Find & Apply For Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Portage, Indiana

About Us:

SNIP Spay & Neuter SNIP Spay & Neuter is a mission-driven, high-quality, high-volume (HQHV) spay/neuter clinic located in Portage, Indiana. Founded in 2021 as a mobile clinic and expanded into a permanent facility in 2024, we provide essential surgical services for pets and support local rescue and TNR organizations. Our veterinary assistants are a critical part of the surgical team. We value efficiency, compassion, teamwork, and a willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment, while maintaining a supportive workplace and work-life balance.

The Role:

Veterinary Assistant We are seeking a dependable, motivated Veterinary Assistant to join our surgical team in Portage, Indiana. This is a hands-on role in a high-volume surgical environment where veterinary assistants play an important part in patient care, surgical preparation, instrument sterilization, and maintaining a clean, efficient clinic. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys staying busy, takes pride in maintaining a clean and organized environment, and wants to develop practical veterinary skills in a high-volume surgical setting. This full-time, on-site position offers predictable hours (Monday-Friday, 7:30am starting time) and the opportunity to gain meaningful experience alongside an experienced veterinary team. What You'll Do Patient Care & Handling Safely restrain and handle dogs and cats during examinations, treatments, and procedures Assist with patient intake, weighing, identification, and chart preparation Monitor patients before and after surgery and promptly report concerns to veterinary staff Maintain accurate patient records and treatment documentation Assist with patient movement throughout the clinic, including surgery, recovery, and discharge areas Surgical Support Assist with surgical preparation of patients Set up and maintain surgical packs, instruments, and treatment areas Assist veterinarians and technicians during procedures as directed Clean and disinfect surgical and recovery areas according to clinic protocols Help maintain efficient patient flow during high-volume surgery days Sterilization & Facility Support Clean, disinfect, and prepare kennels, cages, and patient housing areas throughout the day Wash, inspect, assemble, and wrap surgical instruments according to clinic protocols Operate autoclaves and monitor sterilization procedures to ensure surgical readiness Set up, maintain, and monitor water distillation equipment used for instrument processing Restock surgical, medical, and cleaning supplies throughout the clinic Perform laundry and maintain cleanliness of treatment, surgery, recovery, and common areas Follow sanitation, biosecurity, and workplace safety protocols Team Collaboration Work closely with veterinarians, technicians, assistants, and reception staff Contribute to a positive, respectful, and team-centered workplace Participate in training and ongoing skill development Support fellow team members to help maintain an efficient and productive clinic environment Qualifications Prior full-time experience in a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, kennel, grooming facility, daycare, or similar animal-care setting preferred Comfortable safely handling dogs and cats of various sizes and temperaments Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-volume environment Strong attention to detail and willingness to follow medical protocols closely Reliable, punctual, and team-oriented Basic computer proficiency and comfort learning veterinary software systems High school diploma or equivalent required Preferred Qualifications Experience in high-volume spay/neuter or surgical support Familiarity with ClinicHQ software Experience with surgical preparation, instrument sterilization, patient recovery, or anesthesia monitoring Physical Requirements Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and work on your feet for extended periods Ability to safely handle animals of varying sizes and temperaments Ability to perform repetitive cleaning, laundry, and instrument-processing tasks while maintaining attention to detail Compensation Starting pay: $16-$17/hour depending on experience and transferable skills Opportunities to learn additional skills, take on greater responsibilities, and grow within the organization Work Environment This is an on-site role in a fast-paced, high-volume spay/neuter clinic. You will spend much of the day on your feet handling animals, assisting with surgery preparation and recovery, processing surgical instruments, maintaining sterilization standards, and helping the team provide efficient patient care. Candidates should be comfortable working in a busy clinical environment with a strong emphasis on cleanliness, safety, teamwork, and attention to detail. Benefits (Full-Time) Monday-Friday schedule; no nights, weekends, or on-call shifts Health and dental insurance Vision insurance after 90 days 401(k) with employer contribution (eligible after one year of employment and 1,000 hours worked) Paid time off and paid holidays Employee pet discount Uniform/scrub allowance Professional development opportunities Supportive, mission-driven team environment Why Join SNIP? At SNIP, every member of our team plays an important role in providing safe, high-quality surgical care. As a Veterinary Assistant, you'll work alongside our veterinary team to provide compassionate patient care, assist with surgical preparation, and help ensure a safe and efficient experience for every pet in our care. You'll be part of a supportive team that values compassion, efficiency, continuous learning, and work-life balance. We work hard, support one another, and have fun along the way.

Pay:

$16.00 - $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Paid time off Uniform allowance Vision insurance

Experience:

dog and cat handling: 2 years (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Portage, IN 46368 (Required)

Work Location:

In person