Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Assistant

The Veterinary Assistant supports and assists the Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians, ensuring the safety of pets and clients, and the continuity of quality veterinary care. They work to keep pets safe and comfortable during their visit.

Foster a culture built on our values : Respect, Learning, Do the Right Thing, WOW Service, and Fun

Clean, disinfect, and prepare exam rooms, medical equipment, and surgery between each appointment

Obtain initial patient information, medical histories, vaccination records, and the reason for the pet's visit. Document patient information, and update records

Calm, soothe, comfort, and restrain pets before, during, and after procedures

Take note on examination results and update records as directed by veterinarians

Provide the owners education, resources and information on how best to care for pets in general, at the Veterinarian's direction, for specific conditions, and after various procedures

Monitor and track pet's physical status and vital signs following surgery

Monitor, record, and report the physical condition and vital signs of the hospitalized and boarded pets

Clean and disinfect cages, pens, runs, and boarding areas

Feed, water, bathe, and exercise pets during their visit

Respond to general questions from clients

Perform and set up procedures that do not require Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician assistance

Examine pets, performing basic health checks, looking for signs of disease, illness, or injury, and treat them under the direction of the Veterinarian

May administer medication, perform routine laboratory tests, fill prescriptions, and educate client on use and side effects of medication under the direction of a Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician

Provide professional, efficient, quality care and exceptional service to clients while maintaining maximum productivity

Support a practice environment that promotes collaboration and teamwork and ensures the delivery of quality, compassionate, effective, and efficient health care to pets

Comply with all practice policies, quality assurance guidelines, and minimum standards of care

Perform other duties as requested

Education : High School Diploma or GED required

Professional Licenses / Certifications : Certificate of completion from a NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant program preferred

Experience : One year of experience in a pet care setting preferred

Skills, Ability and Knowledge : Broad knowledge of animal science, Basic knowledge of pharmacology, Proficiency with a variety of computer programs including Microsoft Outlook, Word and industry internet sites, Basic written, verbal, and active listening communication skills with a customer-oriented approach, Basic mathematical skills to ensure the administration of accurate drug and fluid doses, Basic analytical, critical thinking, judgement, and problem-solving skills, Compassion and empathy for both pets and pet owners, Interact with a variety of clients and employees in a professional, caring, compassionate, and tactful manner, Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy, Strong organizational and time management skills, including managing multiple priorities, Handle and maintain sensitive and confidential information with discretion, Maintain a calm demeanor in a work environment that fluctuates from orderly to fast paced and stressful

Working Conditions / Physical Demands : While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to talk and hear. The team member must frequently use a computer for long periods of time. Specific vision abilities are required to do this job including close vision. This position requires walking, standing, and sitting for long periods of time. May be exposed to low to moderate noise levels as well as disinfectant / sanitation chemicals, pet dander, and excretions. May experience aggressive, frightened, abused or injured pets that bite and scratch. This position requires exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, and / or 20 pounds frequently, and / or 10 pounds constantly in order to lift, carry, pull or move objects. Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

Supervisory Responsibilities : This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities