Veterinary Assistant - Entry Level
Job type: Full-time
Location: Bensalem, PA 19020
Work setting: In person
Join Our Veterinary Team
Women’s Animal Center is seeking a compassionate, dependable Veterinary Assistant to support our veterinarians and veterinary technicians in providing high-quality care to dogs and cats.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who has experience working with animals and wants to begin or advance a career in veterinary medicine. Previous veterinary hospital experience is helpful but not required. Candidates with experience in an animal shelter, kennel, boarding facility, grooming salon, dog daycare, or similar animal-care environment are encouraged to apply.
We are looking for someone who is comfortable working with both animals and people, eager to learn, attentive to detail, and able to remain calm in a busy veterinary setting. Training will be provided based on the selected candidate’s experience and skill level.
Key Responsibilities
Patient and Exam Room Support
- Welcome clients and patients and escort them to exam rooms
- Assist with obtaining and documenting basic patient information
- Weigh patients and collect other vital signs after training
- Safely handle and restrain dogs and cats during examinations, vaccinations, treatments, and sample collection
- Comfort and reassure animals that may be frightened, stressed, sick, or in pain
- Prepare, clean, disinfect, stock, and reset exam and treatment areas
- Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians during appointments and minor procedures
- Prepare supplies and equipment as directed
- Help maintain accurate patient records
- Reinforce basic care and medication instructions provided by the veterinarian or veterinary technician
Clinical and Hospital Support
- Assist with collecting and preparing laboratory samples after training
- Support basic in-house laboratory testing under appropriate supervision
- Assist with radiology positioning and procedures after completing required training
- Fill prescriptions and prepare medications as directed and permitted
- Clean and sterilize instruments and equipment
- Maintain clean, sanitary, and organized exam, treatment, surgical, and animal-care areas
- Restock medical and general supplies
- Assist with laundry, cleaning, and other responsibilities necessary to maintain a safe veterinary environment
- Follow hospital protocols for patient safety, infection control, animal handling, and workplace safety
- Communicate clearly with veterinarians, veterinary technicians, assistants, client service staff, and other team members
- Perform additional animal-care and hospital-support duties as assigned
As the employee gains experience and demonstrates proficiency, additional clinical skills may be taught under the supervision of qualified veterinary professionals.
Qualifications
Required
- High school diploma or equivalent
- At least 18 years of age
- Genuine interest in animal care and veterinary medicine
- Ability to safely and compassionately work with dogs and cats of different sizes, temperaments, and medical conditions
- Strong communication, teamwork, and customer-service skills
- Dependability, punctuality, and willingness to learn
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately
- Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate records
- Ability to remain professional and composed in a fast-paced or emotionally difficult environment
- Basic computer skills
- Availability for a schedule that may include daytime, evening, and Saturday shifts
- Reliable transportation to Bensalem, PA
Preferred but Not Required
- Previous paid or volunteer experience in a veterinary hospital, animal shelter, kennel, boarding facility, grooming salon, dog daycare, or similar environment
- Experience safely handling or restraining dogs and cats
- Familiarity with animal behavior, sanitation, infection-control, or low-stress handling practices
- Experience with veterinary practice-management or electronic medical-record software
- Fear Free or other animal-handling training
Applicants do not need veterinary certification or previous experience performing advanced clinical procedures. We are willing to train the right candidate who demonstrates compassion, reliability, sound judgment, and a strong desire to learn.
Benefits
Women’s Animal Center offers an excellent benefits package, including:
- Paid time off
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 401(k) plan
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee veterinary-care discounts
- Opportunities to learn and develop veterinary clinical skills
About Women’s Animal Center
Women’s Animal Center is an AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital and animal shelter located in Bucks County. Our hospital serves family-owned pets from the community as well as animals adopted through our shelter.
Our full-service practice includes digital radiography, a multi-table surgical suite, in-house diagnostic equipment, and six spacious exam rooms. Services include preventive care, chronic disease management, dentistry, diagnostic services, and routine and specialty surgical procedures.
This position is ideal for someone who wants meaningful hands-on animal-care experience and the opportunity to build a career in veterinary medicine within a supportive, team-oriented environment.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $15.00 - $16.50 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Are you able to work the position’s required day, evening, and Saturday shifts?
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Animal handling: 1 year (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Bensalem, PA 19020 (Required)
Work Location: In person
