Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Assistant

Whittaker Road Animal Clinic | Ypsilanti, MI

Pay: $18–$20/hour, based on experience

Are you a Veterinary Assistant who enjoys a fast-paced environment, loves learning new skills, and wants to be part of an elevated general practice? Whittaker Road Animal Clinic is growing, and we're looking for a motivated Veterinary Assistant to join our team as we expand our advanced surgical services!

Why Join Whittaker Road Animal Clinic?

We’re an AAHA-accredited, elevated general practice dedicated to high-quality medicine, progressive surgical care, and a supportive team environment where you can continue to learn and grow.

Our busy, four-doctor practice cares for dogs and cats and is introducing new soft tissue procedures, including BOAS surgeries and perineal urethrostomies (PUs). If you enjoy surgery, patient care, and expanding your clinical skills, this is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing surgical program.

We perform a high volume of dental procedures, with dental radiographs taken for every dental, and offer ultrasound services right here in the hospital.

What You'll Do

• Provide compassionate, high-quality nursing care for dogs and cats.
• Assist with surgical preparation and procedures, including advanced soft tissue surgeries.
• Help prepare surgical instruments and maintain a safe, organized surgical environment.
• Assist with anesthesia, patient monitoring, and postoperative recovery.
• Support dental procedures, diagnostics, treatments, and patient workups.
• Communicate with clients and collaborate with veterinarians, Licensed Veterinary Technicians, and fellow Veterinary Assistants.
• Use Fear Free and low-stress handling techniques to help keep patients comfortable.
• Continue developing your skills while supporting our growing range of services.

Hospital Highlights

• AAHA-accredited, four-doctor elevated general practice.
• Growing advanced soft tissue surgery program, including BOAS and PU procedures.
• High-volume dentistry with dental radiographs for every dental procedure.
• Ultrasound services offered in-house.
• Orthopedic procedures and advanced medical workups.
• Abaxis in-house laboratory equipment.
• EzyVet practice management software.
• Fear Free and low-stress handling techniques.

Schedule & Work-Life Balance

We understand the importance of a schedule that works for you and the team.

• Monday–Friday schedule with flexible 9–10-hour shifts.
• Rotating weekend coverage.
• Approximately one Saturday shift per month, typically a half day.
• Closed Sundays.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a Veterinary Assistant who:

• Has a passion for patient care and enjoys working in a progressive veterinary setting.
• Has a strong interest in surgery and anesthesia.
• Has proficiency in venipuncture and IV catheter placement.
• Has previous anesthesia experience and is comfortable assisting with anesthetic monitoring.
• Is confident with patient restraint, surgical preparation, and supporting treatments.
• Works well in a collaborative, multi-doctor environment.
• Is eager to learn, grow, and contribute to an expanding surgical program.

Anesthesia experience is strongly preferred, as this role will help support our growing surgical caseload. We’re looking for someone who enjoys being hands-on, takes patient safety seriously, and wants to continue building their clinical skills.

Your Impact as a Veterinary Assistant

• Provide Essential Patient Care: You'll be a key player in the health of our patients, assisting the medical team with hands-on care and ensuring every animal is treated with compassion and respect.
• Be the Go-To Support for the Medical Team: You'll be the backbone of the clinic, anticipating the needs of veterinarians and technicians to ensure a smooth, efficient, and collaborative workflow.
• Create a Positive Client Experience: You'll help create a seamless visit for our clients by assisting with scheduling, payments, and communications, always with a courteous and informative approach.
• Ensure a Safe and Clean Environment: You'll take pride in maintaining the hospital, performing clinic upkeep and equipment maintenance to uphold our high standards of care.

What You'll Bring to the Team

• A High School Diploma or equivalent.
• A calm and efficient approach, with the ability to handle a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment with composure.
• Confidence and skill in handling pets of all sizes and temperaments.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Proficiency in fundamental veterinary skills ranging from laboratory and pharmacy to nursing and radiology is a strong asset.