Spay & Neuter Center of Northern Virginia
A Division of Wolf Trap Animal Rescue
Fairfax, Virginia
Full-Time | Monday–Friday | Daytime Hours
Join Our Growing Surgical Team
The Spay & Neuter Center of Northern Virginia is seeking a motivated and compassionate Surgical Veterinary Assistant I to join our expanding High-Quality, High-Volume (HQHV) surgical program.
This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced, organized environment and takes pride in providing exceptional patient care. As part of our surgical team, you will play an essential role in helping deliver safe, efficient, and affordable surgical care to thousands of dogs and cats each year.
As our hospital continues to grow, we're looking for team members who are excited to grow alongside us while helping expand access to affordable veterinary care throughout Northern Virginia.
About Us
The Spay & Neuter Center of Northern Virginia is a specialized surgical practice dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable canine and feline spay and neuter services.
As part of Wolf Trap Animal Rescue, our work extends beyond surgery. Every procedure directly supports the lifesaving mission of our nonprofit rescue while helping reduce pet overpopulation and improve access to veterinary care throughout our community. Our hospital also serves as a teaching facility for veterinary interns and new graduate veterinarians receiving advanced training in High-Quality, High-Volume surgery.
Why You'll Love Working Here
Unlike many veterinary hospitals, our schedule is structured and predictable.
✔ Monday-Friday daytime schedule
✔ No overnight hospitalized patients
✔ No emergency walk-in cases
✔ No ICU or critical care
✔ Fast-paced, organized surgical environment
✔ Opportunity to develop specialized surgical skills
✔ Supportive, collaborative team
✔ Career advancement opportunities within a growing organization
Position Summary
As a Surgical Veterinary Assistant I, you will be an integral part of our surgical team, supporting veterinarians and Licensed Veterinary Technicians throughout the surgical process while ensuring every patient receives outstanding care before, during, and after surgery.
Our surgical schedule currently includes dedicated surgery days each week, with additional time spent supporting hospital operations as we continue expanding our surgical services. This position will evolve as our program grows, providing increasing opportunities for hands-on involvement in our High-Quality, High-Volume surgery program.
Responsibilities include:
Surgical Patient Care
- Admit surgical patients and verify medical records
- Obtain patient weights and assist with patient assessments
- Safely handle and restrain canine and feline patients
- Prepare patients for surgery, including clipping and aseptic surgical preparation
- Assist with anesthesia preparation and patient recovery under veterinary supervision
- Monitor recovering patients and promptly communicate concerns to the veterinary team
Surgical Suite Support
- Prepare surgical packs, instruments, and supplies
- Clean, sterilize, and organize surgical instruments
- Restock surgical and treatment areas
- Maintain anesthesia equipment and surgical workspaces
- Ensure the surgical suite remains clean, organized, and efficient throughout the day
Hospital Support
- Assist with laboratory sample collection and in-house diagnostics as trained
- Prepare medications and treatment areas
- Assist with medical record documentation
- Maintain inventory and hospital organization
- Provide additional support to the veterinary team as needed
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum one year of experience working in a veterinary hospital, animal shelter, rescue organization, or professional animal care setting
- Strong animal handling and restraint skills
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Positive attitude and strong work ethic
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
- Dependable and team-oriented
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
Preference will be given to candidates with experience in:
- Veterinary assisting
- Surgical patient preparation
- Shelter medicine
- Animal rescue
- High-volume veterinary practice
- Fear Free® handling techniques
We're looking for someone who:
- Enjoys working in surgery
- Loves working with animals
- Thrives in an organized, fast-paced environment
- Pays close attention to detail
- Takes pride in providing exceptional patient care
- Enjoys working as part of a collaborative team
- Is eager to continue learning and growing professionally
Career Growth
At Wolf Trap Animal Rescue, we believe in building careers—not just filling positions.
As our veterinary hospital and surgical program continue to expand, successful team members will have opportunities to grow their technical skills, assume greater responsibilities, and advance within our organization.
Team members may have opportunities to progress from Surgical Veterinary Assistant I to Surgical Veterinary Assistant II, taking on more advanced technical responsibilities and mentoring newer team members. As our hospital continues to grow, additional opportunities within our veterinary hospital and animal rescue programs may also become available for individuals interested in expanding their role.
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation: Starting at $15.00/hour, with opportunities for advancement based on performance, experience, and increased responsibilities.
Benefits include:
- Paid time off
- Employee discounts on veterinary services
- Uniform allowance
- Continuing education opportunities
- Professional development and mentorship
- Opportunities for advancement within a growing organization
How to Apply
Please submit your resume through Indeed.
A cover letter is strongly encouraged. We'd love to learn more about your interest in surgery, your experience working with animals, and why you'd like to join our growing surgical team.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $15.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Tell me about your surgical experience in veterinary medicine.
Experience:
- Veterinary Surgery: 1 year (Required)
Shift availability:
Ability to Commute:
- Fairfax, VA 22031 (Required)
Work Location: In person
