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Lakefield Veterinary Group

Family-owned vet hospital acquisition preserving legacy

Veterinary Assistant

Full-Time
$21 - $26+ Continuing education allowance + Uniform allowance
Mid
Port Orchard, WA, USA
In Person
Medical, Clinical & VeterinaryVeterinary Professionals

About the job

Requirements
  • A high school diploma or GED is required.
  • A certificate of completion from a NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant program is preferred.
  • One year of experience in a pet care setting is preferred.
  • Broad knowledge of animal science is required.
  • Basic knowledge of pharmacology is required.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft 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.
  • Compassion and empathy for pets and pet owners are required.
  • Ability to interact professionally, caringly, compassionately, and tactfully with a variety of clients and employees is required.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy is required.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills, including managing multiple priorities, are required.
  • Ability to handle and maintain sensitive and confidential information with discretion is required.
  • Ability to maintain a calm demeanor in an environment that ranges from orderly to fast-paced and stressful is required.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, is required.
  • The role requires walking, standing, and sitting for long periods and the ability to exert up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, 20 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly to lift, carry, pull, or move objects.
  • The role may involve exposure to low to moderate noise, disinfectant and sanitation chemicals, pet dander, excretions, and aggressive, frightened, abused, or injured pets that may bite or scratch.
Responsibilities
  • Support veterinarians and veterinary technicians to ensure pet and client safety and continuity of quality veterinary care, keeping pets safe and comfortable during visits.
  • Obtain initial patient information, medical histories, vaccination records, and reasons for visits; document and update patient 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 veterinarians.
  • Monitor and track pets' physical status and vital signs following surgery.
  • Monitor, record, and report the physical condition and vital signs of hospitalized pets.
  • Clean and disinfect cages, pens, runs, and boarding areas.
  • Clean and disinfect exam rooms and medical equipment, and prepare them and surgery areas between appointments.
  • Feed, water, bathe, and exercise pets during visits.
  • Respond to general client questions.
  • Perform and set up procedures that do not require assistance from a veterinarian or veterinary technician.
  • Examine pets, perform basic health checks for signs of disease, illness, or injury, and provide treatment under a veterinarian's 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 professional, efficient, quality care and service to clients while maintaining productivity.
  • Support a collaborative practice environment that ensures quality, compassionate, effective, and efficient healthcare for pets.
  • Comply with practice policies, quality assurance guidelines, and minimum standards of care.
  • Perform other duties as requested.
Desired Qualifications
  • One year of experience in a pet care setting.

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

Performance Bonus

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.