Veterinary Assistant in Mount Airy

About the role

Mount Airy Veterinary Associates is a companion animal focused general practice located in Mount Airy, Maryland near Frederick and Germantown. We are seeking a Veterinary Assistant who loves animals, enjoys working with people, and wants to be part of a team that takes pride in providing great patient care and a great client experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate, professional care to patients and clients at all times.
• Assist veterinarians during outpatient exams, diagnostics, treatments, and surgical procedures.
• Obtain patient histories, record TPRs and other patient information, and maintain accurate medical records.
• Safely restrain dogs and cats of varying sizes and temperaments using low-stress handling techniques.
• Draw up and administer vaccines and medications as directed.
• Collect blood, urine, fecal, and other laboratory samples and perform basic laboratory testing as trained.
• Create, review, and enter treatment plans accurately in the medical record system.
• Educate clients about vaccinations, medications, preventive care, treatment plans, and follow-up recommendations.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with clients, doctors, and team members, including answering phones and routing inquiries when needed.
• Handle sensitive client situations with empathy and discretion and appropriately escalate medical questions.
• Enter charges accurately and assist with client checkout and payment processing when needed.
• Fill prescriptions and assist with routine client communications and follow-up as directed.
• Keep exam rooms, treatment areas, and hospital spaces clean, stocked, organized, and ready for the next patient.
• Help with laundry, cleaning, stocking, and general hospital upkeep—we all pitch in.
• Demonstrate consistent reliability, punctuality, professionalism, and commitment to supporting patients, clients, and hospital operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Opportunities to Grow

• Running outpatient and care-team appointments more independently.
• Venipuncture and laboratory procedures.
• IV catheter placement.
• Digital radiographs.
• Surgical patient preparation.
• Anesthesia monitoring and patient recovery.
• Dental radiographs.
• Dental scaling and polishing.
• Surgical instrument cleaning, sterilization, and preparation.
• Client education and surgical discharge appointments.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous experience working with animals is preferred; veterinary or animal-care experience is strongly valued.
• Comfortable learning new skills and receiving feedback.
• Strong communication and customer-service skills.
• Able to work independently while also recognizing when the team needs help.
• Reliable, punctual, organized, and willing to take initiative.
• Basic computer proficiency, including the ability to use practice-management software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Able to maintain composure and professionalism during emotionally challenging or high-stress situations.
• Able to work safely around cleaning chemicals, anesthetic gases, radiation, zoonotic diseases, and animal bodily fluids.
• Able 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.

Pay & Benefits

• $17-22/hour - Compensation is based on veterinary experience, demonstrated skills, and level of responsibility.
• We Offer a Comprehensive Benefits Package That Includes:
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid time off.
• Paid holidays.
• Staff pet discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Opportunities for training, skill development, and professional growth.