Article Release: Issue 22
Release Date: April 2, 2025
Written By: Alyssa Rodriguez, Laura Hernandez & Jake Denaro, Veterinary Assistants

Each member of the veterinary team plays a vital role in keeping a hospital running smoothly—from performing life-saving procedures to comforting pet parents. While veterinarians and veterinary technicians often receive the spotlight, there’s another essential team member whose contributions are just as critical: the veterinary assistant.

At Animal Surgical Center (ASC), veterinary assistants support doctors and technicians in a wide range of responsibilities including patient care, surgical preparation, lab work, and keeping the environment clean and organized. Their impact behind the scenes is profound—and their passion is what drives patient success.

To shed light on the heart of veterinary care, three of ASC’s dedicated veterinary assistants—Laura Hernandez, Jake Denaro, and Alyssa Rodriguez—share what the role means to them, how it has shaped their careers, and why veterinary assistants are the backbone of any animal hospital.

Laura Hernandez: Passion in Action

I support both veterinarians and veterinary technicians in their daily tasks. My responsibilities include assisting in surgeries, monitoring patients’ basic needs, and ensuring animals are clean, comfortable, and cared for. Whether it’s prepping patients for procedures or keeping things moving efficiently, I do my best to help every pet receive the best care possible.

I’ve always had a passion for caring for animals. There’s nothing like witnessing a patient’s recovery and seeing the joy on an owner’s face when they come to pick them up. That emotional connection reminds me why I chose this field.

My experience at ASC has strengthened my desire to become a veterinarian. While the job can be emotionally challenging, the moments of healing and hope far outweigh the hard days. I’m inspired by how committed pet parents are to learning about their pet’s health, and I hope to continue helping animals—not only locally, but internationally as well.

I’ve also learned how essential teamwork is in a veterinary hospital. Working with a variety of patients—large and small—has helped me improve my ability to read animal behavior, and I’ve developed better communication skills with both colleagues and clients. Every day brings something new, and I’ve become more confident in my problem-solving abilities thanks to my time here.

Jake Denaro: My Path to Veterinary Surgeon

As a veterinary assistant—and a current veterinary student at Cornell University—my role at Animal Surgical Center primarily involves preparing patients for surgery. I assist with restraining animals for IV catheter placement, shaving surgical sites, checking vitals, and helping with radiographs.

The hands-on training I’ve received has been invaluable. It’s given me both the technical skills and the confidence I need as I work toward becoming a veterinary surgeon.

We have an amazing group of surgeons at ASC. Being around such knowledgeable and experienced professionals motivates me and allows me to learn directly from the best in the field. I’m grateful for the mentorship and exposure ASC has provided—this experience is preparing me for the kind of doctor I want to become.

Alyssa Rodriguez: Reflecting on the Future of Veterinary Medicine

Being a veterinary assistant is both an honor and a responsibility. Yes, medical knowledge is critical—you have to know when to speak up if something is off, even before the doctor or technician notices. But being great at this job is also about empathy, awareness, and individualized care.

Sometimes it’s as simple as realizing a patient hasn’t touched their food and offering them peanut butter or hand-feeding instead. Or noticing that their fluids are low, their bedding is uncomfortable, or that they just need to be held like a baby for a moment.

These small acts of compassion matter. I believe that providing emotional support is just as important as physical care, and it’s something I try to offer each patient and their family every single day.

Over the past four years, I’ve grown more than I ever thought possible. I’ve learned technical skills I never imagined mastering and found a true love for learning in this field. That growth—and the support of my team—led me to go back to school to become a licensed veterinary technician.

Now that I’m in school, I reflect more on who I want to be as a caregiver. Will I work in shelter medicine? Help underserved communities? Become a hospital manager one day?

People often ask why I chose such a tough career—one with long hours, emotional demands, and limited financial reward. But my answer is simple: There’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.

Veterinary Assistants Are the Heart of Patient Care

Veterinary assistants are essential to the success of any animal hospital. Their hard work, compassion, and dedication improve the lives of every patient and pet parent they encounter.

As Laura, Jake, and Alyssa have shown, this role is not just a stepping stone—it’s a foundation that shapes the next generation of veterinarians, technicians, and leaders in the field.

If you’re considering a career in veterinary medicine, working as a veterinary assistant provides unmatched hands-on experience, emotional fulfillment, and professional growth. At Animal Surgical Center, we are proud to support and celebrate these incredible individuals who show up every day to make a difference.

With Compassion and Care,
The ASC Team