Who We Are:
The Hospital for Veterinary Surgery is a new, purpose-built surgical center in the heart of Greenwich’s West End. Spanning 10,000+ square feet and designed from the ground up, we’re bringing cutting-edge surgical and critical care services to a region that has long needed them. This is our second HVS location, and we're building it with the same focus that made our first a destination for exceptional patient outcomes, supportive and transparent team culture, and forward-thinking medicine.
The Hospital for Veterinary Surgery is seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant to support the daily operations of our growing Rehabilitation Department.
The ideal candidate will possess strong veterinary assistant knowledge, excellent patient handling skills, and a commitment to providing high-quality patient care.
This position works closely with our Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP), veterinarians, and rehabilitation team to assist with individualized rehabilitation treatments, support post-operative recovery, and improve patient mobility and overall quality of life.
The Rehabilitation Assistant will be responsible for supporting patient treatments, maintaining accurate medical records, assisting with client communication, operating and maintaining rehabilitation equipment, and supporting the clinical and administrative needs of the department.
We are seeking a motivated, organized, and compassionate individual who demonstrates initiative, attention to detail, and a strong interest in veterinary rehabilitation.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Minimum of two years of clinical experience as a Veterinary Assistant required; specialty or emergency hospital experience preferred.
- Strong proficiency in patient handling, restraint, and safe mobility assistance, particularly for post-operative, painful, geriatric, or mobility-compromised patients.
- Demonstrated commitment to high-quality patient care, technical support, and client communication.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Excellent organizational, multitasking, and communication skills.
- Ability to follow detailed treatment protocols, maintain accurate documentation, and complete departmental checklists.
- Professionalism and composure when managing challenging patient situations.
- Ability to safely lift, bend, kneel, and assist with transporting patients weighing up to 50 pounds, with team assistance or appropriate equipment for larger patients.
- Strong interest in veterinary rehabilitation, post-operative recovery, mobility support, and continued professional development.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities:
Patient Care & Rehabilitation Support
- Provide exceptional patient care while maintaining patient comfort, cleanliness, and safety throughout rehabilitation visits.
- Safely handle, restrain, and assist patients experiencing pain, weakness, mobility limitations, or post-operative restrictions.
- Assist the CCRP with individualized rehabilitation treatments and prescribed modalities under appropriate clinical supervision.
- Assist with underwater treadmill treatments, including patient preparation, safe entry and exit, handling, monitoring, and post-treatment care.
- Support additional rehabilitation modalities and treatments as directed by the CCRP or attending veterinarian.
- Observe and communicate changes in patient comfort, mobility, tolerance, and overall condition to the supervising clinician.
- Assist with patient appointments, admissions, transfers, and discharges.
- Support the rehabilitation team in delivering a positive and consistent patient experience.
Equipment & Department Maintenance
- Safely operate, clean, and maintain rehabilitation equipment, including the underwater treadmill, according to established protocols.
- Assist with routine equipment inspections, maintenance schedules, and communication with equipment support teams when needed.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe rehabilitation treatment environment.
- Monitor rehabilitation supplies and inventory, including restocking and communicating ordering needs.
- Complete daily departmental opening, closing, cleaning, and equipment maintenance checklists.
Medical Records & Administrative Support
- Accurately document patient information, treatments, observations, and other required information within the hospital's electronic medical record system.
- Assist with maintaining and uploading patient records, treatment videos, and other necessary documentation.
- Support appointment preparation by ensuring required patient records, referrals, and relevant medical information are available.
- Assist with scheduling coordination, patient follow-up, and departmental workflows.
- Collaborate with the Rehabilitation Coordinator to support the administrative needs of clients and the rehabilitation team.
- Maintain accurate records and complete departmental paperwork in accordance with hospital protocols.
Client Communication & Team Collaboration
- Communicate professionally and compassionately with clients, veterinarians, and hospital team members.
- Assist with client education regarding rehabilitation appointments, prescribed at-home care instructions, and recovery expectations as directed by the supervising clinician.
- Demonstrate familiarity with departmental services, appointment types, treatment packages, and pricing structures to accurately answer client questions.
- Advocate for the comfort, safety, and well-being of patients while supporting a positive client experience.
- Maintain strong working relationships with the Surgery, Internal Medicine, and other hospital departments.
- Demonstrate initiative, accountability, and a willingness to support the department as patient needs and scheduling demands evolve.
- Perform additional duties as assigned to support hospital and departmental operations.
What We Offer
- Compensation: $19–$22 per hour
- Schedule: Full-time, four 10-hour weekday shifts, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Work-Life Balance: No nights, weekends, major holidays, or on-call shifts
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Generous PTO, up to 120 hours annually
- Three paid continuing education days annually
- Continuing education registration reimbursement and eligible travel expenses
- Discounted pet insurance through MetLife
- Paid parental leave
- 401(k) with company match
- Voluntary benefits through MetLife
- Employee pet discounts
- Scrub allowance
- Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
Continuing Education & Career Development
At HVS, we believe in investing in our team members and supporting their continued professional growth.
Veterinary Assistants are eligible for unlimited continuing education registration reimbursement for approved conferences, wet labs, and skill-development courses, along with up to $750 annually in eligible travel expenses.
Penn Foster Veterinary Technician Program
Full-time Veterinary Assistants in good standing may be eligible to participate in our fully sponsored Penn Foster Veterinary Technician Degree Program.
HVS provides tuition support for up to four semesters, structured educational check-ins, flexibility for required externships, and coverage of VTNE examination and licensure fees following graduation, with no post-graduation work commitment required.
Come as You Are
The Hospital for Veterinary Surgery is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace.
We welcome applicants regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, race, color, national origin, disability, pregnancy or parental status, marital status, genetic information, religion, political affiliation, military or veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Applicants are welcome to include their preferred pronouns in their application.