As the primary care provider for the veterinary patients the veterinary assistant supports the veterinarians in daily patient care. They assist the veterinarians in exams, treatments and surgery. The veterinary assistant aids with animal restraint, housekeeping, tends to the treatment of hospitalized, in-patient and out-patient pets when indicated, tends to the needs of pre and post-surgery patients and communicates with clients when indicated.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS: Reports directly to the Patient Care Manager and Hospital Administrator.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

TECHNICAL:

• Patient Care
• Care for hospitalized animals and boarding animals when indicated. Care includes cage cleaning, exercising, feeding, observing signs of illness and controlling the spread of parasites and infectious diseases
• Administer medications, treatments, vaccines to patients as prescribed by doctor(s)
• Restrain patients for procedures and/or treatments performed by doctors
• Take and record temperature, pulse, respiration (when indicated) and weight of patient
• Dress wounds and apply bandages, splints and other protective devices
• Perform professional dental cleanings and take dental radiographs
• Perform IV catheterization
• Take radiographs
• Assist veterinarians in surgery by providing correct equipment and instruments. Assure that monitoring and support equipment such as anesthetic machines, cardiac monitors and breathing apparatus are in excellent working condition
• Monitor hospitalized, pre and post-op patients and enter notes into patient(s) medical records in EzyVet and Smartflow.
• Prepare patients for surgery and monitor vital signs during surgical procedures
• Know emergency procedures such as proper CPR and monitoring
• Observe the condition and behavior of hospitalized and boarding animals and notify doctors when treatment is necessary or indicated
• Assist veterinarians with humane euthanasia
• Trim nails, clean ears and express anal glands
• Implant microchips
• Bathing of feline patients or others as indicated by doctor(s)

LABORATORY AND PHARMACY:

• Perform basic in-house lab tests
• Collect samples and generate lab submission forms
• Collect and label specimens for culture or microscopic examination when directed by doctor(s)
• Clean lab area and maintain lab equipment
• Fill prescriptions

INVENTORY:

• Restock shelves and drawers in exam rooms and treatment area
• Alert appropriate staff when supplies are low and ordering of drugs and supplies is indicated
• Alert appropriate staff when ordering of cleaning and office supplies is indicated and assist with stocking when shipment arrives

HOUSEKEEPING:

• Take laundry to appropriate area for washing when indicated
• Clean surgical instruments and prepare surgical packs for sterilization
• Restock supplies including but not limited to bandage materials, cotton, gauze, cotton-tipped applicators, tongue depressors, alcohol swabs, surgical scrub, etc.
• Clean cages and help clean and maintain treatment area
• Clean and maintain surgical suite
• Maintain clean public and staff areas
• Assist with facility and yard maintenance to maintain a clean, odorless and inviting environment

CLIENT COMMUNICATION:

• Professional, cheerful and helpful attitude when interacting with pet owners to give patient status update or discharge instructions
• Knowledge of common diseases, their symptoms and means of transmission
• Knowledge of preventative health care recommendations
• Demonstrate how to provide home care for pet when indicated by doctor(s)
• Knowledge and ability to answer client questions and concerns

ADMINISTRATIVE:

• Help in reception area with patient intake or discharge, or in kennel area when necessary
• Understand proper medical record keeping

Other duties/tasks as assigned by supervisor or doctor(s).

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Minimum one year previous veterinary experience or formal training in veterinary technology

SKILLS NEEDED:

• Ability and willingness to assist doctors, kennel attendants and receptionists
• Responsibilities will vary based on the practice’s current needs, the season and the individual skills of the employee
• Ability to assist veterinarians in the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery
• Effective communicator
• Fluency in EzyVet and Smartflow Veterinary software recommended but not required
• Computer literacy

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to lift patients and carry equipment up to 40 pounds; ability to lift patients or carry equipment over 40 pounds with assistance
• Endure sitting, standing and walking on hard floor surfaces for extended periods
• Type information for patient records and prescription labels into the computer
• Able to work in noisy work conditions with sounds from animals and equipment
• Take safety precautions for exposure to toxins, drugs, anesthesia and radiation
• Able to handle both dogs and cats

Pay Range: $18.00 - $23.00