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Mars Veterinary Health

Veterinary Assistant General Practice

$19 to $21 an hour

  • Ithaca, NY

Found by HiredNow AI on Oct 7, 2026. Subscribers saw it first.

About the role

VCA Colonial Animal Hospital is seeking a compassionate and dedicated experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our general practice team.

Working as a veterinary assistant means being part of every patient's care from the moment they walk in to the moment they head home — assisting with exams, prepping patients for procedures, working as a veterinary team during treatments and diagnostics, and helping keep the whole hospital running smoothly. You'll build hands-on skills across a wide variety of cases, from wellness visits to more involved procedures, working closely alongside veterinarians and technicians every step of the way. It's a role built for variety and growth, where every day brings something new and every patient benefits from the care you help provide.

Compensation

$19.00 - $21.00/ hour dependent on experience, and skill set.

Potential Schedule: Full-time,
weekend rotation required.

Learn more about us here : https://vcahospitals.com/colonial

Veterinary Assistant Skills
Monitors hospitalized patients, observing and reporting changes in behavior, comfort, and vital signs to the veterinary team
Brings a hands-on approach to pharmacy support, treatments, procedures, and diagnostics.
Prepares treatment areas, exam rooms, and surgical suites, maintaining a clean, organized, and sterile environment
Supports patient husbandry for hospitalized patients — feeding, walking, cage cleaning, bedding changes, and comfort care
Assists with laboratory procedures and basic diagnostic testing
Administers medications and helps maintain accurate patient records
Assists with client communication, education, and coordination around patient intake and discharge
Communicates clearly with veterinarians, technicians, and the broader care team to keep patients moving smoothly through the day
Stays calm, adaptable, and efficient across a variety of cases and species
We're looking for someone positive, motivated, and ready to bring ideas to the table — our team meets frequently, and your input genuinely shapes how we grow. We protect our culture fiercely, and that means hiring people with the determination to rise above obstacles, wear multiple hats, and show up for their team.
Our team includes veterinarians and support staff who have been dedicated to the practice for
20 and even 30+ years
—a testament to our strong culture and sense of community.

Beyond professional growth and career fulfillment, we value time spent together as a team. We enjoy potlucks, group activities, and local fundraisers , and proudly support a community outreach program that provides veterinary care for the pets of homeless individuals. We are a well ‑ rounded, compassionate team united by our commitment to making a meaningful difference—both within our hospital and throughout our community.

VCA Total Rewards Benefits Package

Career Growth & Education

VCA-sponsored Veterinary Technician National Exam + employer-paid test prep
Paid yearly NAVTA membership & state credential renewal
VCA-sponsored scholarships and generous discounts to Penn Foster's Veterinary Technician Program
Woof University: free, RACE-approved CE, training and job support webinars on demand
Free subscriptions to Vetfolio and Plumb's online formulary, plus substantial VETgirl savings
Unlimited access to Mars Veterinary Health library (2,000+ journals, 600+ textbooks)
Nationwide hospital transfer opportunities

Time Off & Family Support Paid vacation and paid sick days Paid parental leave & fertility benefits Paid bereavement days

Health & Wellness
Free mental health support through the Cigna Life Assistance Program & Lyra
Free Headspace subscription (meditation and sleep support)

Perks for You & Your Pets Generous hospital discounts for your personal pets, including free vaccines Discounted Hills or Royal Canin pet food delivered to your home 3 pairs of scrubs per year

Compensation & Financial Security
401(k) retirement savings with employer contribution
Medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA/FSA options
Multiple, flexible health insurance plans to fit your needs
100% employer-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
Employer-paid basic life insurance
...and more!

Take a moment to watch what life as a veterinary technician at VCA looks like, straight from a technician's point of view:
https://vimeo.com/684755121/10c909cbf5
Why VCA
VCA is one of the largest networks of animal hospitals in the country — but you'd never know it from the way we operate. Every hospital keeps its own identity, its own team, and its own culture, while giving you access to the resources, mentorship, and career opportunities of a national organization behind you. You get the best of both: the tight-knit feel of a local practice and the backing, benefits, and growth potential of an industry leader.
We're genuinely invested in your career — not just your job. From continuing education to credential support to nationwide transfer opportunities if life takes you somewhere new, we build the kind of support system that helps technicians build real, lasting careers, not just punch a clock. This is a place where your work is seen, your growth is prioritized, and your future in this field matters to us.

Interested in this opportunity?
Apply!
We look forward to hearing from you.
The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development)

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com
If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.
Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!
The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.

Apply at Mars Veterinary Health