Vet Assistant - Kensington, Maryland

Wheaton Animal Hospital is seeking a dedicated and compassionate full-time Veterinary Assistant to support our medical team in delivering exceptional care to pets and their owners. This role is ideal for an experienced veterinary professional who enjoys a fast-paced environment and is passionate about patient care, client service, and teamwork.

As a Veterinary Assistant, you will play an important role in both medical and surgical operations, assisting veterinarians with patient treatments, diagnostics, procedures, and client education while helping maintain efficient daily hospital operations.

• Assist veterinarians during examinations, treatments, diagnostic procedures, and surgeries.
• Prepare patients for medical and surgical procedures, including pre-operative and post-operative care.
• Monitor patient comfort and recovery following surgical procedures and anesthesia.
• Safely restrain pets using fear-free and low-stress handling techniques.
• Collect samples for laboratory testing, including blood, urine, and fecal specimens.
• Administer medications, vaccines, and treatments under veterinary direction.
• Place and maintain IV catheters and provide nursing care for hospitalized patients.
• Maintain accurate treatment records and medical documentation.

• Perform in-house diagnostic testing, including hematology, urinalysis, cytology, and fecal evaluations.
• Assist with diagnostic imaging procedures, including radiography and ultrasound preparation.
• Maintain and sanitize laboratory and diagnostic equipment according to hospital protocols.
• Record and communicate diagnostic findings appropriately.

• Educate pet owners regarding preventive care, medications, treatment plans, nutrition, and follow-up recommendations.
• Provide clear, compassionate communication throughout the patient's visit.
• Assist with appointment flow, client check-in/check-out, and general client inquiries.
• Support the veterinary team by ensuring a positive client experience from admission through discharge.

• Help maintain clean, organized, and fully stocked treatment, exam, and surgical areas.
• Accurately enter charges, treatment plans, and medical notes into the practice management system.
• Assist with inventory organization and daily operational tasks as needed.
• Follow all hospital policies, safety guidelines, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to a collaborative, professional, and patient-focused culture.

• 3+ years of veterinary assistant experience preferred, with exposure to both appointment and surgical settings.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Working knowledge of anesthesia monitoring, venipuncture, radiology, laboratory procedures, and dentistry support.
• Comfortable utilizing practice management software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a client-service mindset.
• Ability to remain composed and professional during emergency or emotionally challenging situations.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask effectively in a busy hospital environment.
• Commitment to delivering compassionate care to patients and exceptional service to clients.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to safely assist with handling animals weighing up to 130 pounds.
• Comfortable standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and moving throughout the workday.
• Ability to work around disinfectants, anesthetic gases, radiation, animal waste, and zoonotic disease exposure in a veterinary setting.

This is a full-time position. Candidates should be available to work a flexible schedule based on hospital needs and operational hours.