Find Jobs
Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location
Skip to job details
DA
Donelson Animal Hospital
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 Tennessee 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.
$33,297 / year median in Tennessee
+29% projected growth
Job Description
We are seeking a dependable, compassionate Veterinary Assistant with previous animal-care experience to join our team. This is a hands-on position supporting our veterinarian and veterinary technicians with patient care and helping keep the hospital organized and running efficiently. Candidates must have prior experience working with dogs and cats in a professional setting, such as a veterinary hospital, animal shelter or rescue, boarding facility, grooming facility, or similar animal-care environment. Responsibilities Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians with examinations, treatments, and patient care Safely handle and restrain dogs and cats for exams, vaccinations, blood draws, treatments, and procedures Prepare exam rooms and treatment areas for appointments and procedures Obtain patient weights and assist with gathering basic patient information Assist with preparing patients for procedures and treatments Set up, clean, and maintain medical supplies and equipment Assist with laboratory sample preparation and in-house testing as directed Prepare medications as directed by the veterinarian or veterinary technician Monitor hospitalized and recovering patients as directed Provide food, water, walks, clean bedding, and general care for hospitalized patients Assist with nail trims and other basic patient-care services Clean and disinfect exam rooms, treatment areas, kennels, cages, and equipment Restock exam rooms and treatment areas Help maintain accurate patient records Communicate effectively with veterinarians, technicians, other team members, and clients Follow hospital safety, sanitation, and infection-control procedures Perform other duties as needed to support the veterinary team Required Qualifications Previous professional animal-care experience is required Experience safely handling and restraining both dogs and cats Comfortable working with animals of different sizes, breeds, temperaments, and medical conditions Basic understanding of animal behavior and safe handling practices Dependable and punctual with a strong work ethic Able to follow instructions and work effectively as part of a team Strong attention to detail Good communication and customer-service skills Able to remain calm and professional in a busy or stressful environment Willing and able to learn additional veterinary assisting skills Veterinary hospital experience is strongly preferred , but candidates with substantial hands-on experience in animal rescue, sheltering, boarding, grooming, or another professional animal-care setting will also be considered. Physical Requirements This is an active, hands-on position. Employees must be able to stand and walk for extended periods, bend, kneel, reach, and safely lift or assist with animals and supplies. The position involves exposure to animal hair, bodily fluids, cleaning products, noise, unpleasant odors, and animals that may be frightened, reactive, or aggressive. What We're Looking For We are looking for someone who already has a foundation in animal handling and is ready to build on that experience in a veterinary setting. The right candidate will be reliable, hardworking, comfortable around both dogs and cats, willing to learn, and able to jump in and help the team wherever needed.