 EAP)
• CE stipends and career development resources
• Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship

Pay

$23.40—$29.70 USD per hour