Fairfax Animal Hospital - Veterinary Surgical Assistant

Fairfax Animal Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia (a Washington D.C. suburb), was the first animal hospital in Fairfax County when beloved Dr. Jerry Goldfarb opened the doors in 1945, and proudly continue to be repeat winners of Angie's list service awards! Our team provides full-service animal care for companion animals, and recently added urgent care services to further assist the community. We are able to offer high-quality mentorship from experienced veterinarians with special areas of interest in exotics, soft tissue surgery, wellness care, and basic orthopedic surgery, and welcome both new and experienced veterinary professionals to join our team!

Position Summary

Fairfax Animal Hospital is seeking a Part-Time Veterinary Surgical Assistant to support our surgical and urgent care services. This role is ideal for an experienced veterinary assistant who thrives in a fast-paced clinical setting and is passionate about providing high-quality care to both patients and clients. The Surgical Assistant will work closely with veterinarians and licensed technicians during procedures and urgent care cases, ensuring efficient surgical prep, monitoring, and recovery, while also supporting the overall flow of patient care. Key Responsibilities Surgical & Procedural Support Assist with patient preparation for surgery, including pre-op exams, shaving, and aseptic scrub

Set up and maintain sterile surgical fields and equipment

Monitor patients during procedures and assist with anesthesia under supervision

Support post-operative recovery, monitoring vitals and ensuring patient comfort

Maintain surgical logs and proper documentation

Urgent Care Assistance Support veterinarians during urgent or emergent cases

Safely restrain and triage patients in high-pressure situations

Communicate effectively with team members to prioritize patient care

Ensure exam rooms and treatment areas are prepped and restocked

Hospital Operations Clean, sterilize, and maintain surgical instruments and equipment

Maintain cleanliness and organization in surgical and treatment areas

Assist with general patient care tasks as needed (e.g., blood draws, bandaging, IV catheter placement if trained)

Client Communication & Support Communicate pre- and post-operative instructions to clients professionally

Provide updates to clients during urgent care visits as directed

Handle pets with compassion and professionalism, even in high-stress situations

Qualifications: Minimum 1–2 years of veterinary assistant experience, preferably in surgical or urgent care settings

Strong understanding of sterile technique and surgical support procedures

Comfortable handling urgent/emergency cases with calm and confidence

Ability to multitask, prioritize, and stay organized under pressure

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and work on feet for extended periods

Familiarity with ezyVet and SmartFlow is a plus

Why Join Fairfax? At Fairfax Animal Hospital, you’ll join a dedicated and compassionate team committed to excellent patient care. We value collaboration, continued learning, and a supportive work environment. This part-time role is a great opportunity for experienced veterinary professionals looking to focus on surgical and urgent care services in a flexible schedule.