Summary/Objective

The Veterinary Assistant supports the veterinarian in ensuring quality care for all pets in the hospital. The Veterinary Assistant assists both the doctors and the licensed veterinary technicians in providing exceptional medical care, education, and customer service to clients on all aspects of pet health. The Veterinary Assistant ensures a safe, efficient and collaborative hospital environment by supporting and encouraging a positive team culture.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Perform initial evaluation of the pet’s condition and advise veterinarian regarding nature of visit, preventative care due and client concerns.
• Restrain animals in a safe, efficient and compassionate manner during examinations and procedures.
• Obtain and prepare laboratory samples as requested by the veterinarian, i.e. urine, fecal and ear cytology. Record results in the patient’s medical record and communicate results to veterinarian in a timely fashion.
• Prepare and perform radiographs or ultrasounds following proper safety procedures.
• Prepare and set up for surgical procedures and properly clean and sterilize surgery packs .
• Accurately prepare and dispense medications as directed by the veterinarian, ensuring that medications are added to the pet’s record and appropriately charged to the client.
• Follow all OSHA guidelines, including but not limited to the appropriate safety and handling of hazardous materials.
• Perform technical skills within state practice guidelines regarding duties of credentialed and non- credentialed veterinary technicians.
• Know vaccination guidelines within the hospital.
• Perform routine procedures, i.e. heartworm testing, nail trims and anal gland expressions.
• Document any changes of a pet’s condition and vital signs appropriately in medical records and notify doctor or veterinary technicians of any unusual medical or behavioral problems
• Utilize hospital computer systems to document medical records and communicate with clients and teammates. Systems include the hospital practice management system, Vets First Choice and AllyDVM.
• Other duties as assigned by doctors, receptionists, and veterinary technicians to assist in the smooth flow of the daily operation of the clinic

HOSPITAL CULTURE

• Adhere to all hospital policies and procedures, including but not limited to uniform/dress and grooming policies and time and attendance policies as outlined in the teammate handbook.
• Demonstrate initiative in everyday duties and seek out tasks needing completion during down times. (I.e. assisting other teammates, completing laundry, assisting with cleaning duties in all areas of the hospital, cleaning surgical instruments, restocking, etc.)
• Follow established procedures to assist the hospital team with examinations and facilitate the flow of clients and pets through the hospital.
• Work well with all teammates and ensure actions support the hospital and the needs of the doctors.
• Ensure the safety of pets, clients and teammates by utilizing safe restraining techniques, following standard protocols, and maintaining a clean, sterile and organized hospital.
• Accurately and consistently follow instructions delivered in an oral or written format.
• Prioritize multiple tasks in a calm, organized manner.
• Exemplify company mission, vision and values in performance of job duties.

CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS

• Consistently provide attentive and courteous service.
• Advocate for pets through client education on preventative care, pet health needs, treatment recommendations and all other hospital services/procedures.
• Maintain a positive attitude in all interactions with clients, pets and other teammates.
• Demonstrate ability to show empathy towards clients and treat pets with compassion and respect.
• Communicate with clients regarding the medical status of their pet.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or GED certificate, with two (2) years’ experience as a Veterinary Assistant preferred.
• Flexible scheduling to include weekend and holiday availability.
• Confidently able to use computer and medical software, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Must possess strong communication skills, good judgment ability to manage stressful situations.
• Must have the physical and mental capacity to perform in a fast paced and challenging environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds without assistance and occasionally assist in lifting and/or moving patients or objects over 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.