Description

The Foster Veterinary Assistant is primarily responsible for ensuring the health and wellbeing of animals in foster homes. Under the direction of the Foster Program Manager, they will administer medications, vaccinations, treatments, perform diagnostic tests, monitor animals for signs of illness, coordinate medical care and appointments, and act as a liaison between foster families and the AHS. In addition, they will assist Animal Health doctors with needs related to surgery such as prepping, cleaning, and recovery. They will provide quality animal care in accordance with the AHS mission, goals and philosophy in addition to assisting with other responsibilities within the Foster Support Center such as organizing foster supplies, receiving animals for appointments, and troubleshooting common foster animal problems.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Administer medications, treatments, and vaccines to shelter and foster animals under the supervision of a shelter veterinarian
• Performdiagnostic tests under the supervision of a shelter veterinarian, including but not limited to fecal flotation, fecal smears, ELISA tests (parvovirus, heartworm, FeLV/FIV), TiterChek tests, urinalyses, skin scrapes, cytology's, and Woods lamp evaluation
• Collect samples for diagnostic testing, including blood draws, feces and urine collection, radiographs, PCR’s etc.
• Enter required medical information into the computer database (PetPoint)
• Audit foster animal medical records for accuracy
• Monitor animals in foster for signs of illness and report to a Veterinarian for further instruction
• Assist with and/or performs euthanasia on as needed basis
• Facilitate foster pick-ups, drop-offs, rechecks, medication pick-ups, and provide education regarding medical conditions and treatments to foster parents
• Schedule foster animal appointments, pick-ups, drop-offs, rechecks, and medications
• Refer foster animals with behavioral challenges to the Behavioral Healthcare Team
• Coordinate with Veterinarians and Shelter Medicine Manager when disease outbreaks occur for contact tracing, treatments, housing plans, etc.
• Collaboratewith Animal Health Doctors to identify and schedule animals for surgery
• Remain alert and aware of animal behavior and physical condition during rechecks and exams
• Report concerns to appropriate departments, managers, or veterinarian
• Handle animals in a humane manner, consistent with Fear Free principles, and according to established safety policies and procedures
• Learn to assist with animal surgeries when needed, including prep, cleaning, and recovery
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Minimum preferred one-year experience in veterinary or shelter medicine setting
• Must possess a working knowledge of pharmaceutical drugs and common diseases including their symptoms, means of transmission, treatment and prevention, and other basic preventative health care guidelines
• Computer literate in a Windows environment
• Ability to utilize effective problem solving and decision-making skills
• Detail oriented and able to handle working in a fast-paced, high stress environment
• Ability to perform required duties efficiently in a small workspace
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to read animal body language and handle animals according to Fear Free principles
• Safe handling of cleaning supplies, chemicals, and equipment in compliance with safety rules and regulations
• Physical efforts may require kneeling and bending, ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 lbs., and ability to stand 10 hours per day with reasonable accommodation
• Must be able to set aside personal judgement for the betterment of the client and the animals
• Must be able to communicate with and work well with a diverse clientele, different races, ethnicities, faiths, sexual orientations, income levels, etc.