Surgical Veterinary Assistant, SAVES

South Asheville Veterinary Emergency & Specialty in beautiful Asheville, NC is hiring a full-time Veterinary Surgical Assistant to join our outstanding Surgery team!!

Compensation: $22.00 – $28.00 per hour, based on experience

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8-hour shifts. On-call rotation required

Benefits:

• Continuing education & professional development assistance

• Tuition reimbursement

• Generous Paid Time Off policy

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans

• Health Savings Account (HSA) & Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• 401(k) planning with employer matching

• Employee discount

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Life insurance

• Referral program

• Retirement plan

• And more!

At South Asheville Veterinary Emergency & Specialty (SAVES) , our goal since opening in 2009 has been to practice the gold standard of medicine, perform advanced techniques, and be leaders in veterinary specialty and emergency care. Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the peaks represent the height of our love for animals, and the valleys symbolize the depth of our compassion. Together with our referring veterinary community, we combine medical knowledge, advanced technology, and kindness to deliver exceptional care—it’s simply in our nature.

We are seeking a full-time Veterinary Surgical Assistant to support our Surgery team. This role is ideal for experienced veterinary assistants who enjoy advanced medicine, working alongside skilled surgeons, and being deeply involved in patient care from admission through discharge.

Key Points for Our Veterinary Surgical Assistant

• Support surgeons by anticipating needs and assisting with advanced surgical and diagnostic procedures

• Prepare and support sophisticated diagnostics, including CT imaging and contrast studies

• Perform laboratory testing, sample collection, and processing

• Serve as a key liaison between doctors and clients by preparing estimates, providing patient updates, facilitating discharges, and supporting continuity of care

• Maintain accurate medical records, manage lab results, and assist with short-term case management

• Be part of a collaborative specialty team committed to medical excellence and compassionate care

Skills:

• Surgical and sterile clip & prep of patients

• Maintaining sterile technique and surgical fields

• Identifying surgical instruments

• Draping patients and setting up instrument tables

• Assisting with CT imaging and contrast studies

About You:

• Experienced Veterinary Assistant, with at least 2 years in emergency or specialty medicine

• Current RVT students encouraged to apply

• Strong communication and client service skills

• Skilled in animal restraint and handling

• Proficient in venipuncture and peripheral catheter placement

• Knowledgeable in medication administration via multiple routes

• Accurate monitoring and recording of patient vitals (TPR, SpO₂, CO₂, BP)

• Familiar with in-house diagnostics (CBC/Chem, electrolytes, UA, iStat)

• Strong medical record-keeping skills

• Able to lift at least 35 pounds and stand for extended periods

• Willing to participate in mandatory holiday rotations

• Fluent English skills (speaking & reading) required; multilingual skills a plus

Life at SAVES & Asheville, NC

Breathe in the fresh mountain air while working in our state-of-the-art specialty hospital just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Asheville offers an unmatched blend of outdoor adventure, vibrant arts, live music, and a nationally recognized food scene—including multiple James Beard–nominated restaurants. Whether you enjoy hiking, exploring rivers, or relaxing at dog-friendly breweries, Asheville offers an exceptional quality of life to complement your career growth.

We look forward to meeting you and showing you all that SAVES and the Asheville community have to offer. Apply now to join our Surgery team!

Ethos Veterinary Health is at the forefront of innovation and world-class medicine. As the premier network of over 140 specialty and emergency hospitals across North America, Ethos brings together a dedicated community of more than 1,500 specialized doctors providing care for nearly 2 million pets annually. The integrated and collaborative network of veterinary professionals utilize state-of-the-art technology and a scientific, evidence-based approach to deliver compassionate, unparalleled care and rewarding careers. Committed to revolutionizing veterinary medicine, Ethos sets the standard in veterinary excellence. Discover more at EthosVet.com.