Surgical​/Appointment Veterinary Assistant

Wheaton Animal Hospital
- Surgical/Appointment Veterinary Assistant

Kensington, Maryland, United States

Wheaton Animal Hospital , located in Kensington, Maryland just outside of Washington D.C. and Baltimore, has been providing quality, compassionate care for Maryland's pets since 1947. Treating dogs, cats, and exotic animals, our team is staffed by compassionate professionals focused on providing pet care in a relaxed environment. Our facility offers modern technology and a wide range of services, including wellness care, surgery, dentistry, diagnostics, and emergency care.

With more than sixty years of experience, the Wheaton Animal Hospital team are tried and true specialists whose goal is the safekeeping of our small animal patients.

Position Summary:

The Veterinary Assistant plays a vital role in assisting veterinarians and the medical support team to ensure the delivery of high‑quality, compassionate care to pets and their families. This position is responsible for performing a variety of technical, clinical, and client education duties that enhance efficiency, promote a safe and collaborative hospital environment, and elevate the overall client experience. The Veterinary Technician also assists in maintaining consistent, excellent medical standards and operational flow.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provides compassionate, professional care to patients and clients at all times.
• Communicates clearly and respectfully with clients, doctors, and team members, including answering phones and routing inquiries as needed.
• Handles sensitive client situations with empathy and discretion, escalating medical questions appropriately.
• Provide high-quality nursing care to hospitalized patients, including IV catheter placement, medication administration, and ongoing monitoring.
• Assists the veterinarian during exams, diagnostics, treatments, and surgical procedures.
• Safely restrains animals of varying sizes and temperaments using low-stress handling techniques.
• Administers medications, draws up vaccines, collects lab samples, and performs basic lab tests as directed.
• Educates clients on common vaccinations, medications, and treatment protocols to ensure understanding of care plans and follow‑up recommendations.
• Accurately records patient information and maintains organized, up‑to‑date medical records.
• Enters charges accurately and assists with the client check‑out process, including processing payments when needed.
• Ensures exam rooms, treatment areas, and hospital spaces are clean, stocked, and well maintained.
• Demonstrates consistent reliability, punctuality, and commitment to supporting patients, clients, and hospital operations.
• Prepare, monitor, and recover patients undergoing surgical procedures, ensuring patient safety and comfort throughout all phases of care.
• Assist veterinarians during examinations, diagnostics, treatments, and surgical procedures, providing proper restraint, preparation, and patient monitoring.
• Perform laboratory diagnostics including urinalysis, hematology, fecals, and cytology; accurately document, interpret, and communicate results as appropriate.
• Operate and maintain diagnostic equipment, including radiology and ultrasound systems, in compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
• Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, and treatments as prescribed, maintaining strict compliance with DEA, OSHA, and hospital regulations.
• Maintain accurate daily controlled drug logs and ensure proper handling, storage, and documentation of controlled substances.
• Create, review, and enter treatment plans accurately in the medical record system.
• Support hospital operations through accurate medical record…