Veterinary Assistant / Client Service Representative

Are you looking to make a positive impact in the lives of pets and their people? Do you enjoy being part of a collaborative veterinary team where your individual strengths are valued and supported? Are you ready for a new opportunity in a practice that cares about both excellent patient care and a healthy workplace culture?

Veterinary Care of Ithaca is looking for an experienced Veterinary Assistant / Client Service Representative to join our growing team.

Who We Are

We are a privately owned, progressive small animal veterinary practice located in downtown Ithaca, NY, and have proudly served pets and families in Tompkins County for more than 40 years.

Our doctors and staff place a strong emphasis on compassionate, fear-free patient care. Our management team is committed to creating an emotionally intelligent work environment where people can do meaningful work, continue to grow professionally, and maintain a healthy work/life balance.

We value kindness, accountability, teamwork, common sense, and a genuine appreciation for the unique bond between animals and the people who love them.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking an experienced veterinary professional who is equally comfortable providing hands-on patient care and serving as a welcoming, capable presence at our busy front desk.

The ideal candidate is an empathetic and confident communicator who can build positive relationships with clients while also communicating effectively with doctors, technicians, assistants, and other members of our team.

This is a fast-paced position that requires someone who can multitask, prioritize, stay organized, and remain calm and professional when things get busy. Strong interpersonal skills, good judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities are essential.

Ideally, candidates will have recent experience in a general-practice small animal veterinary setting and a working knowledge of veterinary medical terminology, patient handling, basic veterinary nursing care, and common practice workflows.

What You Will Do

This is a varied role that combines veterinary assisting with client service responsibilities. Your day-to-day responsibilities may include:

Veterinary Assistant Responsibilities

• Safely and compassionately handling and restraining patients
• Assisting veterinarians and veterinary technicians with examinations, treatments, procedures, and patient care
• Preparing medications, vaccinations, and treatments as prescribed by veterinarians
• Collecting and preparing blood, urine, fecal, and other laboratory samples
• Providing basic patient care and monitoring as directed
• Maintaining clean, organized, and appropriately stocked exam rooms and treatment areas
• Cleaning and sterilizing instruments and medical equipment
• Assisting with inventory receipt, unpacking, stocking, and general clinic organization
• Maintaining accurate patient information and medical records

Client Service Responsibilities

• Welcoming clients and patients with warmth, professionalism, and empathy
• Answering a busy multi-line telephone system and responding to client questions
• Scheduling appointments and procedures while balancing patient needs, doctor availability, and practice protocols
• Communicating clearly with clients regarding appointments, medications, follow-up care, and other routine practice needs
• Processing payments and assisting with account questions
• Maintaining accurate client and patient information in our practice management system
• Helping clients navigate stressful or emotional situations with patience, compassion, and professionalism
• Communicating effectively with the medical team to ensure continuity of patient care
• Recognizing when a question or concern requires escalation to a veterinary technician, doctor, or member of management

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role?

We are looking for someone who:

• Has excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Is warm, compassionate, and genuinely enjoys working with people
• Can communicate confidently and respectfully, even during difficult or stressful interactions
• Is comfortable working in a busy environment with frequent interruptions and changing priorities
• Can move seamlessly between front-desk responsibilities and hands-on patient care
• Has strong attention to detail and takes pride in accurate work
• Is dependable, organized, and able to follow through
• Works well independently while also being a supportive team member
• Uses good judgment and common sense
• Has a positive attitude and a willingness to learn
• Understands that excellent veterinary care includes excellent client care

What We Offer

We offer competitive wages and a healthy, positive, and mindful practice culture.

Benefits include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Matched 401(k) retirement savings
• Generous employee pet-care discount
• Uniform allowance
• Continuing education opportunities
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• A collaborative team environment that values professional growth and work/life balance

If you are an experienced veterinary professional who enjoys both caring for animals and connecting with people, we would love to hear from you.

No phone calls or walk-ins, please.

Pay: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 33.0 – 36.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Uniform allowance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person