Experienced Veterinary Assistant/ Certified Veterinary Technician

Pine Creek Animal Hospital in Lancaster is looking for a Certified Veterinary Technician or experienced Veterinary Assistant who is confident in patient care, comfortable in surgery and anesthesia, and excited to be part of a team that leads with knowledge, kindness, positivity, and devotion.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys being hands-on in a clinical setting and can support surgical procedures with focus, skill, and calm attention to detail. The right candidate will be comfortable with surgical preparation, anesthesia monitoring, patient recovery, post-operative care, and supporting doctors from start to finish during procedures.

We are a privately owned, full-service small animal hospital in Lancaster, PA, proudly serving our community. Our team is committed to high-quality medicine, exceptional client service, and creating a workplace where people feel supported, valued, and proud of the care they provide.

At Pine Creek, we believe every client should feel welcomed, informed, and reassured — and every pet should be treated as if they were our own.

What You’ll Do

As a key member of our patient care team, you will help provide excellent medical support, client education, and compassionate hands-on care.

Responsibilities include:

• Assist veterinarians with appointments, treatments, procedures, and patient care from start to finish
• Prepare patients, surgery rooms, instruments, and equipment for surgical procedures
• Assist with anesthesia induction, monitoring, maintenance, and recovery under veterinarian direction
• Monitor anesthetized and sedated patients carefully, including vital signs, pain control, patient comfort, and recovery status
• Recognize and communicate patient changes promptly during anesthesia, surgery, and recovery
• Maintain clean, sterile, and organized surgical areas and follow proper sterilization protocols
• Provide hospitalized patient care, including treatments, monitoring, feeding, walking, and comfort care
• Communicate with clients in a friendly, respectful, and informative manner
• Educate clients on pet care, treatment plans, medications, surgery discharge instructions, and follow-up care
• Safely handle and restrain patients with care and confidence
• Obtain quality samples for diagnostic testing
• Perform in-house laboratory procedures and assist with radiology
• Perform basic care services such as nail trims, ear cleanings, and other technician/assistant appointments as appropriate
• Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, and treatments under veterinarian direction
• Accurately maintain patient information in electronic medical records
• Follow safety, cleanliness, controlled substance, radiology, and infection control protocols
• Support teammates and contribute to a positive, professional work environment

Who We’re Looking For

You may be a great fit if you are someone who:

• Is comfortable assisting with surgery and anesthesia
• Has experience with anesthesia monitoring, surgical prep, recovery, and post-operative patient care
• Takes patient safety seriously and pays close attention to detail
• Communicates clearly, kindly, and professionally with clients and teammates
• Handles patients with compassion, patience, and respect
• Brings a positive, steady attitude to the team
• Looks for solutions instead of waiting for someone else to fix the problem
• Shares credit, owns mistakes, and avoids gossip
• Values teamwork, safety, service, and continued learning
• Takes pride in doing excellent work, even when the day gets busy

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Prior experience in veterinary medicine
• Hands-on experience assisting with surgery and anesthesia
• Comfortable monitoring anesthetized and sedated patients
• Strong communication and client service skills
• Ability to stay organized and attentive to detail in a fast-paced environment
• Commitment to ethical, compassionate patient care
• Dependable attendance and professional conduct

Preferred:

• Certified Veterinary Technician credential
• Associate degree in veterinary technology or related field
• Three or more years of veterinary medicine experience
• Strong experience with anesthesia monitoring, surgery support, laboratory procedures, radiology, and client education

About Pine Creek Animal Hospital

Pine Creek Animal Hospital is a full-service small animal veterinary hospital offering comprehensive care throughout the life of our patients. Our hospital is fully digital and equipped with:

• Digital radiology
• Ultrasound
• In-house laboratory services
• Electronic medical records
• Practice app communication tools

Our Core Values

At Pine Creek, our values guide how we care for pets, support clients, and work together as a team.

Clinical Champions
Leading with Knowledge. Caring with Purpose.
We provide thoughtful, high-quality care and continue learning so pets and their families can count on us.

Pawsitively Upbeat
Where Great Medicine Meets Good Vibes.
We bring warmth, positivity, and steady energy to our work — even on busy days.

Kindness Keepers
Understanding Pets. Supporting People.
We treat pets with compassion, clients with empathy, and teammates with respect.

Driven & Devoted
Driven by Passion. Powered by Teamwork.
We show up, work hard, support one another, and go the extra mile because we care.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Pine Creek Animal Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Work Location: In person
Work Remotely: No
Job Type: Full-time

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Continuing education credits
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Uniform allowance
• Vision insurance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Veterinary: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $24