What are the responsibilities and job description for the Veterinary Assistant position at NVA General Practice?
About Herndon Animal Medical Center
At Herndon Animal Medical Center, we believe great care starts with really knowing the pets and families we serve. Every visit is personal, not just a number on the schedule. Great medicine here starts with a great team: our doctors, technicians, assistants, and client service crew work together, and we've built a culture around communication, respect, and speaking up for the patient in front of you. If you bring a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and genuine care for people and animals, you'll fit right in.
What You'll Be Doing
This isn't a "stand around and hold the leash" job. You'll be in the thick of it:
Schedule: Full-time & Part- time positions available; No nights or Weekends.
Location: In person - Herndon, VA
At Herndon Animal Medical Center, we believe great care starts with really knowing the pets and families we serve. Every visit is personal, not just a number on the schedule. Great medicine here starts with a great team: our doctors, technicians, assistants, and client service crew work together, and we've built a culture around communication, respect, and speaking up for the patient in front of you. If you bring a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and genuine care for people and animals, you'll fit right in.
What You'll Be Doing
This isn't a "stand around and hold the leash" job. You'll be in the thick of it:
- Right there next to our doctors and LVTs during exams, treatments, and procedures, and not just watching from the doorway.
- Handling and restraining dogs and cats with a calm, confident touch (the wiggly ones and the growly ones both need you to be the steady hand).
- Drawing blood, collecting samples, and running in-house labs like you know what you're doing (or learning fast if you don't yet).
- Prepping samples for outside reference labs so results come back right the first time.
- Giving vaccines, meds, and treatments under vet supervision.
- Helping with surgical prep, keeping an eye on patients under anesthesia, and easing them through recovery.
- Taking radiographs and pitching in on other diagnostics.
- Talking to clients — real conversations about their pet's care, what to do at home, and what happens next. You're often the friendly, informed voice they remember.
- Keeping medical records accurate and charges entered (unglamorous, but it keeps the whole place running).
- Making sure exam rooms and treatment areas are clean, stocked, and ready to go — no scrambling mid-appointment.
- Helping out with kennel and general facility upkeep, because everyone pitches in here.
- Veterinary experience is a plus, but if you're new and genuinely motivated, we want to talk to you.
- You're not squeamish about venipuncture, lab work, or the occasional less-glamorous clinical task.
- You can handle dogs and cats safely and with compassion — even the ones having a rough day.
- You communicate clearly, whether it's with a nervous client, a busy doctor, or a teammate mid-shift.
- You stay organized and level-headed when things get hectic (and in a vet hospital, they will).
- You show up, on time, and own your work.
- You're eager to learn and grow — we'd love to help you build a real career here.
- You're comfortable with computers and practice management software.
- You can lift and restrain pets as needed.
- Competitive hourly pay based on experience.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid time off and paid holidays.
- Continuing education support, because we want you leveling up.
- Uniform allowance.
- Employee pet care discounts (yes, for your own pets).
- Real training and professional development, not just a binder you skim once.
- A team that's got your back, focused on great care and great people.
Schedule: Full-time & Part- time positions available; No nights or Weekends.
Location: In person - Herndon, VA