PT Veterinary Assistant – Surgery & Appointments

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 Surgical/Appointment Veterinary Assistant supports the veterinary team in providing attentive, efficient, and compassionate care to patients and their families. This role assists with surgical and appointment-related duties, performs a range of clinical and technical tasks, and helps educate clients throughout their pets’ care. The Veterinary Assistant also contributes to a safe, organized hospital environment while helping the team maintain high medical standards, smooth daily operations, and a positive client experience.

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.
• Assistveterinarians 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 andmaintaindiagnostic 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.
• Maintainaccuratedaily 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 throughaccuratemedical recordkeeping, charge entry, and…