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AA
Allegan Animal Clinic
Veterinary Assistant
Career Insights for Veterinary Assistant
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Based on Michigan data
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What they do
A Veterinary Assistant assists with animals under veterinary care or in laboratories. Feeds animals, cleans cages, and administers medical treatment under the supervision of a veterinarian or veterinary technician. Works in a veterinary clinic, animal hospital, or laboratory.
$33,792 / year median in Michigan
+27% projected growth
Job Description
Job Description Veterinary Assistant Reports to: Practice Owner / Office Manager Position Description The veterinary assistant helps the technicians, doctors, and receptionists in all duties of the clinic. The veterinary assistant is responsible for the daily care of patients including assisting doctors and technicians with pre, peri, and post-operative care. Veterinary assistants are required to assist the doctors and technicians with restraint and other responsibilities to individual abilities and training. Responsibilities Care for boarding and hospitalized animals; including kennel cleaning and sanitizing, exercising, feeding, observation for signs of illness, administering medications, laundry, bathing procedures, and keeping animals clean. Clean, sterilize, and maintain operating rooms, examining rooms, cages, and surgical equipment. Feeds each animal as prescribed by doctor, recording appetite and signs of illness. Release animals to their owners are directed by the doctor or technician. Ensure that every animal released is clean and looking better than on arrival. Discuss surgery post op instructions to owners. General duties in the operating room before and during surgery including assisting with movement of and recovery of patients and monitoring pets anesthesia. Receive animals to be admitted for care as directed by the doctor or technician. General cleaning and sanitizing of public and employee areas of clinic, general cleaning of walking areas to maintain clean and odor free environment. Stocking of clinic supplies and communicating when low on supplies. Restrain patients for procedures performed by technicians or doctors. Requirements Minimum of a high school diploma. Learn cleaning and disinfecting methods and the use and care of cleaning materials and equipment. Appropriately handle and restrain animals. Learn basic animal care. Learn basic veterinary terminology and recognize abnormal conditions. Understand and carry out oral and written directions. Must be able to communicate basic veterinary concepts to owners and be able to repeat information relayed by the veterinarian. Must be able to learn characteristics of animal behavior. Must be able to use appropriate safety equipment for fractious or feral animals. Physical Effort Work requires lifting and carrying animals with the assistance of other staff members. Walks or stands for extended periods of time; frequently works in a bent position. Working Conditions May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises and animal feces. May be exposed to bites, scratches, and contagious diseases. Starting pay will be based on experience.