Experienced Veterinary Assistant for AAHA Accredited Veterinary Clinic

PetSmart Veterinary Services 1119 - Fayetteville - Owned and Operated by Apex Care Enterprise, LLC Job Summary Apex Care Enterprise, LLC is seeking a compassionate, reliable, and detail-oriented Veterinary Assistant to support our veterinarian, clients, and patients. This role includes both patient care support and client-facing/front desk responsibilities. The Veterinary Assistant helps with animal restraint, appointment flow, client education, exam room setup, cleaning and sanitation, medical record support, medication preparation, scheduling, client communication, and other daily clinic needs. The ideal candidate remains calm under pressure, communicates clearly, enjoys learning, and is committed to reducing patient stress while strengthening the human-animal bond. This position is well suited for someone who enjoys working with both animals and people, provides exceptional customer service, and helps create a welcoming, organized, and professional clinic environment. About Apex Care Enterprise At Apex Care Enterprise, our mission is to promote and strengthen the human-animal bond by providing evidence-based information to clients, supporting pets through all life stages and health conditions, and maintaining a positive working culture centered on communication, collaboration, respect, ethical values, continuous education, and low-stress patient care. Key Responsibilities Greet clients and their pets warmly upon arrival and help create a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Schedule appointments and assist with managing the clinic calendar efficiently. Answer phone calls and respond professionally to questions about services, pet care, and appointment availability. Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians with appointments, patient workups, exams, procedures, administrative tasks, and daily treatment flow. Safely hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures while remaining calm, compassionate, and attentive to animal fear, pain, or stress. Help keep pets, clients, doctors, technicians, and staff safe during handling and restraint. Prepare exam rooms, treatment areas, equipment, and supplies before and between appointments. Monitor the schedule, anticipate patient arrivals, assist with appointment flow, and help keep clients informed of expected wait times. Assist with client education, patient discharge, follow-up needs, vaccination schedules, preventive health recommendations, and basic product or service guidance as directed by the veterinarian. Maintain accurate patient records and update client information, reminders, follow-ups, and exam notes as directed. Process payments, assist with invoices, and handle basic billing questions with professionalism. Clean, freshen, and maintain kennels, animal holding areas, exam rooms, operating areas, lab areas, front desk areas, and loading/unloading areas throughout the day to help control disease spread and maintain a professional environment. Assist with medication preparation or prescription filling as directed and within clinic protocols. Help maintain inventory and stocked supplies in the lab, exam rooms, pharmacy, front shelves, front desk, and other clinic areas. Handle client concerns or complaints with empathy, patience, and professionalism. Complete assigned opening, closing, cleaning, and checklist duties. Perform other job-related duties as assigned by authorized leadership. Qualifications High school diploma or GED preferred, or equivalent combination of education, training, and related experience. Previous experience in a veterinary practice, animal care environment, kennel, shelter, grooming facility, rescue, customer service role, healthcare role, or front desk position is required. Knowledge of animal care, pet handling, veterinary terminology, animal physiology, pet care practices, and basic veterinary procedures is required. Familiarity with vaccination schedules, preventive care, critical care terminology and aseptic techniques. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when managing records, scheduling, client information, and daily clinic tasks. Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with clients, coworkers, and supervisors. Ability to read, write, and understand simple instructions, short correspondence, clinic procedures, and safety expectations. Ability to apply common sense, follow written and verbal directions, and problem solve as needed. Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive, compassionate, and professional attitude. Comfort working around dogs, cats, animal noise, odors, cleaning products, medical equipment, and emotionally sensitive client situations. Dependability, punctuality, professionalism, compassion, teamwork, and willingness to learn are essential. A genuine passion for animals and commitment to providing high-quality care to pets and their owners. Physical Requirements and Work Environment Regularly stand, walk, use hands and fingers, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, and hear. Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Use close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. Work in an environment that may include loud noise, wet or humid conditions, extreme temperatures, moving mechanical parts, fumes, or airborne particles. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Benefits and Perks Benefits may depend on employment classification, eligibility, waiting periods, and company policy. Current or potential offerings may include: Health insurance for eligible team members after the plan-defined waiting period. Dental insurance for eligible regular full-time team members after the plan-defined waiting period. Vision care insurance for eligible team members after the plan-defined waiting period. Paid time off for eligible full-time regular team members after 90 days of employment. Supportive team environment focused on communication, learning, patient care, and client service.

Retirement accounts:

Trad/Roth 401K for eligible team members after the plan-defined waiting period. Discount on veterinary expenses for staff-owned pets within our hospital. 15% discount in PetSmart store. Workplace Expectations Regular and punctual attendance is expected. Team members are expected to report to work neatly groomed and dressed appropriately for the workplace and duties being performed. Team members must follow safety, sanitation, confidentiality, timekeeping, animal handling, front desk, billing, and workplace conduct policies. Apex Care Enterprise maintains a drug-free, safe, respectful, and professional workplace. How to Apply Please submit your resume through Indeed. A cover letter or brief message describing your animal handling experience, customer service experience, front desk experience, and interest in veterinary medicine is encouraged but not required. Equal Employment Opportunity Apex Care Enterprise, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Company is committed to complying with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and to maintaining a workplace free from harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. Employment decisions are made without regard to legally protected status.

Pay:

$14.50 - $16.00 per hour

Benefits:

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

Experience:

Veterinary assistant: 1 year (Required)

Work Location:

In person