Veterinary Assistant

About Us

Boreal Animal Surgery is a family-owned practice that provides board certified surgical care on an outpatient basis. Located in Renton, we are an emerging specialty practice committed to providing exceptional care to our patients and their humans.

The Assistant position is crucial to our success. We are building an agile team of high performing veterinary professionals who are passionate about providing exceptional patient care. Why join us? We believe in work-life balance, this role will not require weekend availability, on-call commitment, and will primarily see non-critical surgical cases.

As an Assistant in our practice you will:

· Support the setup, organization, and daily operations of the clinic.

· Assist with SOPs for patient intake, surgical scheduling, and instrument/equipment handling.

· Start and maintain accurate patient medical records in Instinct.

· Perform pre-exams, obtain patient histories, vital signs, diagnostics, and lab samples.

· Assist with the preparation of patients efficiently and effectively, including:

o Obtaining vitals.

o Patient restraint (canine/feline).

o Blood collection and IV catheter placement.

o Setting up the OR for surgical procedures.

o Appropriate shaving and aseptic prep of the surgery site.

o Safely moving sedated or anesthetized patients to/from the OR.

o Opening sterile instruments and equipment.

· Maintain and prepare sterile fields as needed and be familiar with the instruments and equipment used in the surgery department.

· Assist with recovery and OR daily/weekly/monthly maintenance.

· Perform treatments and administer medication as allowed under the direction and supervision of the veterinarian, following all Washington state laws, safety and handling protocols.

· Monitor patients during recovery and post-operative periods and report changes promptly.

· Perform in-house lab work as required.

· Assist with advanced imaging (X-ray, ultrasound), including radiograph positioning for orthopedic procedures (e.g., TPLO), chest radiographs, urethral catheterization, and similar procedures.

· Prepare and double-check treatment sheets.

· Fill prescriptions and prepare and communicate discharge orders and client invoices clearly and accurately.

· Communicate effectively with other members of the team about patient care and any problems or concerns.

· Provide clear, compassionate client education and support.

· Participate in required meetings.

· Other duties as assigned by management.

A successful candidate will demonstrate:

· Previous experience as a Veterinary Assistant preferred, especially in a specialty hospital; we are willing to train the right candidate.

· Knowledge of veterinary medical terminology, anatomy, and pharmacology preferred.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both within the team and with clients.

· Comfortable interacting with clients and creating a positive experience.

· Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, especially around sterile technique and surgical protocols.

· Team player who is reliable, dependable, and trustworthy, with a positive attitude and growth mindset.

· Ability to multitask and work efficiently in a fast-paced, often chaotic and stressful environment.

· Compassion, empathy, and professionalism in all interactions.

· Current Washington Veterinary Medical Clerk license preferred; must be willing to obtain within 3 months of hire.

· Basic computer and scheduling software proficiency.

Physical Requirements

· Ability to sit, walk, stand, kneel, and climb stairs during shifts.

· Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds and work on feet for extended periods.

· Exposure to low to moderate noise levels, including animal sounds.

· Exposure to hospital supplies, including anesthetic gases and X-ray irradiation, within OSHA standards.

· Risk of injury from handling animals.

· Flexibility with scheduled working hours.

Education

· High school diploma or GED required.

· Veterinary Assistant certification preferred.

Experience

· Prior experience in veterinary medicine preferred.

· Experience working in a specialty hospital preferred, but we will train the right candidate.

Compensation and Benefits:

· Predictable work schedule with no weekend or on call requirements

· Hours are Monday through Thursday 7 AM to 5:30 PM

· Competitive benefit program including medical, dental, PTO and 401k matching.

· Company paid continuing education, medical clerk licensing, and professional association membership

· Compensation is based on experience. We anticipate the hourly range to be $22-28/hr

Pay: $22.00 - $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Uniform allowance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a Veterinary Assistant Certificate?
• How may years of Veterinary Assistant experience do you have?

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22 - $28