Veterinary Assistant
$20 - $25/hr+ Performance-based bonus
Entry
Springfield, OR, USA
In Person
Medical, Clinical & VeterinaryVeterinary Professionals
About the job
Requirements
- A high school diploma or GED is required.
- A broad knowledge of animal science is required.
- Basic knowledge of pharmacology is required.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and industry internet sites is required.
- Basic written, verbal, and active listening communication skills with a customer-oriented approach are required.
- Basic mathematical skills to ensure accurate drug and fluid doses are required.
- Basic analytical, critical thinking, judgment, and problem-solving skills are required.
- The ability to interact professionally, caringly, compassionately, and tactfully with a variety of clients and employees is required.
- Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy are required.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, including managing multiple priorities, are required.
- The ability to handle and maintain sensitive and confidential information with discretion is required.
- The ability to maintain a calm demeanor in an environment that ranges from orderly to fast-paced and stressful is required.
- The role requires walking, standing, and sitting for long periods, frequent computer use, and the ability to exert up to 30 pounds occasionally, 20 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly.
- The role may involve exposure to low to moderate noise, sanitation chemicals, pet dander, excretions, and frightened, abused, injured, or aggressive pets that may bite or scratch.
- The ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, is required.
Responsibilities
- Support and assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians while ensuring pet and client safety and continuity of quality veterinary care.
- Clean, disinfect, and prepare exam rooms, medical equipment, and surgery areas between appointments.
- Obtain initial patient information, medical histories, vaccination records, and reasons for visits; document patient information and update records.
- Calm, soothe, comfort, and restrain pets before, during, and after procedures.
- Record examination results and update records as directed by veterinarians.
- Educate pet owners and provide resources and information on general pet care, specific conditions, and post-procedure care as directed by the veterinarian.
- Monitor and track pets’ physical status and vital signs following surgery.
- Monitor, record, and report the physical condition and vital signs of hospitalized and boarded pets.
- Clean and disinfect cages, pens, runs, and boarding areas.
- Feed, water, bathe, and exercise pets during their visit.
- Respond to general questions from clients.
- Perform and set up procedures that do not require veterinarian or veterinary technician assistance.
- Examine pets, perform basic health checks for signs of disease, illness, or injury, and treat them under veterinarian direction.
- As directed by a veterinarian or veterinary technician, administer medication, perform routine laboratory tests, fill prescriptions, and educate clients about medication use and side effects.
- Provide efficient, quality care and service to clients while maintaining productivity.
- Support a collaborative practice environment that delivers quality, compassionate, effective, and efficient health care to pets.
- Comply with practice policies, quality assurance guidelines, and minimum standards of care.
- Perform other duties as requested.
Desired Qualifications
- Completion of a NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant program is preferred.
- One year of experience in a pet care setting is preferred.
About the company
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
Get referred to Lakefield Veterinary Group
See people who can refer or advise you
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.
Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?
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