What are the responsibilities and job description for the Veterinary Assistant - Surgery position at Philadelphia Animal Specialty & Emergency (PASE)?
PASE is looking for a dedicated veterinary assistant to join our Surgery department. As a Surgery Veterinary Assistant, you will support our surgeons and surgical technicians through every stage of the patient's surgical journey, from pre-op preparation through recovery, while also working alongside a board-certified veterinary surgeon on outpatient appointments, helping ensure a smooth, safe, and efficient surgical service.
This is a hands-on clinical role for someone who wants to build experience in a fast-paced specialty surgical environment, spanning both the surgical suite and outpatient care. You will work closely with surgeons, anesthesia staff, and surgical technicians, with support and mentorship from the surgical team, in a setting that values teamwork, attention to detail, and patient safety.
If you are an assistant who wants to grow your skills in specialty surgery and be part of a team delivering advanced surgical care, this is a position built for you.
What you will do:
- Prepare patients for surgery, including clipping, scrubbing, and positioning
- Assist surgeons and surgical technicians during procedures, including passing instruments and maintaining a sterile field
- Monitor patients during recovery and communicate changes in status to the surgical team
- Set up, clean, and maintain surgical suites, instruments, and equipment between cases
- Restock surgical supplies and help maintain inventory of surgical materials
- Assist with patient handling, restraint, and transport before and after procedures
- Support accurate record-keeping of surgical cases and patient charts
- Work alongside a board-certified veterinary surgeon on outpatient appointments, including but not limited to:
- Obtaining patient history
- Facilitating patient evaluation
- Filling and dispensing medications
- Optimizing surgical scheduling
- Assisting with and performing diagnostics
- Communicate clearly with surgeons, technicians, and other departments to keep the surgical schedule running smoothly
- Follow all safety, sterility, and regulatory protocols within the surgery suite
- Assist in training new surgery assistants as needed
Requirements
Education
High school diploma or GED equivalent
Veterinary Assistant certification preferred, not required
Prior surgical assisting experience a plus
Experience
1 years of veterinary assistant experience required
Experience in a specialty or surgical setting a plus
Skills and Strengths
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-focus surgical environment
Strong attention to detail, especially around sterility and safety protocols
Clear communicator who works well as part of a surgical team
Calm and steady under pressure during procedures
Reliable and proactive with restocking, setup, and cleanup tasks
Willingness to learn and take direction from surgeons and technicians
Physical Requirements
Lift or carry up to 40 lbs to waist height independently; assist with animals over 40 lbs
Restrain and position animals up to 200 lbs
Stand for extended periods during procedures, up to 10 hours per day
Pay: $19.00 - $23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Uniform allowance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $19 - $23