Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Assistant Location:

Olney, Illinois Clinic Type:

Small Animal General Practice Employment Type:

Full-Time Reports To:

Veterinarian and CVT Position Summary Mackenzie's Veterinary Services is seeking a compassionate and dependable Veterinary Assistant to join our small animal practice in Illinois. Mackenzie's Veterinary Services is a new small animal clinic located in Olney, IL. Our clinic provides high-quality preventive, medical, and surgical care for dogs and cats in a collaborative team environment. The Veterinary Assistant supports veterinarians and Certified Veterinary Technicians (CVTs) in patient care, client communication, and hospital operations. This position is ideal for individuals pursuing a veterinary career or those with prior animal care experience. Scope of Role (Illinois Compliance) Under Illinois law and regulations overseen by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR): Veterinary Assistants are not licensed or certified professionals. Assistants may perform delegated tasks under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Assistants may not present themselves as Certified Veterinary Technicians (CVTs). Anesthesia monitoring and certain technical procedures may be limited to credentialed staff depending on clinic policy and state guidelines. Key Responsibilities Patient Care & Handling Safely restrain dogs and cats for exams and procedures Obtain patient weight and temperature Assist with sample collection (fecal, urine) Prepare patients for examinations and treatments Monitor hospitalized patients and report concerns to medical staff Clinical Support Assist veterinarians and CVTs during exams and procedures Prepare vaccines and medications as directed Set up and clean treatment areas Clean, sterilize, and maintain surgical instruments Assist with radiographs (positioning under supervision) Prepare animals for surgery (clip and scrub as directed) Facility & Sanitation Clean and disinfect kennels, exam rooms, and treatment areas Maintain OSHA compliance and proper medical waste disposal Stock supplies and maintain inventory Ensure a safe and organized clinic environment Client Service Support Greet clients and assist with patient check-in Provide basic discharge instructions as directed Support client education initiatives (parasite prevention, nutrition, etc.) Maintain accurate and complete medical records Community Involvement Attend and participate in elementary, middle, or high school discussions or labs in the form of lunch discussion, with local organizations (FFA, ILFB, 4H), or by attending a meeting. Attend a "2-day summer camp" for young people over a weekend Be an MVS representative at community events including Richland County Fair Auction and FFA Customer Appreciation Lunch during FFA Week. Assist the veterinary technician with the photo booth section in the clinic Attend the open house and "soft launch" for

MVS Qualifications Required:

High school diploma or equivalent Comfortable working with dogs and cats of all sizes Ability to lift 40+ pounds Strong communication and teamwork skills Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Preferred:

6+ months of veterinary, kennel, or animal care experience Interest in pursuing veterinary technology or veterinary medicine Familiarity with basic medical terminology Compensation & Benefits Competitive hourly wage based on experience Paid time off (for eligible employees) Employee pet care discount Uniform allowance On-the-job training and career growth opportunities Annual Bonus Program Work Environment We are a supportive small animal practice seeing approximately 50 patients per week. Our team values compassion, efficiency, professionalism, and continued learning.

Pay:

From $16.82 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person