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Lakefield Veterinary Group

Family-owned vet hospital acquisition preserving legacy

Veterinary Assistant - Emergency/Critical Care

Full-Time
$22 - $26+ $1.50/hour weekday evening/night differential + $1.50/hour weekend day differential + $3.00/hour weekend evening/night differential
Entry
Certification
Bellevue, WA, USA
In Person
Medical, Clinical & VeterinaryVeterinary Professionals

About the job

Requirements
  • A high school diploma or GED is required.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for long periods.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.
  • Broad knowledge of animal science and basic knowledge of pharmacology.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and industry internet sites.
  • Basic written, verbal, and active listening communication skills with a customer-oriented approach.
  • Basic mathematical skills to ensure accurate drug and fluid doses.
  • Basic analytical, critical thinking, judgment, and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy, organizational and time-management skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information discreetly.
  • Ability to maintain a calm demeanor in fluctuating, stressful work conditions.
  • Ability to count and assess heart rate, pulse rate, capillary refill time, mucous membranes, temperature, respiratory rate, and effort.
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and treatment sheets accurately and timely.
  • Ability to communicate professionally and compassionately with clients and colleagues.
Responsibilities
  • Assist veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians with emergency procedures, treatments, and animal medical care.
  • Prepare and maintain clean, organized, stocked treatment areas; clean, disinfect, and prepare exam rooms.
  • Perform triage and history taking; assist with physical exams, basic nursing care, and discharges.
  • Provide nursing care to patients according to hospital standards and core values.
  • Perform phlebotomy and place intravenous catheters under the supervision of a veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician.
  • Remain current on R.E.C.O.V.E.R. CPR guidelines and demonstrate proficiency in assigned roles as directed by the attending clinician or supervisor.
  • Set up supplies for centesis, central line placement, NG tube placement, intravenous catheter placement, and other procedures for licensed veterinary technicians and veterinarians.
  • Clean, wrap, and sterilize surgical instruments.
  • Walk patients and safely restrain them during exams, treatments, procedures, and radiographs.
  • Take and record vital signs, administer medications, and perform laboratory tests.
  • Assist licensed veterinary technicians with restraint, procedures, and treatments.
  • Communicate pet-status updates, discharge instructions, and follow-up care to clients.
  • Follow hospital protocols and comply with state and federal regulations.
  • Provide professional, efficient, quality care and client service while maintaining productivity.
  • Support a collaborative practice environment that delivers compassionate, effective, and efficient care to pets.
  • Perform other duties as requested.
Desired Qualifications
  • An active Washington State Medication Clerk License is preferred.
  • A certificate of completion from a NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant program is preferred.
  • One to two years of emergency and critical care experience as a veterinary assistant is preferred.

About the company

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Lakefield Veterinary Group

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Lakefield Veterinary Group acquires and preserves independent veterinary practices, helping veterinarians sell their practice while maintaining local autonomy and community legacy. It functions as a family-owned veterinary hospital acquisition partner that tailors each deal to preserve what makes a practice special and aligns with the needs of both clients and pets. The company differentiates itself by valuing legacy, community, and individualized client care, working with practices that share these values rather than pursuing a one-size-fits-all model. The goal is to support veterinarians who want to sell or join the Lakefield network while maintaining the practice’s local identity and standards.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

Growth Equity (Non-Venture Capital)

Total Funding

$105M

Headquarters

Kent, Washington

Founded

2014

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • June 2026 launched Care Beyond Limits Fund, strengthening client loyalty and community goodwill.
  • Scoutify tracked 25 open roles in May 2026, showing continued hiring momentum.
  • Heritage Pet Hospital advertised a brand-new 2026 facility, signaling ongoing network investment.

What critics are saying

  • Indeed reviews show 2.6 management and 2.8 work-life balance, signaling retention strain.
  • January 2026 reviews cite understaffing, minimal training, and only six PTO days.
  • Aggressive acquisitions and local-brand autonomy create integration risk if hospital quality slips.

What makes Lakefield Veterinary Group unique

  • Lakefield runs 80-plus hospitals across 12 states, preserving local hospital brands.
  • Peloton invested minority capital in July 2024, backing measured acquisition-led expansion.
  • World Vets and Lakefield opened Galapagos San Cristobal's free clinic, boosting mission credibility.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
  • Flexible Work Hours
  • Paid Vacation
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • 401(k) Company Match
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Professional Development Budget

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

20%

1 year growth

20%

2 year growth

20%
Business Wire
Aug 28th, 2025
Lakefield Veterinary Group Earns Spot on the Inc. 5000 List of Fastest-Growing Companies

Lakefield Veterinary Group earns spot on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies.

Lakefield Veterinary Group
Feb 27th, 2025
Celebrating the 2025 Lakefield National Award Winners

This year, Lakefield Veterinary Group had the chance to celebrate regional winners in person, followed by a companywide National Virtual Awards show.

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Jul 19th, 2024
SEC FORM D

The Securities and Exchange Commission has not necessarily reviewed the information in this filing and has not determined if it is accurate and complete.The reader should not assume that the information is accurate and complete.

dvm360
Apr 2nd, 2022
Lakefield Veterinary Group launches ’ first free-of-charge veterinary hospital

Lakefield Veterinary Group has launched its’ first free-of-charge veterinary hospital, on the Galapagos Islands, in collaboration with the international veterinary aid organization World Vets.

World Vets
Nov 7th, 2021
Lakefield Veterinary Group launched World Vets Galapagos, Conservation Medicine Program on the Galápagos Islands on Nov 6th 21'.

November 6, 2021 World Vets, along with its founding sponsor Lakefield Veterinary Group, is excited to announce the official launch of World Vets Galapagos, Conservation Medicine Program on the Galápagos Islands.