Veterinary Assistant / Technician

Veterinary Assistant or Veterinary Technician

PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic – Dubuque, Iowa

PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic is looking for a Veterinary Assistant or Veterinary Technician to join our team. We are a busy, privately owned small animal and exotics practice in Dubuque, Iowa.

We take medicine seriously, but we also believe work should be enjoyable. Our team works hard, helps each other, asks questions, laughs a lot, and leaves the drama at the door. Our doctors and experienced staff enjoy teaching, and we want someone who wants to keep learning and become better at what they do.

Who We're Looking For

Previous hands-on small animal experience is required.

To be clear: owning your own pets does not count as animal-handling experience. Large animal or livestock experience alone also does not meet this requirement. Applicants need previous hands-on experience safely handling dogs and/or cats in a professional, educational, shelter, rescue, boarding, grooming, veterinary, or similar setting.

Previous veterinary clinic experience is strongly preferred.

We are looking for someone who:

• Genuinely enjoys working with animals — they are our patients!
• Genuinely enjoys working with people — they come attached to our patients!
• Is dependable, hardworking, and willing to jump in where needed
• Works well as part of a team
• Communicates professionally and compassionately with clients
• Is comfortable in a busy medical environment
• Wants to learn and continue improving their veterinary skills
• Understands that cleaning, stocking, answering phones, and helping coworkers are part of veterinary medicine too

What You'll Do

Responsibilities will vary based on experience and training and may include:

• Restraining and safely handling dogs, cats, and exotic pets
• Obtaining patient histories and assisting with appointments
• Blood draws and laboratory sample collection
• IV catheter placement and care
• Preparing and administering medications as directed by a veterinarian
• Preparing vaccines
• Assisting with radiographs and diagnostic procedures
• Monitoring anesthesia
• Preparing patients and the surgical suite for procedures
• Assisting veterinarians during surgery and dental procedures
• Monitoring and caring for hospitalized and recovering patients
• Reviewing medical records for vaccines, testing, and preventative care that are due
• Discussing medications, discharge instructions, and post-operative care with clients
• Answering phones and assisting with patient check-in and checkout
• Cleaning, disinfecting, stocking, laundry, and end-of-day clinic duties

Because we see dogs, cats, and exotic pets, there is always something new to learn.

Schedule

We are hiring for full-time or part-time, depending on the right candidate.

One Saturday per month is required, approximately 7:55 AM–12:05 PM.

Part-time employees must be able to work in blocks of at least 5 consecutive hours, either mornings or afternoons. We are not looking to fill 2–3 hour shifts.

Our regular clinic hours are Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM and Saturday 8:00 AM–12:00 PM.

Full-Time Benefits

Full-time employees are eligible for:

• 80 hours of paid time off (PTO) annually, accrued based on hours worked
• SIMPLE IRA with 3% employer match
• Healthcare stipend
• Option to participate in our group health insurance plan
• Employer-paid long-term disability insurance
• Continuing education and training
• Employee discounts on veterinary care and pet health products

About PetMed of Key West

We are a locally and family-owned veterinary practice, not a corporate hospital. Our team provides preventative care, dentistry, surgery, diagnostics, ultrasound, urgent care during business hours, and treatment for a wide variety of medical conditions.

Our patients include dogs, cats, and a variety of exotic pets, including rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles, ferrets, and more.

We believe in practicing good medicine, supporting our coworkers, communicating clearly with clients, and maintaining a workplace where people can enjoy coming to work.

If you're looking for a veterinary position where you can use your skills, keep learning, laugh with your coworkers, and be part of a team that actually works together, we'd like to hear from you.

Work Remotely

• No

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $16.50 - $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Application Question(s):

• Are you available Saturday mornings 7:55am - 12pm?
• Are you available a minimum of 20 hours per week in a minimum of 5 hour blocks?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Phone etiquette: 1 year (Required)
• Veterinary clinic: 1 year (Preferred)
• Animal handling: 2 years (Required)

Language:

• English (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Dubuque, IA 52003 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $19