Veterinary Assistant Surgery

VCA Aurora Animal Hospital has an exciting opportunity for a Veterinary Assistant to join our Specialty Surgery Service!

Compensation : $19 – $23 per hour

Based on experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, and other relevant credentials.

Schedule : Full-time opportunity — 4 x 10-hour weekday shifts

(Monday–Thursday or Tuesday–Friday)

As a Surgery Veterinary Assistant , you’ll play an essential role on our specialized surgical team, working closely with our Surgeons and Surgery Veterinary Technicians to provide exceptional care to patients undergoing advanced surgical procedures. Your attention to detail, organization, and teamwork will help ensure the highest standards of patient safety and surgical excellence.

Responsibilities

As a member of the VCA Aurora Surgery team, you will :

Collaborate effectively with all departments to ensure seamless patient care.

Prepare the operating room (OR) for surgical procedures, ensuring all equipment and instruments are properly set up and sterilized.

Maintain a clean and organized surgical environment before, during, and after procedures.

Clean, wrap, and sterilize surgical instruments and packs.

Assist in patient preparation, including surgical site shaving, scrubbing, and transport to the OR.

Scrub in to assist during surgical procedures.

Support the team in maintaining proper surgical inventory and supplies.

Follow all safety and infection control protocols to ensure a sterile and safe environment.

Benefits of Joining the VCA Aurora Team

VCA offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and professional growth, including :

Mental Health : Access to the Lyra platform, including up to 12 therapy sessions per year, guided self-care, and meditation resources.

Healthcare : Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with HSA / FSA options, plus fertility benefits.

Paid Time Off : Vacation, sick, parental, and bereavement leave.

Financial Support : 100% employer-paid short-term disability coverage.

Crisis Support : Access to the Better Together Fund for qualifying situations.

Professional Development : Dedicated Training and Development Coordinator to help you set goals and advance your skills. We also offer Penn Foster sponsorships, VTNE test prep, and discounted certifications (Low-Stress Handling, Fear Free, and AAFP Cat-Friendly).

Wellness Perks : On-site social worker for associates and clients.

Retirement : 401(k) plan with employer contributions.

Coverage : 100% employer-paid professional liability and life insurance (equal to one year’s salary).

Pet Care Perks : Generous pet care discounts and VIP programs.

Career Growth : Nationwide hospital transfer opportunities and access to the latest technology and innovation through VCA Next .

We look forward to meeting you and introducing you to our exceptional team!

Address : 2600 West Galena Blvd. Aurora, IL 60506

If you are a current associate, you will 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 - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com