Veterinary Hospital Attendant

About the Role

The Hospital Attendant is an entry-level veterinary support position responsible for maintaining a safe, clean, organized, and well-prepared hospital environment for patients, clients, and staff. This role supports hospital-wide operations, prioritizing patient-care areas and urgent needs over routine tasks. Hospital Attendants are expected to develop situational awareness, learn hospital flow, and adjust priorities while working within their training and assigned scope.

Responsibilities

• Hospital Readiness and Environmental Care:
  • Maintain cleanliness and readiness in patient-care areas, wards, kennels, exam rooms, public spaces, and other assigned areas.
  • Perform routine and as-needed cleaning tasks, including sweeping, mopping, disinfecting, waste removal, laundry support, and spill response.
  • Use hospital-approved cleaning and disinfection procedures, including infection-control and isolation practices.
  • Complete regular hospital readiness rounds to address cleanliness, clutter, waste, supply, and equipment needs.
  • Maintain patient comfort through a clean, dry, and appropriately prepared environment; assist with kennel/cage turnover as directed.
• Patient-Care Support and Situational Awareness:
  • Observe hospital activity and adjust workflow to prioritize patient-care needs and urgent requests.
  • Respond promptly to veterinary team requests and communicate delays due to higher-priority tasks.
  • Treat animals kindly and support patient comfort; assist with transport, walking, weighing, positioning, lifting, or basic restraint as directed.
  • Promptly report changes or concerns related to patient condition, safety, equipment, or environment to the veterinary team.
  • Keep patient-care pathways and workspaces clear and reset areas following patient use.
• Stocking, Supplies, and Equipment Readiness:
  • Restock Treatment, ICU, laboratory, exam rooms, and wards according to established standards and visual layout guides.
  • Keep commonly used supplies organized, accessible, and within par levels.
  • Check assigned equipment for readiness, including organization and charging of pumps and monitoring accessories.
  • Report low stock, missing supplies, damaged items, or equipment concerns to the appropriate team member.
  • Prepare approved routine supplies after higher-priority needs are addressed.
• Communication, Teamwork, and Development:
  • Communicate respectfully with veterinary assistants, technicians, veterinarians, client service staff, and supervisors.
  • Ask for clarification when priorities conflict or tasks are outside current training.
  • Participate in department meetings, training, and continuing education as requested.
  • Learn hospital flow, terminology, infection-control expectations, and foundational veterinary support skills.
  • Share holiday/weekend coverage and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and Skills:
  • Work effectively in a fast-paced, changing veterinary hospital environment while maintaining professionalism.
  • Recognize competing priorities, follow direction, and communicate when assistance is needed.
  • Demonstrate situational awareness and shift between routine and higher-priority tasks.
  • Follow written and verbal instructions, checklists, safety procedures, and standardized expectations.
  • Communicate professionally with coworkers, supervisors, clients, and the public.
  • Possess basic computer literacy and learn hospital software and equipment functions.
  • Demonstrate commitment to animal welfare, infection control, teamwork, reliability, and continuous learning.
• Education and Experience:
  • High school diploma or GED preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Previous veterinary experience not required; experience in animal care, hospitality, custodial services, or fast-paced team environments is helpful.
  • Interest in veterinary medicine and willingness to learn are strongly preferred.

Working Conditions

• Work in a veterinary hospital environment with exposure to animal noise, medical equipment, cleaning products, bodily fluids, odors, and emotionally stressful situations.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, pushing/pulling, and repetitive cleaning or stocking activity.
• Lift and move patients, supplies, and inventory up to 40 pounds independently; heavier items with assistance or equipment.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required, including gloves, eye protection, gowns, masks, etc.
• Schedule may include days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays based on staffing needs.

Location

Shoreline, Washington, offers easy access to Seattle with a quieter, residential feel. Close to Lake Washington, Puget Sound, parks, trails, and waterfront, it connects to downtown Seattle via light rail and I-5. A convenient location with Pacific Northwest amenities nearby.

About Ethos Veterinary Health

Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is a network of 140 specialty and emergency hospitals focused on world-class medicine and shaping the future of veterinary care. With a commitment to collaboration, accountability, and clear communication, Ethos provides academic-caliber hospitals for learning, teaching, and discovery. Mentorship is a two-way street, fostering growth clinically, professionally, and personally.

Pay

$18-20 per hour, depending on experience, with swing differential (+$2/hr, 4pm–12am) and overnight differential (+$4.50/hr, 12am–8am) opportunities based on schedule.

Schedule

Swing shift or overnight shift availability preferred. Full-time and part-time opportunities available.