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Lakefield Veterinary Group

Family-owned vet hospital acquisition preserving legacy

Experienced Veterinary Assistant

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/23/2026
$20 - $25/hr
Junior
Portland, OR, USA
In Person
Medical, Clinical & VeterinaryVeterinary Professionals

About the job

Requirements
  • Applicants should be proficient in venipuncture, catheter placement, digital radiology, anesthesia, surgery, dentistry, pharmacy duties, and general nursing care.
  • Candidates should have at least one year of experience as a Veterinary Assistant.
  • Submit a current resume and three professional references. Cover letters and letters of recommendation are optional.
  • The role requires standing, sitting, and walking for extended periods, lifting up to 40 pounds occasionally, 25 pounds frequently, and 15 pounds regularly, and exposure to moderate noise, cleaning chemicals, pet dander, and animal waste.
Responsibilities
  • Deliver high-quality medical care and outstanding service while maintaining efficiency.
  • Gather patient histories from clients and referring veterinarians.
  • Conduct initial patient assessments, observe behavior, and record vital signs.
  • Assist veterinarians throughout exams, diagnostic procedures, treatments, and surgeries.
  • Safely restrain pets during examinations and procedures.
  • Maintain accurate medical records and documentation.
  • Collect and prepare blood, urine, fecal, and other diagnostic samples.
  • Perform in-house laboratory testing and record results.
  • Educate clients on nutrition, preventive care, and general pet health.
  • Take digital radiographs and relay results to the veterinarian.
  • Fill prescriptions under veterinary direction.
  • Administer injections, vaccinations, and medications with supervision.
  • Perform dental prophylaxis, venipuncture, catheter placement, and other procedures under veterinary supervision.
  • Prepare patients, equipment, and medications for surgery.
  • Support a collaborative, compassionate, and efficient work environment.
  • Follow all hospital protocols, quality assurance standards, and safety guidelines.
  • Perform additional duties or projects as assigned.
  • Contribute to a positive workplace and take pride in being part of the hospital.
Desired Qualifications
  • Candidates motivated to continue developing their skills are strongly encouraged to apply.

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 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

6 month growth

19%

1 year growth

18%

2 year growth

18%
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.