Veterinary Assistant in Mount Airy

Mount Airy Veterinary Associates is a companion animal focused general practice that sees some exotics in Mount Airy, Maryland near Frederick and Germantown. Our team stands out due to our positive, communicative and open-minded leadership and engaged, outgoing support staff team. We value the feedback of team members in every role and invite open conversations to continue improving everything we do. Because of this, our team member engagement scores are the highest in out network!

Mt. Airy Veterinary Associates is looking for a Veterinary Assistant who loves animals, enjoys working with people, and wants to be part of a team that takes pride in providing great patient care and a great client experience.

We are a general practice where our assistants are an important part of the entire appointment—not just the person holding the pet. Our assistants work closely with our doctors, communicate with clients, help keep appointments moving, assist with treatments and procedures, and make sure our patients receive compassionate, individualized care.

Veterinary experience is preferred, but we are willing to train the right person. If you are dependable, motivated, comfortable talking with people, eager to learn, and willing to jump in where the team needs you, we want to hear from you.

What You'll Do

• Provide compassionate, professional care to patients and clients at all times.
• Assist veterinarians during outpatient exams, diagnostics, treatments, and surgical procedures.
• Obtain patient histories, record TPRs and other patient information, and maintain accurate medical records.
• Safely restrain dogs and cats of varying sizes and temperaments using low-stress handling techniques.
• Draw up and administer vaccines and medications as directed.
• Collect blood, urine, fecal, and other laboratory samples and perform basic laboratory testing as trained.
• Create, review, and enter treatment plans accurately in the medical record system.
• Educate clients about vaccinations, medications, preventive care, treatment plans, and follow-up recommendations.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with clients, doctors, and team members, including answering phones and routing inquiries when needed.
• Handle sensitive client situations with empathy and discretion and appropriately escalate medical questions.
• Enter charges accurately and assist with client checkout and payment processing when needed.
• Fill prescriptions and assist with routine client communications and follow-up as directed.
• Keep exam rooms, treatment areas, and hospital spaces clean, stocked, organized, and ready for the next patient.
• Help with laundry, cleaning, stocking, and general hospital upkeep—we all pitch in.
• Demonstrate consistent reliability, punctuality, professionalism, and commitment to supporting patients, clients, and hospital operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Opportunities to Grow

As your skills develop, there are opportunities to take on more advanced responsibilities, including:

• Running outpatient and care-team appointments more independently
• Venipuncture and laboratory procedures
• IV catheter placement
• Digital radiographs
• Surgical patient preparation
• Anesthesia monitoring and patient recovery
• Dental radiographs
• Dental scaling and polishing
• Surgical instrument cleaning, sterilization, and preparation
• Client education and surgical discharge appointments

We want our assistants to continue learning. Increased skill, independence, efficiency, and responsibility create opportunities for growth within the hospital.

What We're Looking For

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous experience working with animals is preferred; veterinary or animal-care experience is strongly valued.
• Comfortable learning new skills and receiving feedback.
• Strong communication and customer-service skills.
• Able to work independently while also recognizing when the team needs help.
• Reliable, punctual, organized, and willing to take initiative.
• Basic computer proficiency, including the ability to use practice-management software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Able to maintain composure and professionalism during emotionally challenging or high-stress situations.
• Able to work safely around cleaning chemicals, anesthetic gases, radiation, zoonotic diseases, and animal bodily fluids.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and safely handle animals up to 130 pounds.
• Comfortable sitting, standing, walking, bending, and kneeling for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Professional, neat appearance consistent with hospital standards.

Schedule

Candidates must be able to work a flexible schedule and be available for scheduling during the hours the practice is open based on hospital staffing needs. Full-time hours are 35-40 hours weekly – typically a 4 day work week with one Saturday shift a month.

Compensation & Benefits

$17-22/hour - Compensation is based on veterinary experience, demonstrated skills, and level of responsibility. 

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Staff pet discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Opportunities for training, skill development, and professional growth

The Person Who Will Thrive Here

You don't need to know everything on day one. You do need to want to learn.

We're looking for someone who enjoys being busy, communicates well with clients and coworkers, takes feedback, notices what needs to be done, and is willing to help. As your skills grow, we want your responsibilities and opportunities to grow with them.

If you're looking for a veterinary hospital where you can learn, contribute, and become an important part of the team, we'd love to meet you.