Animal Care & Pet Services OPT Jobs in Virginia
Animal care & pet services F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Virginia draw students toward employers across the Northern Virginia suburbs, Richmond, and the Shenandoah Valley region. Research institutions, veterinary hospital groups, and zoological organizations in the state have established hiring patterns for OPT candidates in animal science, veterinary technology, and wildlife management roles.
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We are hiring a Lead Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) to support one of the following locations:
- Newport News: 12142 Jefferson Ave, Newport News, VA 23602
- Hampton Coliseum: 1123 W Mercury Blvd Hampton, VA 23666
The pay range for this role is $24.13 - $34.85 /hour.
The pay range listed reflects a general hiring range for the area and the first level of the job, with the specific rate determined based on the candidate’s experience, skill level, abilities, education, and may vary depending on location and minimum wage laws.
SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSE AND FUNCTION
Banfield aspires to be a practice where, as a team, we make a positive impact on pet health care in hospitals, communities, and the field of veterinary medicine. And, we believe hiring people with diverse perspectives, ideas, and cultures, permits us to deliver to the highest quality of preventive care.
As a Banfield Licensed Veterinary Technician, you will work alongside pet health care industry experts to make a difference in the lives of the pets and clients we serve. With the chance to utilize your veterinary knowledge, communication skills, and love for pets, this role will afford you the opportunity to define a clear career path for continued growth and learning.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Actively recruit new clients by promoting hospital services, Optimum Wellness Plans, preventative care and pet health needs.
- Manage routing the flow of clients and pets to ensure superior client care and maximum productivity of the veterinary medical team.
- Provide professional, efficient and exceptional service at all times. This includes encouraging hospital visits, welcoming clients and pets, ensuring that they are comfortable in the hospital, educating them about their pet's health, performing or preparing procedures that do not require veterinarian assistance, completing preparatory work for other procedures, and monitoring hospitalized or surgical pets.
- Upon approval from supervising veterinarian, perform veterinary technician appointments. All appointments must be under the direction and supervision of veterinarian and in compliance with state law.
- Assist incoming clients by completing the required documentation, entering all pet information and history in the computer, utilizing proper collars and tags for identification, and ensuring prompt service.
- Assist outgoing clients by providing all necessary instructions, information and invoices, dispensing prescription items per the veterinarian's instructions, selling retail products and scheduling future appointments.
- Manage the finances by maintaining accurate balances and utilizing proper opening and closing procedures.
- Act as the extra eyes, ears and hands for the veterinarian to ensure the best quality pet care and to maximize the veterinarian's productivity and communicate with the other associates to maintain the flow of patients.
- Obtain relevant information and history from clients and maintain proper and complete medical charts.
- Ensure the safety of pets, clients and associates by utilizing safe restraining techniques, following standard protocols, and maintaining clean, sterile and organized treatment areas, exam rooms and labs.
- Assist with surgery as applicable.
- Train and mentor new paraprofessional associates.
- Quality check medical records, go home medications, regulatory documentations, hospital cleanliness, and timeliness of doctors seeing exam room patients.
- Utilize technical skills to the fullest, within state practice acts regarding the duties of credentialed veterinary technicians. Conduct administrative functions as necessary.
Leadership Responsibilities:
- Assist Practice Manager in developing an efficient, productive hospital team that provides the highest quality care and service to the most pets and clients, following all Banfield protocols and practices, as well as all local, state and federal laws, focusing the team to achieve practice priorities while building our culture and brand.
- Support Practice Manager in hospital labor management.
- May assist Practice Manager in the selection, training, and day-to-day supervision of the paraprofessional team.
- Assist Practice Manager in creating an environment where a team can deliver quality, efficient and effective veterinary care to pets.
- Provide effective communication between associates, clients, hospital leadership and Central Team Support.
- Ensure all hospital associates adhere to Banfield dress and grooming guidelines.
- Prepare whole team on cases scheduled for the day, assist with any transfers of cases from day before or external referrals to provide continuity of care, triage the treatment board.
- Assist Practice Manager in identifying potential “bottlenecks” and formulating solutions to remove barriers in medical operations that would impede the doctors in providing world class preventive care and client service.
- Confer with field leadership and assist with client resolution decisions, invoice adjustments and client experience exceptions.
- Address broken equipment issues and assist in inventory management.
Requirements
Veterinary Technician Certification or Licensure (CVT, RVT, LVT, or LVMT)
Preferred
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree from an AVMA accredited veterinary technology program.
Commitment beyond qualifications
Being a veterinary technician requires much more than AVMA certified credentials. It means bringing your talents, skills, dedication, and a desire for developing alongside your peers. But, most importantly, it means showing up each day with a passion for pets and working with others who believe preventive care is the key to helping pets achieve long and healthy lives.
As we do with all our associates, we look to our vet techs to adopt our Five Principles — Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom. And, while your on-paper qualifications are of course important, we actively seek out vet techs who thrive on delivering outstanding client and pet experiences.
Your wellbeing matters
We know that your real passion for pet well-being is why you chose this profession. At Banfield, we believe it is just as important to support the well-being of those who devote their lives to this cause. Here at Banfield, we prioritize your well-being and professional growth by offering a comprehensive total rewards package, including health, wellness, and financial support for you, your family, and even your pets. We value work-life balance too! Check out some of our “Meow-velous” benefits:
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Enjoy peace of mind knowing your health and wellness are our top priorities. We've got your essential medical, dental, and vision care covered.
- Generous Retirement Plans (401(k) and Roth): Invest in your future and enjoy a generous company match to help you build a secure financial future.*
- Best-in-Class Student Debt Relief Program (for Full-Time DVMs): At Banfield, we understand the significant financial burden of student debt on veterinarians. We are committed to supporting our veterinary professionals and believe that addressing student debt is crucial for the long-term health of the veterinary profession.
- Paid Time Off and Holidays: Take a break, recharge your wellbeing, and celebrate days of personal significance with paid time off and holidays.*
- Top-Tier Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources: Your mental health matters. Access our industry-leading resources, including free coaching and counseling sessions, to support your overall wellbeing and help you thrive.*
- Associate Life Insurance (company-paid) & Supplemental Life Insurance: Protect your loved ones with our company-paid Associate life insurance and have the option to purchase additional coverage for extra peace of mind.
- Company-Paid Short- and Long-Term Disability: Feel secure knowing that if you face a temporary or long-term disability, you’ll have financial protection.
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Save on healthcare and dependent care expenses by setting aside pre-tax money. It's a smart way to manage your budget and take care of your needs.
- Health Savings Account (HSA): Make the most of your healthcare dollars with a tax-advantaged HSA, allowing you to pay for medical expenses with pre-tax funds.
- Paid Parental Leave: We support growing families with paid parental leave for both birth and adoption, giving you precious time to bond with your new family addition.
- Continuing Education Allowance (for Eligible Positions): Banfield is committed to supporting the professional growth of our Associates. This allowance provides financial assistance to pursue continuing education opportunities.*
- Back-Up Child and Elder Care & Family Support Resources: When life's unpredictable moments arise, our backup care and family support benefits provide the help you need to keep things running smoothly.*
- Fertility and Family Building Support: We're here for you on your journey to parenthood, offering comprehensive support for fertility treatments and family-building options.
- Digital Exercise Therapy: Stay active and healthy with our digital exercise therapy program, designed to fit your busy lifestyle, and keep you moving.
- Voluntary Protection Benefits: Get peace of mind with protection against the unexpected. You can purchase coverage to help support you financially during hospital stays, critical illness, and accidents.*
- Legal Plan: Gain extra peace of mind with our affordable and accessible legal plan which includes coverage for a wide range of legal needs.*
- Identity Protection: Identity Protection helps safeguard your personal information by alerting you to suspicious activity and providing support if your information is stolen.*
- Commuter Benefits: Say goodbye to commuting stress with our commuter benefits, making your daily journey more convenient and cost-effective.*
- Three Free Optimum Wellness Plans for Pets: We care about your furry friends too! Enjoy three free wellness plans to ensure your pets receive the best preventive and general care.*
- Exclusive Discounts: Unlock a world of savings with our wide variety of exclusive discounts on products and services, making life more affordable and enjoyable.*
Benefits eligibility is based on employment status. Full-time (FT) Associates are eligible for all benefit programs (Student Debt Program available for FT DVMs only); Part-time Associates are eligible for those benefits with an asterisk ().
Potential as Big as Your Passion
Whether you are a newly certified or an experienced vet tech, a job at Banfield opens the door to exploring the next best move in your career. We are committed to helping you grow as a vet tech by providing:
- Performance Development Plans (PDP) designed to help you define and achieve your career goals.
- Practice-paid continuing education opportunities along with the opportunity to attend partner conferences.
- Free membership to NAVTA, practice-paid subscription to VetFolio, and a 50% discount for VetGirl.
- Opportunities to lend your skills to the local communities where you live and serve.
- Ability to grow into leadership roles at the field and practice level.
Support that helps you thrive
We’ve created a structure that includes leadership and support at the hospital level, in the field, and at our headquarters, all with one goal in mind: helping you deliver quality care for all pets.
Commitment to community wellness
Through volunteering efforts, and our programs designed to benefit local shelters and rescues, we strengthen the pet-human connections in our communities. Discover how we support the wellbeing of our people and profession.
WE ARE A DRUG-FREE, SMOKE-FREE, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
Banfield Pet Hospital® strongly supports and values the uniqueness of all individuals and promotes a work environment where diversity is embraced. Banfield Pet Hospital is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability. Banfield Pet Hospital complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every Banfield location.
We believe that embracing inclusion and diversity enables us to live our Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.
This posting will remain open for a minimum of two weeks from the position posted date.
LI-SH1
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.
We are hiring a Lead Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) to support one of the following locations:
- Newport News: 12142 Jefferson Ave, Newport News, VA 23602
- Hampton Coliseum: 1123 W Mercury Blvd Hampton, VA 23666
The pay range for this role is $24.13 - $34.85 /hour.
The pay range listed reflects a general hiring range for the area and the first level of the job, with the specific rate determined based on the candidate’s experience, skill level, abilities, education, and may vary depending on location and minimum wage laws.
SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSE AND FUNCTION
Banfield aspires to be a practice where, as a team, we make a positive impact on pet health care in hospitals, communities, and the field of veterinary medicine. And, we believe hiring people with diverse perspectives, ideas, and cultures, permits us to deliver to the highest quality of preventive care.
As a Banfield Licensed Veterinary Technician, you will work alongside pet health care industry experts to make a difference in the lives of the pets and clients we serve. With the chance to utilize your veterinary knowledge, communication skills, and love for pets, this role will afford you the opportunity to define a clear career path for continued growth and learning.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Actively recruit new clients by promoting hospital services, Optimum Wellness Plans, preventative care and pet health needs.
- Manage routing the flow of clients and pets to ensure superior client care and maximum productivity of the veterinary medical team.
- Provide professional, efficient and exceptional service at all times. This includes encouraging hospital visits, welcoming clients and pets, ensuring that they are comfortable in the hospital, educating them about their pet's health, performing or preparing procedures that do not require veterinarian assistance, completing preparatory work for other procedures, and monitoring hospitalized or surgical pets.
- Upon approval from supervising veterinarian, perform veterinary technician appointments. All appointments must be under the direction and supervision of veterinarian and in compliance with state law.
- Assist incoming clients by completing the required documentation, entering all pet information and history in the computer, utilizing proper collars and tags for identification, and ensuring prompt service.
- Assist outgoing clients by providing all necessary instructions, information and invoices, dispensing prescription items per the veterinarian's instructions, selling retail products and scheduling future appointments.
- Manage the finances by maintaining accurate balances and utilizing proper opening and closing procedures.
- Act as the extra eyes, ears and hands for the veterinarian to ensure the best quality pet care and to maximize the veterinarian's productivity and communicate with the other associates to maintain the flow of patients.
- Obtain relevant information and history from clients and maintain proper and complete medical charts.
- Ensure the safety of pets, clients and associates by utilizing safe restraining techniques, following standard protocols, and maintaining clean, sterile and organized treatment areas, exam rooms and labs.
- Assist with surgery as applicable.
- Train and mentor new paraprofessional associates.
- Quality check medical records, go home medications, regulatory documentations, hospital cleanliness, and timeliness of doctors seeing exam room patients.
- Utilize technical skills to the fullest, within state practice acts regarding the duties of credentialed veterinary technicians. Conduct administrative functions as necessary.
Leadership Responsibilities:
- Assist Practice Manager in developing an efficient, productive hospital team that provides the highest quality care and service to the most pets and clients, following all Banfield protocols and practices, as well as all local, state and federal laws, focusing the team to achieve practice priorities while building our culture and brand.
- Support Practice Manager in hospital labor management.
- May assist Practice Manager in the selection, training, and day-to-day supervision of the paraprofessional team.
- Assist Practice Manager in creating an environment where a team can deliver quality, efficient and effective veterinary care to pets.
- Provide effective communication between associates, clients, hospital leadership and Central Team Support.
- Ensure all hospital associates adhere to Banfield dress and grooming guidelines.
- Prepare whole team on cases scheduled for the day, assist with any transfers of cases from day before or external referrals to provide continuity of care, triage the treatment board.
- Assist Practice Manager in identifying potential “bottlenecks” and formulating solutions to remove barriers in medical operations that would impede the doctors in providing world class preventive care and client service.
- Confer with field leadership and assist with client resolution decisions, invoice adjustments and client experience exceptions.
- Address broken equipment issues and assist in inventory management.
Requirements
Veterinary Technician Certification or Licensure (CVT, RVT, LVT, or LVMT)
Preferred
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree from an AVMA accredited veterinary technology program.
Commitment beyond qualifications
Being a veterinary technician requires much more than AVMA certified credentials. It means bringing your talents, skills, dedication, and a desire for developing alongside your peers. But, most importantly, it means showing up each day with a passion for pets and working with others who believe preventive care is the key to helping pets achieve long and healthy lives.
As we do with all our associates, we look to our vet techs to adopt our Five Principles — Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom. And, while your on-paper qualifications are of course important, we actively seek out vet techs who thrive on delivering outstanding client and pet experiences.
Your wellbeing matters
We know that your real passion for pet well-being is why you chose this profession. At Banfield, we believe it is just as important to support the well-being of those who devote their lives to this cause. Here at Banfield, we prioritize your well-being and professional growth by offering a comprehensive total rewards package, including health, wellness, and financial support for you, your family, and even your pets. We value work-life balance too! Check out some of our “Meow-velous” benefits:
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Enjoy peace of mind knowing your health and wellness are our top priorities. We've got your essential medical, dental, and vision care covered.
- Generous Retirement Plans (401(k) and Roth): Invest in your future and enjoy a generous company match to help you build a secure financial future.*
- Best-in-Class Student Debt Relief Program (for Full-Time DVMs): At Banfield, we understand the significant financial burden of student debt on veterinarians. We are committed to supporting our veterinary professionals and believe that addressing student debt is crucial for the long-term health of the veterinary profession.
- Paid Time Off and Holidays: Take a break, recharge your wellbeing, and celebrate days of personal significance with paid time off and holidays.*
- Top-Tier Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources: Your mental health matters. Access our industry-leading resources, including free coaching and counseling sessions, to support your overall wellbeing and help you thrive.*
- Associate Life Insurance (company-paid) & Supplemental Life Insurance: Protect your loved ones with our company-paid Associate life insurance and have the option to purchase additional coverage for extra peace of mind.
- Company-Paid Short- and Long-Term Disability: Feel secure knowing that if you face a temporary or long-term disability, you’ll have financial protection.
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Save on healthcare and dependent care expenses by setting aside pre-tax money. It's a smart way to manage your budget and take care of your needs.
- Health Savings Account (HSA): Make the most of your healthcare dollars with a tax-advantaged HSA, allowing you to pay for medical expenses with pre-tax funds.
- Paid Parental Leave: We support growing families with paid parental leave for both birth and adoption, giving you precious time to bond with your new family addition.
- Continuing Education Allowance (for Eligible Positions): Banfield is committed to supporting the professional growth of our Associates. This allowance provides financial assistance to pursue continuing education opportunities.*
- Back-Up Child and Elder Care & Family Support Resources: When life's unpredictable moments arise, our backup care and family support benefits provide the help you need to keep things running smoothly.*
- Fertility and Family Building Support: We're here for you on your journey to parenthood, offering comprehensive support for fertility treatments and family-building options.
- Digital Exercise Therapy: Stay active and healthy with our digital exercise therapy program, designed to fit your busy lifestyle, and keep you moving.
- Voluntary Protection Benefits: Get peace of mind with protection against the unexpected. You can purchase coverage to help support you financially during hospital stays, critical illness, and accidents.*
- Legal Plan: Gain extra peace of mind with our affordable and accessible legal plan which includes coverage for a wide range of legal needs.*
- Identity Protection: Identity Protection helps safeguard your personal information by alerting you to suspicious activity and providing support if your information is stolen.*
- Commuter Benefits: Say goodbye to commuting stress with our commuter benefits, making your daily journey more convenient and cost-effective.*
- Three Free Optimum Wellness Plans for Pets: We care about your furry friends too! Enjoy three free wellness plans to ensure your pets receive the best preventive and general care.*
- Exclusive Discounts: Unlock a world of savings with our wide variety of exclusive discounts on products and services, making life more affordable and enjoyable.*
Benefits eligibility is based on employment status. Full-time (FT) Associates are eligible for all benefit programs (Student Debt Program available for FT DVMs only); Part-time Associates are eligible for those benefits with an asterisk ().
Potential as Big as Your Passion
Whether you are a newly certified or an experienced vet tech, a job at Banfield opens the door to exploring the next best move in your career. We are committed to helping you grow as a vet tech by providing:
- Performance Development Plans (PDP) designed to help you define and achieve your career goals.
- Practice-paid continuing education opportunities along with the opportunity to attend partner conferences.
- Free membership to NAVTA, practice-paid subscription to VetFolio, and a 50% discount for VetGirl.
- Opportunities to lend your skills to the local communities where you live and serve.
- Ability to grow into leadership roles at the field and practice level.
Support that helps you thrive
We’ve created a structure that includes leadership and support at the hospital level, in the field, and at our headquarters, all with one goal in mind: helping you deliver quality care for all pets.
Commitment to community wellness
Through volunteering efforts, and our programs designed to benefit local shelters and rescues, we strengthen the pet-human connections in our communities. Discover how we support the wellbeing of our people and profession.
WE ARE A DRUG-FREE, SMOKE-FREE, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
Banfield Pet Hospital® strongly supports and values the uniqueness of all individuals and promotes a work environment where diversity is embraced. Banfield Pet Hospital is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability. Banfield Pet Hospital complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every Banfield location.
We believe that embracing inclusion and diversity enables us to live our Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.
This posting will remain open for a minimum of two weeks from the position posted date.
LI-SH1
OPT Animal Care & Pet Services Job Roles in Virginia
See all Animal Care & Pet Services OPT Jobs in Virginia
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Search Animal Care & Pet Services Jobs in VirginiaAnimal Care & Pet Services OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which animal care & pet services companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Virginia?
Virginia employers with documented OPT hiring in animal care include university-affiliated veterinary teaching hospitals, the Smithsonian's National Zoo conservation partnerships near the DC border, corporate veterinary groups with Northern Virginia clinics, and research organizations like the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Federal agencies in the state, including USDA units headquartered in the region, also hire OPT candidates for animal science and wildlife positions.
Which cities in Virginia have the most animal care & pet services F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Northern Virginia cities such as Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax see consistent demand for animal care OPT candidates, partly due to proximity to federal research agencies and large veterinary group practices. Richmond supports positions tied to companion animal services and animal welfare nonprofits. Blacksburg, home to Virginia Tech's veterinary college, is a strong market for students in veterinary technology, animal nutrition, and livestock management.
What types of animal care & pet services roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Roles that commonly qualify for OPT in this industry include veterinary technician, animal research assistant, wildlife biologist, animal behaviorist, kennel and shelter operations coordinator, and pet services program manager. Positions that require a directly related degree field and involve professional-level duties tend to align best with OPT authorization. STEM-designated programs in animal science or biology may also qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension with eligible employers.
How do I find animal care & pet services F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Virginia?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students searching for OPT-eligible positions and filters animal care & pet services roles by visa type and location, making it straightforward to identify Virginia employers with active sponsorship history. You can browse verified listings, review employer OPT filing records, and narrow results to specific Virginia cities or sub-sectors like veterinary services, wildlife management, or companion animal care without sorting through listings that don't support OPT candidates.
Are there state-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 OPT in Virginia animal care jobs?
Virginia requires veterinary technicians to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination and meet state licensing requirements, which OPT candidates should address before or during employment. The state's large federal agency presence means some positions may carry citizenship or security-clearance requirements that exclude OPT holders. Nonprofit animal welfare organizations may have limited HR infrastructure for OPT paperwork, so confirming sponsorship capacity directly with the employer before applying is advisable.