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Lakefield Veterinary Group

Family-owned vet hospital acquisition preserving legacy

Veterinary Assistant

Full-Time
$18 - $22
Mid
Lacey, WA, USA
In Person
Medical, Clinical & VeterinaryVeterinary Professionals

About the job

Requirements
  • A high school diploma or GED is required.
  • One year of experience in a pet care setting is required.
Responsibilities
  • Clean, disinfect, and prepare exam rooms, medical equipment, and surgery areas between each appointment.
  • 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.
  • Provide owners with general pet-care education and resources, and information about 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 the veterinarian’s direction.
  • As directed by a veterinarian or veterinary technician, administer medication, perform routine laboratory tests, fill prescriptions, and educate clients on medication use and side effects.
  • Provide professional, 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 certificate from a NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant program.
  • Broad knowledge of animal science.
  • 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 for accurately administering drug and fluid doses.
  • Basic analytical, critical-thinking, judgment, and problem-solving skills.
  • Compassion and empathy for pets and pet owners.
  • Ability to interact professionally, caringly, compassionately, and tactfully with clients and employees.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills, including managing multiple priorities.
  • Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information discreetly.
  • Ability to maintain a calm demeanor in an orderly, fast-paced, or stressful work environment.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
  • Ability to meet the role’s physical demands, including prolonged walking, standing, and sitting; lifting, carrying, pulling, or moving objects; and possible exposure to noise, sanitation chemicals, pet dander, excretions, and aggressive, frightened, abused, or injured pets.

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

Get referred to Lakefield Veterinary Group

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Simplify Jobs

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.