Veterinary Assistant

Since opening Kenton Animal Hospital in 2016 and Cathedral Animal Hospital in 2019, we have grown exponentially, and are looking for our next Veterinary Assistant. We are two independently women-owned companion animal practices located in Portland’s vibrant Kenton and St. Johns neighborhoods. Community involvement is at the heart of what we do, and we take pride in supporting local organizations and events including the Portland Animal Welfare (PAW) Team, PrideVMC, PVMA, OVTAA, and more.

As an integrative practice, we offer a multi-modal and individualized approach to each patient through traditionally familiar Western medicine, as well as other modalities which includes TVCM, acupuncture, laser therapy, herbal medicine and massage therapy. We practice Fear-Free techniques and take each patient’s physical and emotional well being into account for each visit.

As a Veterinary Assistant, you will support our veterinarians with all aspects of patient care, collect thorough patient medical history for appointments, provide safe and humane patient handling, fill and administer medications, perform radiography, collect specimens for diagnostic testing, maintain detailed and appropriate communication between staff and clients, and more!

For advanced assistants, job requirements may also include monitoring sedated and anesthetized procedures, placing IV catheters, wound care, performing dental prophylaxis and dental radiographs, and more advanced specimen collection such as cystocentesis.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate will have at least one year of veterinary experience, with a willingness to work at both locations. We are CLOSED on weekends(!), and typically schedule four 10-hour shifts.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during 8–10 hour shifts
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40–50 pounds independently (assistance available for heavier patients)
• Ability to safely restrain dogs and cats of various sizes and temperaments
• Frequent bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and working at floor level for patient care and cleaning tasks
• Manual dexterity sufficient to handle medical instruments, syringes, and equipment
• Ability to assist with positioning patients for radiographs and procedures
• Ability to move quickly in urgent or emergency situations
• Adequate vision and hearing to monitor patients and maintain a safe work environment
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with exposure to animal dander, odors, noise, and cleaning chemicals
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive pay based on experience
• Health, vision, and dental insurance (after 90 days)
• PTO (at one year) and paid holidays (closed most major holidays)
• 401(k) with employer matching (after one year of employment)
• Uniform allowance
• Sick time (after 90 days)
• Continuing education opportunities
• Employee assistance program
• Employee pet discount

Kenton and Cathedral Animal Hospital is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $23.75 per hour

Benefits:

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

Experience:

• Veterinary Experience: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person