Description

Surgery Veterinary Assistant

Department: Veterinary Assistants

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Charlottesville, Virginia

Compensation: $18.00 - $20.00 / hour

Description

Veterinary Assistant - Surgery

Are you passionate about veterinary medicine and interested in advancing your skills in a surgical specialty environment?

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Surgery Veterinary Assistant to join our growing surgical team. This role offers the opportunity to work alongside board-certified surgeons, credentialed technicians, and veterinary professionals providing advanced surgical care to pets and their families.

• Full-time schedule: four, 10-hour shifts, Monday through Friday with occasional rotating Saturdays.
• Dedicated to our surgery department.
• Opportunities to build skills alongside specialists, LVTs, and fellow assistants while gaining exposure to advanced procedures and treatments

What You'll Do:

As a Surgery Veterinary Assistant, you will support patient care throughout the surgical process, from pre-operative preparation to post-operative recovery.

Responsibilities include:

• Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians with surgical consultations, procedures, and patient care
• Prepare patients for surgery, including restraint, clipping, scrubbing, and surgical site preparation
• Set up and maintain sterile surgical suites and equipment
• Assist with patient induction, recovery, and monitoring under veterinary supervision
• Prepare and maintain surgical instruments, packs, and supplies
• Support diagnostic procedures including radiographs, CT preparation, sample collection, and laboratory submissions
• Monitor hospitalized surgical patients and report changes in condition
• Administer medications and treatments as directed and permitted by state regulations
• Maintain accurate medical records and treatment logs
• Communicate professionally and compassionately with clients regarding patient care and discharge instructions
• Ensure treatment and surgical areas remain clean, organized, and properly stocked
• Collaborate with surgeons, technicians, and support staff to deliver exceptional patient outcomes

What We're Looking For

• Minimum 1 year of veterinary assistant experience preferred
• Surgery, specialty, emergency, or anesthesia experience is highly desirable
• Strong patient handling and restraint skills
• Understanding of aseptic technique and surgical preparation preferred
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to patient safety
• Willingness to learn advanced surgical procedures and specialty medicine

Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid parental leave
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Employee discounts
• Flexible schedules
• 401K with company match
• Continued education and training opportunities

Every day presents new opportunities to assist with complex and rewarding cases, support patients through life-changing procedures, and work with cutting-edge surgical equipment and techniques. This role is ideal for veterinary assistants who enjoy hands-on patient care, precision, and being part of a highly collaborative medical team dedicated to exceptional outcomes.

About Virginia Veterinary Specialty & Emergency

Virginia Veterinary Specialty and Emergency, located in Charlottesville, VA, is a full-service veterinary hospital providing 24/7 emergency services and advanced specialty care for dogs and cats . We partner closely with the general practice community to provide personalized, coordinated care. In addition to emergency services, we offer board-certified specialists in internal medicine, surgery, cardiology, and oncology as well as a rehabilitation department and are always looking to expand our specialty services to better serve our community's pets. From our state-of-the-art medical facility to our highly skilled team, we're dedicated to giving your canine and feline companions the best possible care.

Equal Opportunity Employer Policy

Virginia Veterinary Specialty & Emergency is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. We are proudly committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate based on age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, or any other non-merit factor. All qualified applicants, including minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.