Job Description

Veterinary Assistant, Surgery | $22–$27/hour
Location: West Springfield, MA
Schedule: Full-Time | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8a-5p | No Weekends
Compensation: $22–$27/hour based on knowledge and experience

If you're looking for a Veterinary Assistant role where you can combine hands-on patient care with surgical coordination, Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital (VESH) in South Deerfield, MA offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Join our collaborative Surgery team and play an essential role in delivering exceptional care to patients while supporting clients, referring veterinarians, and our surgical specialists.

Compensation

• $22–$27/hour based on knowledge and experience

Full-Time Benefits:

• Continuing Education + Free VetBloom access (RACE-approved CE)
• Paid Shoe Stipend & Scrubs provided (free to you!)
• CVT/LVT/RVT license reimbursement
• RECOVER Training for advanced CPR skills
• Veterinary Technician Education Sponsorships + VTNE reimbursement + VTS Support
• 16-Week VTNE Study Group
• Professional Development Assistance
• PTO + Sick Time
• Employee Referral Bonuses + Employee Pet Discount + Immediate Family Pet Discount
• Access exclusive financial benefits to help you save on student loans, mortgages, and personal loans
• NVA Pet Resort Discount + Pet Insurance Discount
• Medical, Dental, Vision + HSA/FSA Options
• Insurance Options: Life and AD&D + Short & Long-Term Disability + Critical Illness + Accident + Hospital Indemnity
• 401(k) with employer match
• Employee Assistance Program

Schedule

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8a-5p

Responsibilities
Administrative Coordination

• Schedule surgery consultations and procedures while coordinating surgeon availability.
• Serve as the primary liaison between clients, referring veterinarians (RDVMs), and the Surgery team.
• Manage surgery-related communications, including emails, follow-up appointments, post-operative updates, discharge scheduling, and virtual incision checks.
• Ensure referral records, medical histories, diagnostic results, and medications are received and organized before appointments.
• Prepare surgery estimates, admission paperwork, and specialty appointment confirmation calls.
• Maintain accurate surgery schedules and documentation within EzyVet.
• Coordinate prescription refill requests, client callbacks, and sympathy cards.

Clinical Support

• Assist with surgical patient appointments by obtaining patient histories, recording vital signs, and supporting examinations.
• Perform blood draws, place IV catheters, prepare surgical patients, and sterilize instruments.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and fully stocked surgery suite and exam rooms.
• Monitor surgical inventory and replenish supplies as needed.
• Provide compassionate client education during patient discharge and review post-operative care instructions.
• Accurately enter medical records and charges into the hospital information system while preparing discharge medications.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Veterinary Assistant in a veterinary hospital or specialty practice preferred.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to coordinate multiple surgical cases and priorities.
• Excellent communication and client service skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced specialty and emergency environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with veterinarians, technicians, assistants, and client service teams.
• Experience with EzyVet or similar veterinary software is a plus.
• A positive attitude with a willingness to learn and support the entire department.
• Fluent English speaking and reading skills required.

About VESH South Deerfield
Like human medical specialists, VESH supports primary care veterinarians with the evaluation and treatment of pets affected by trauma, chronic issues, serious illness, or unusual disorders requiring advanced training, while also providing critical and emergency veterinary care.

We offer a variety of specialty services including Advanced Imaging (CT), Internal Medicine, Surgery, Medical Oncology, and Emergency and Critical Care.

At VESH, you’ll join a collaborative team committed to exceptional medicine, compassionate care, and continued learning. Every role in our hospital contributes to improving the lives of pets and the families who love them.

Serving South Deerfield & Surrounding Communities
Located in South Deerfield, MA, VESH is accessible from many surrounding communities where experienced veterinary technicians commonly commute from, including:

• Northampton, MA & Amherst, MA
• Greenfield, MA & Hadley, MA
• Easthampton, MA & Holyoke, MA
• Springfield, MA & West Springfield, MA
• Brattleboro, VT & Northern Connecticut communities

Know Someone Amazing?
If this role isn’t the right fit but you know a great CVT, send them our way!
Email Katelin.Shephard@ethosvet.com—you could earn a $1,250 referral bonus if they’re hired.

Considering Relocating?
Great talent can come from anywhere, and we welcome candidates who are considering a move. Whether you're relocating from another city, another state, or across the country, our Talent Acquisition team is here to support you throughout the hiring process and answer questions about the role, the hospital, and the surrounding community.

About Ethos Veterinary Health

Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world-class medicine, and help shape what veterinary care becomes next.

Across our network of 140 specialty and emergency hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You'll work alongside respected veterinary leaders in academic-caliber hospitals designed for learning, teaching, and discovery.

Here, mentorship is a two-way street. You'll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to grow, clinically, professionally, and personally.

At Ethos, you inspire hope, deliver exceptional care, and pursue veterinary medicine at its highest level, together.

Join Us

At Ethos, this isn't just a job—it's an opportunity to practice medicine at the highest level and help shape the future of veterinary care.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.