veterinary care assistant

VETERINARY CARE ASSISTANT – NVC GROVES

Location: Groves, TX

Employment Type: Full-Time

About NVC Groves

NVC Groves was Neighborhood Veterinary Centers' very first practice, and we are thrilled to reopen it for the Groves, TX community that has been asking for its return. This is an exciting and meaningful moment — we're bringing back a trusted neighborhood hospital and building a new team from the ground up.

If you want to be part of something special as we relaunch this practice, we'd love to meet you.

About This Position

We are looking for a skilled, attentive, and compassionate Veterinary Care Assistant who is comfortable supporting both basic clinical tasks and daily animal care responsibilities.

This includes hands-on patient support, kennel and enrichment work, and close collaboration with our medical team to keep pets safe, comfortable, and well cared for.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys a mix of clinical assisting and animal care duties, has kennel experience, and is excited to grow with a newly reopened hospital.

Key ResponsibilitiesPatient Care & Clinical Support

• Safely and confidently restrain dogs and cats using low-stress handling
• Assist with basic prepping (clipping, cleaning, exam/procedure setup)
• Administer vaccines under direction
• Perform basic phlebotomy (routine blood draws or assisting)
• Collect and handle diagnostic samples
• Assist in using basic in-house lab equipment (Idexx, Abaxis, etc.)
• Monitor patients and immediately communicate any concerns
• Provide kind, clear communication to clients during basic interactions

Animal Care & Kennel Duties

• Provide daily feeding, watering, and enrichment for pets
• Walk, bathe, and comfort dogs and cats
• Clean and sanitize kennels, runs, and hospital areas
• Identify animal body language, stress signs, or behavior changes
• Keep laundry, supplies, and workspaces organized and stocked
• Help maintain a calm, positive environment for pets and teammates

Required Qualifications

• Kennel Technician or professional animal-care experience required
• Basic-level veterinary assistant skills (restraint, prepping, vaccines, basic phlebotomy)
• Ability to identify stress, fear, or behavioral changes in animals
• Highly attentive — quick to notice and communicate concerns
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Reliable, punctual, and committed to high-quality patient care
• Ability to lift 40 lbs and stay active throughout the day
• Strong attention to detail, cleanliness, and organization
• Team-first, selfless attitude and willingness to learn and grow

Preferred Qualifications

• Fear Free knowledge or certification
• Experience working in hybrid kennel/vet assistant positions
• Familiarity with in-house diagnostic equipment
• Strong customer service or client communication background

Physical & Environmental Expectations

• Exposure to cleaning agents, odors, pet waste, and noise
• Potential for bites, scratches, or zoonotic risks
• Ability to bend, scrub, stoop, and perform repetitive motions
• Ability to walk and restrain animals of all sizes
• Must be able to work in all weather conditions when walking dogs

We'd Love to Connect

If you're excited to help reopen and rebuild a meaningful neighborhood hospital — and you bring both animal care experience and basic veterinary assisting skills — we look forward to speaking with you soon.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $ $14.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have previous experience working as a Kennel Technician or in professional animal care?

Yes

No

If yes, please describe your experience.

• Are you comfortable safely restraining dogs and cats using low-stress handling techniques?

Yes, confident

Some experience

No experience

• Do you have basic veterinary assistant skills such as prepping, administering vaccines, and basic phlebotomy (blood draws or assisting with them)?

Yes, I have all of these basic skills (Please explain)

I have some but not all (Please explain)

I have none of these skills

• This role requires strong attentiveness — noticing behavior changes, appetite changes, or stress signals in pets and reporting them immediately. Are you confident in your ability to observe and communicate concerns quickly?

Yes

Somewhat

No

• This hospital is reopening, and we need reliable team players who show up, communicate well, and help wherever needed. Why do you feel you would be a great fit for NVC Groves?

Experience:

• Veterinary: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Groves, TX Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $14