What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fairfax Animal Hospital - Veterinary Surgical Assistant position at fairfaxanimalhospital?
Fairfax Animal Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia (a Washington D.C. suburb), was the first animal hospital in Fairfax County when beloved Dr. Jerry Goldfarb opened the doors in 1945, and proudly continue to be repeat winners of Angie's list service awards! Our team provides full-service animal care for companion animals, and recently added urgent care services to further assist the community. We are able to offer high-quality mentorship from experienced veterinarians with special areas of interest in exotics, soft tissue surgery, wellness care, and basic orthopedic surgery, and welcome both new and experienced veterinary professionals to join our team!
Position Summary
Fairfax Animal Hospital is seeking a Part-Time Veterinary Surgical Assistant to support our surgical and urgent care services. This role is ideal for an experienced veterinary assistant who thrives in a fast-paced clinical setting and is passionate about providing high-quality care to both patients and clients.
The Surgical Assistant will work closely with veterinarians and licensed technicians during procedures and urgent care cases, ensuring efficient surgical prep, monitoring, and recovery, while also supporting the overall flow of patient care.
Key Responsibilities
Surgical & Procedural Support
- Assist with patient preparation for surgery, including pre-op exams, shaving, and aseptic scrub
- Set up and maintain sterile surgical fields and equipment
- Monitor patients during procedures and assist with anesthesia under supervision
- Support post-operative recovery, monitoring vitals and ensuring patient comfort
- Maintain surgical logs and proper documentation
Urgent Care Assistance
- Support veterinarians during urgent or emergent cases
- Safely restrain and triage patients in high-pressure situations
- Communicate effectively with team members to prioritize patient care
- Ensure exam rooms and treatment areas are prepped and restocked
Hospital Operations
- Clean, sterilize, and maintain surgical instruments and equipment
- Maintain cleanliness and organization in surgical and treatment areas
- Assist with general patient care tasks as needed (e.g., blood draws, bandaging, IV catheter placement if trained)
Client Communication & Support
- Communicate pre- and post-operative instructions to clients professionally
- Provide updates to clients during urgent care visits as directed
- Handle pets with compassion and professionalism, even in high-stress situations
Qualifications
- Minimum 1–2 years of veterinary assistant experience, preferably in surgical or urgent care settings
- Strong understanding of sterile technique and surgical support procedures
- Comfortable handling urgent/emergency cases with calm and confidence
- Ability to multitask, prioritize, and stay organized under pressure
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and work on feet for extended periods
- Familiarity with ezyVet and SmartFlow is a plus
Why Join Fairfax?
At Fairfax Animal Hospital, you’ll join a dedicated and compassionate team committed to excellent patient care. We value collaboration, continued learning, and a supportive work environment. This part-time role is a great opportunity for experienced veterinary professionals looking to focus on surgical and urgent care services in a flexible schedule.