Veterinary Assistant, Surgery
About the role
South Asheville Veterinary Emergency & Specialty (SAVES) in Asheville, NC is seeking a full-time Veterinary Surgical Assistant to join our Surgery team. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced Veterinary Assistant who enjoys advanced medicine, working alongside skilled surgeons, and being closely involved in patient care from admission through discharge. At SAVES, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your surgical skills while working as part of a collaborative specialty team focused on high-quality patient care and compassionate service.
Responsibilities
- Support surgeons by anticipating procedural needs and assisting with advanced surgical and diagnostic procedures
- Prepare patients and surgical areas while maintaining appropriate sterile technique
- Perform sterile clipping and patient preparation for surgery
- Maintain sterile surgical fields throughout procedures
- Identify and prepare surgical instruments and equipment
- Drape patients and set up instrument tables
- Assist with CT imaging and contrast studies
- Perform laboratory testing, sample collection, and processing
- Monitor and accurately record patient vital signs, including TPR, SpO₂, CO₂, and blood pressure
- Assist with venipuncture and peripheral catheter placement
- Administer medications through multiple routes as directed by the medical team
- Maintain accurate medical records and manage laboratory results
- Assist with short-term case management and continuity of patient care
- Communicate with clients by preparing estimates, providing patient updates, and facilitating discharges
- Collaborate closely with surgeons, veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians, and other members of the specialty team
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe clinical environment
Qualifications
- Minimum of 2 years of experience as a Veterinary Assistant, preferably in emergency or specialty medicine
- Current RVT students are encouraged to apply
- Experience with surgical patient preparation and sterile technique
- Strong animal handling and restraint skills
- Proficiency in venipuncture and peripheral catheter placement
- Knowledge of medication administration through multiple routes
- Ability to accurately monitor and document patient vital signs
- Familiarity with in-house diagnostics including CBC/Chem, electrolytes, urinalysis, and iStat
- Experience with CT imaging and contrast studies preferred
- Strong medical record-keeping and organizational skills
- Strong communication and client service skills
- Ability to work effectively with surgeons, veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians, and other team members
- Ability to lift at least 35 pounds and stand for extended periods
- Fluent English speaking and reading skills required
Benefits
- Continuing Education and professional development assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Generous Paid Time Off policy
- Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans
- Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- 401(k) retirement planning with employer matching
- Employee discount
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Life insurance
- Employee referral program
- Retirement plan
- Additional benefits available
Schedule
- Full-Time
- Tuesday–Thursday
- 10-hour shifts
- 8:00 AM–6:00 PM or 7:00 AM–5:00 PM
About the Hospital
South Asheville Veterinary Emergency & Specialty (SAVES) has provided specialty and emergency veterinary care since 2009, with a commitment to advanced medicine, sophisticated techniques, and exceptional patient care. Our state-of-the-art specialty hospital brings together medical knowledge, advanced technology, and a collaborative team environment. Our Surgery team works closely with skilled surgeons and veterinary professionals to provide comprehensive care while supporting continued learning and professional development.
SAVES is located in Asheville, NC and serves surrounding communities throughout Western North Carolina. Asheville is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and provides convenient access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, hiking, rivers, outdoor recreation, arts, live music, and a nationally recognized food scene. Asheville offers an exceptional combination of outdoor recreation, arts and culture, dining, and mountain living, making it an appealing place to build your veterinary career.