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.
Responsible for daily care of all surgical and wellness patients, assisting doctors and veterinary technicians with pre-, peri- and post-operative care of patients, general cleaning, assisting with admission and discharge of all surgical and wellness patients, maintaining accurate medical records, and following all clinic policies.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Works closely with clients, DVMs, Director, and other Clinic Staff.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Knowledge and ability to intake and release patients, including delivering post-operative instructions in a competent and friendly manner. Know basic veterinary medical concepts. Communicate in effective and professional manner Follow all written and verbally communicated clinic standard operating procedures Responsible for prepping patients for surgery, observing all clinic procedures, enforcing sterility and safety of patients General duties in the operating room during surgery, assisting with movement of patients, recovery of patients, and general flow Able to monitor anesthesia, with a clear idea of abnormal conditions Ensure prompt and accurate paperwork procedures are followed each day Able to respond appropriately during an emergency, able to take directions from a veterinarian and/or veterinary technician, and maintain competency in CPR procedures Able to work shifts as assigned All other duties as assigned
Must be able to learn basic veterinary medical concepts, including but not limited to, vaccine protocols and anesthetic risks. Must also be able to communicate basic veterinary concepts to owners and be able to repeat information relayed by a veterinarian. Will be asked to communicate with the public daily in a professional manner. Will be asked to take medical histories for surgical rechecks. Physical Requirements Must be able to work standing for 8 or more hours. Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds frequently throughout the day with help. Must be able to bend and kneel repeatedly. Must be able to see fine detail in a variety of situations. Animal Handling Will be asked to handle (on average) anywhere from 50 to 90 dogs and cats per day. Must be able to learn characteristics of animal behavior (for example: be able to identify aggressive or fearful behavior). Must be able to use appropriate safety equipment for fractious or feral animals (will train) - the use of safety equipment is mandatory. Must possess excellent reflexes. Should be able to identify your own limitations and be willing to ask for help. Must become proficient at animal restraint for various procedures. Technical Requirements Technical proficiency PC platforms, as well as Microsoft Office. Knowledge with ClinicHQ is a plus. Must be able to answer and respond on phone lines. Emotional/Mental Requirements Must be able to work under stressful conditions and work efficiently and effectively under those conditions. Must be able to respond quickly to a variety of medical situations (with training). Must be able to cope with death either due to surgical complication or euthanasia. Ability to rapidly and accurately process information. Ability to delegate tasks. Ability to recognize a need for assistance and ask for help. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Ability to make decisions. Ability to cope with frustrating situations and remain calm.
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS
One or more year of experience in a veterinary clinic, veterinary hospital, and/or animal shelter or control facility. Candidate should be highly motivated, enthusiastic self-starter with a professional attitude.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The offices and operations of a high-volume spay/neuter clinic can be high stress and busy at times. This position is scheduled for 2-3 days/week, between Monday through Friday; however, the schedule can change and may sometimes require weekend or evening hours to complete the job. Can include working some holidays or overtime depending on clinic needs. Candidate must be flexible with schedule changes and short notice overtime requests.
Job Type:
Part-time Pay:
$14.00 - $16.00 per hour
Benefits:
Dental insurance Employee discount Flexible schedule Life insurance Professional development assistance Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance
