Find Jobs
Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location
Skip to job details
KA
Kalalmazoo Animal Rescue
Veterinary Assistant
Career Insights for Veterinary Assistant
See where this job fits in the broader career landscape. Knowing your career path helps you see what's possible from here.
Scorecard
Based on Michigan data
Review key factors to help you decide if this role fits your goals. How is this calculated?
What they do
A Veterinary Assistant assists with animals under veterinary care or in laboratories. Feeds animals, cleans cages, and administers medical treatment under the supervision of a veterinarian or veterinary technician. Works in a veterinary clinic, animal hospital, or laboratory.
$33,792 / year median in Michigan
+27% projected growth
Job Description
Job Overview Join our dynamic veterinary team as a Veterinary Assistant and become a vital part of providing exceptional animal care and client service. In this energetic role, you will support our veterinarian in delivering comprehensive medical, surgical, and preventive care for a variety of animals. Your enthusiasm, attention to detail, and love for animals will help ensure smooth clinic operations and outstanding animal care. This paid position offers an exciting opportunity to grow your skills in a fast-paced, pet-centered environment dedicated to animal health and well-being. Duties Assist with animal restraint, handling, and grooming to ensure safe and stress-free procedures for pets of all sizes. Support veterinary procedures including surgery preparation, animal catheterization, and aseptic techniques to maintain a sterile environment. Collect medical samples such as blood, urine, or tissue for laboratory analysis while adhering to laboratory protocols. Maintain accurate medical records using veterinary software and ensure compliance with DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) and USDA regulations. Provide compassionate pet care by monitoring animals' health status, administering medications, and supporting animal husbandry practices. Assist with kennel management, ensuring animals are fed, exercised, groomed, and kept in a clean environment. Support veterinary critical care efforts by monitoring hospitalized animals and assisting during medical-surgical procedures. Contribute to veterinary administrative support by managing inventory supplies related to pet care, surgery, and laboratory needs. Requirements Prior experience in veterinary clinics or animal hospitals is highly preferred; familiarity with veterinary terminology is essential. Strong animal handling skills Knowledge of animal anatomy and medical collection techniques such as catheterization and restraint methods. Experience with veterinary critical care procedures and medical-surgical support is desirable. Ability to follow aseptic techniques rigorously to prevent contamination during procedures. Ability to communicate clearly with medical team. Understanding of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulations concerning controlled substances as well as USDA regulations governing animal health standards. Physical ability to stand for long periods, lift animals safely, and perform detailed tasks requiring fine motor skills.