Veterinary Assistant - Surgery

Department: Veterinary Assistants

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Huntington, New York

Compensation: $17.00 - $18.00 / hour

Description

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Supporting our surgeon, Licensed Veterinary Technicians, and surgical team throughout a busy day of procedures.
• Preparing surgical suites, equipment, instruments, and supplies before scheduled procedures.
• Scrubbing in and providing appropriate non-technical support during surgical procedures, under the direction of the veterinary team and within New York State scope-of-practice guidelines.
• Maintaining sterile technique, assisting with surgical room organization, and helping preserve a clean and safe operating environment.
• Cleaning, sterilizing, organizing, and preparing surgical instruments and packs according to established protocols.
• Assisting with patient handling, restraint, positioning support, and safe transport as directed by the clinical team.
• Supporting surgical patient preparation and recovery areas through appropriate non-technical assistance.
• Reviewing patient records for completeness, organizing paperwork, and communicating relevant information to the appropriate clinical team members.
• Assisting with client communication, scheduling, and relaying veterinarian- or LVT-approved preoperative and postoperative instructions.
• Maintaining surgical supply inventory, restocking materials, and ensuring treatment areas remain organized and ready for the next patient.
• Working closely with the surgical team to support an efficient workflow while maintaining a strong focus on patient safety.

Skills Knowledge and Expertise

• Previous veterinary assistant or animal care experience preferred.
• Experience in surgical assisting and familiarity with surgical instruments and equipment preferred, but not required.
• Basic understanding of sterile technique, infection control, and surgical preparation protocols.
• Comfort scrubbing into procedures and maintaining focus while standing for extended periods, sometimes several hours at a time, with reasonable accommodations as needed.
• Confidence handling and safely restraining dogs and cats.
• Ability to work independently on assigned support tasks while also collaborating closely with veterinarians, LVTs, and fellow assistants.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow established procedures and instructions.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• A reliable, friendly, and positive attitude, with a willingness to jump in wherever support is needed.
• Ability to remain organized and adaptable in a high-volume surgical environment.
• A genuine interest in patient care, teamwork, and specialty veterinary medicine.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation: $17–$18/hour, based on experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance 
• Tuition Reimbursement (in an accredited Veterinary Technology program)  
• Retirement: 401(K) with employer match  
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays 
• Training and career development 
• Paid license fees and dues 
• Generous CE allowance 
• Paid VTS specialization