Veterinary Assistant

Seattle Humane

Veterinary Assistant providing shelter medicine, hospitalized-animal care, and public clinic services at Seattle Humane. Supporting high-volume spay/neuter surgeries, anesthesia monitoring, dental procedures, and animal welfare programs.

Posted 8/5/2026full-timeBellevue • Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $26 - $28 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates proficiency in animal care, including administering medications, performing diagnostic procedures, and assisting in surgical settings. Exhibits strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a high-volume clinic environment while adhering to safety protocols.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Veterinary Med Clerk LicenseAnimal Handling and RestraintPhlebotomy and VenipunctureDigital RadiographyEmergency Response and CPR

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Medication AdministrationIV Catheter PlacementDiagnostic TestingAnimal HusbandryDental ProceduresSurgical AssistanceVital Signs MonitoringEuthanasia AssistanceMathematical OperationsLow-Stress Animal Handling

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationTeam CollaborationStress ManagementAdaptabilityProblem-Solving

Certifications & Qualifications

Veterinary Med Clerk License

Industry Keywords

Veterinary CareAnimal BehaviorShelter EnvironmentHigh-Volume ClinicStandard Operating Procedures

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide daily care for animals needing veterinary care
Assist veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians with pre-, peri-, and post-operative care
Care for hospitalized patients and community clinic patients
Fill prescriptions and administer medications, vaccinations, and other treatments
Place and maintain IV catheters
Obtain diagnostics, including digital radiography, phlebotomy, and in-house laboratory processing
Treat infectious diseases including Ringworm, Upper Respiratory Infection, Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease, Panleukopenia, and Parvovirus
Perform animal husbandry duties including cleaning, feeding, watering, medicating, and monitoring animals
Assist with or perform euthanasia if certified
Conduct public appointments, including history gathering, animal restraint, treatments, and dispensing medications
Support the high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinic performing surgery on 20–50 patients daily per DVM
Monitor vital signs of anesthetized patients
Assist with dental procedures, dental radiography, and scaling/polishing teeth
Perform venipuncture and bladder expression on anesthetized patients
Assist with patient movement, recovery, and clinic flow
Restrain patients for induction and intubation and prepare patients for surgery
Set up and break down clinic and surgery areas, including cleaning, stocking, pack wrapping, instrument sterilization, laundry, and organization
Support Veterinary Reception as needed
Work with volunteers and provide support and training as needed
Coordinate with departments regarding the medical needs of shelter animals
Respond appropriately during emergencies and maintain competency during CPR procedures
Communicate with the public, Seattle Humane staff, volunteers, adopters, and clients
Follow departmental standard operating procedures
Report health, behavior, safety, and security concerns to the supervisor

Requirements

What you’ll need

Ability to obtain a Veterinary Med Clerk license; this can be obtained on the job
Familiarity with animal behavior characteristics
Ability to use low-stress animal handling in a clinic or shelter environment
Ability to use appropriate safety equipment for fractious or feral animals
Ability to handle large volumes of animals per day
Proficiency in safe animal handling and restraint for various clinic procedures
Ability to read, write, listen, and communicate effectively
Ability to perform basic mathematical operations
Ability to identify personal limitations and ask for help
Ability to work independently or as part of a team
Ability to stand or sit for 10 or more hours
Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds repeatedly, with or without accommodation
Ability to bend, kneel, and work on hands and knees repeatedly
Ability to use ladders and step stools
Acceptable dexterity in hands and fingers
Ability to work efficiently in stressful conditions with frequent interruptions
Ability to respond quickly to medical situations and process information accurately
Ability to work primarily indoors in an office/clinic setting for nine to twelve hours per day
Commitment to Seattle Humane’s Core Values: Collaboration, Compassion, Accessibility, Respect, and Adaptability

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health, dental, vision and more
3 weeks paid time off
10 paid holidays
403b with employer match
Annual CE stipend for DVMs and LVTs