Veterinary Assistant - Sun Valley Animal 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. Because life is better with pets. We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.

About the role

Join our team as a Veterinary Assistant who supports the veterinarians and technicians in their daily tasks by cleaning and maintaining equipment, feeding, exercising and grooming patients, preparing and sanitizing surgery suites, restraining and handling patients, and clerical and administrative work. They deliver quality care for all patients and provide exceptional service.

Sun Valley Animal Center in Ketchum, Idaho is looking for a compassionate and skilled Veterinary Assistant to join our team in beautiful Ketchum, Idaho. We’re proud to provide high-quality veterinary care while maintaining a collaborative, supportive environment where team members can continue to grow their skills and careers. The ideal candidate is passionate about patient care, enjoys working as part of a team, and brings strong technical skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to be part of a well-established hospital while enjoying the incredible lifestyle that the Sun Valley community has to offer.

What You’ll Love About Sun Valley Animal Center

• Collaborative, experienced veterinary team
• Opportunity to work alongside skilled veterinarians and grow your technical skills
• Diverse and interesting caseload
• Commitment to high-quality medicine and compassionate patient care
• Supportive environment focused on teamwork and professional development
• Located in Ketchum, Idaho, with exceptional access to hiking, biking, skiing, and the outdoors

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate care to all patients
• Greet patients and their owners as they arrive and show them to an examining room, taking the patient's weight and other vital signs upon arrival
• Triage patients, perform physical exams, treatments, and administer medication as directed by the licensed veterinary technicians (LVTs)
• Calm and soothe anxious patients
• Assist doctors and technicians with the administration of medications or with patient restraint
• Perform laboratory tests and take radiographs
• Operate and maintain hospital equipment, including EKG, fluid pump, syringe pump, scales, anesthetic monitors, and machines, etc.
• Fill prescriptions, calculate and administer medications, maintain proper documentation, logging, and security of controlled drugs
• Feed patients as prescribed by the attending doctor or as the client has requested; record appetites; recognize and report any unusual conditions or abnormal behaviors
• Communicate in a positive manner with clients and ensure that they feel comfortable leaving their pet(s)
• Educate clients about insurance, wellness, and medicinal plans
• Maintain the cleanliness of the hospital each day; clean equipment, kennels, and facilities using chemicals and supplies; ensure the safe use of chemicals; complete laundry
• Bath and care for patients who stay overnight; ensure that every animal released is clean and properly groomed prior to their release
• Adhere to the hospital's safety and wellness regulations
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Maintain accurate medical records
• Show up for work regularly; full-time presence at work is essential for every shift
• Promote hospital products and services and support the organization
• Respond respectfully with urgency to directions given by Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVT)
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Manager; may have other assigned duties if working in a specialty area (i.e., dentistry, surgery, emergency, radiology, cardiology, neurology, internal medicine, etc.)

Requirements

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this position
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Previous veterinary clinical experience
• Strong animal handling and patient-care skills
• Ability to assist with diagnostics, treatments, anesthesia, surgery, and recovery
• Excellent communication and teamwork
• Commitment to patient safety and high-quality medicine
• Reliable, professional, and compassionate approach to patient and client care

Preferred Skills

• Anesthesia and surgical experience
• Dental experience, including dental radiography
• Experience with laboratory diagnostics and catheter placement

Schedule

Primarily weekdays and some Saturdays (8AM-6PM)

Benefits

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

Pay

Pay Range $17—$27 USD