Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Assistant – Petco

Join us in creating a healthier, brighter future for pets, pet parents, and people! Petco is a category‑defining health and wellness company focused on improving the lives of pets, their owners, and our partners. With over 29,000 employees and 1,500+ pet care centers across the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico, Petco is committed to purpose‑driven work that benefits pets, people, and our planet.

The purpose of this position is to provide excellent medical care to our Vetco Total Care full‑service hospital patients while delivering phenomenal customer care to their owners. Veterinary Assistants represent the mission and values to all clients, setting the tone for technical and customer support and fostering teamwork and motivation within the practice.

• Greet clients and patients, escort them into exam rooms, obtain weight and vital signs, and record data in electronic medical records.
• Assist doctors during routine and emergency appointments, surgeries, dentistry, and euthanasia under supervision from a veterinarian credentialed veterinary technician, HOM, or HLOD.
• Perform patient restraint, obtain and process laboratory samples, handle and dispense medications, and help maintain the electronic medical record.
• Schedule appointments, provide client education, relay test results, and update client/patient records.
• Assist in preparing patients for surgical and dental procedures, including anesthesia and monitoring vital parameters during recovery.
• Administer in‑hospital treatments such as injectable and oral medications, intravenous fluid therapy, and basic patient care as directed by the veterinarian or technician.
• Assist in training new staff members and disseminate knowledge as required by the HOM/HLOD.
• Maintain a clean and safe hospital environment, performing regular cleaning as scheduled.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.
• Provide backup phone and front desk support as needed.

Veterinary Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring efficient day‑to‑day hospital operations and optimal experiences for patients and clients.

This position supports the growth of a productive practice, contributes to high‑quality care standards, and promotes employee retention, patient well‑being, and customer satisfaction.

This position has no immediate supervisory duties.

• At least 1‑year of veterinary practice experience or comparable animal care experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Compassionate and sympathetic with ability to maintain professionalism under stress.
• Proficient telephone and computer skills.
• Team player who is willing to learn new techniques, offer ideas, and embrace change.

The majority of duties are performed in the Veterinary Hospital, requiring bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 lbs), and standing for long periods. Direct client and pet interaction is a core part of the role.

Regular communication with clients, veterinary specialists, and product/service providers is essential.

For a detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards—including health and financial benefits, 401(k), incentives, and PTO—see the company career site.

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.