Position Purpose

The Veterinary Assistant assists the veterinarians and technicians with patient care and treatment, monitors hospitalized pets, maintains inventory, prepares prescriptions, performs routine in-house laboratory work, educates clients regarding veterinary care and procedures, and assists with surgical procedures.

Veterinary Assistant Competencies

· Patience & Compassion: Remaining professional while still making teammates, clients, and patients feel as comfortable as possible regardless of the situation or challenges presented. Responding quickly and calmly to crisis while maintaining a high standard of patient care.

· Collaboration & Teamwork: Carefully coordinating actions with veterinarians and practice team members. Providing feedback appropriately and in a timely manner. Quickly incorporating feedback to ensure positive results. Sharing ideas and being open to other’s ideas.

· Communicating: Conveying instructions to clients and teammates to ensure successful patient care.

· Active Listening: Following the instructions of veterinarians and sometimes patient owners. Picking up the needs of veterinarians and teammates based on prior experiences and feedback.

· Organization Skills: Clear tracking of lab specimens, medications, patient instructions, workflow, and other job-related items while managing multiple patients and clients.

· Client Satisfaction: Ensuring all activities and interactions result in the highest level of client satisfaction.

Essential Responsibilities

· Assist veterinarians in the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery and other tasks as needed.

· Assist veterinarians in outpatient exams by taking histories, vital signs, and weights, as well as providing client education.

· Prepare patients for surgery and monitor vital signs of the patient during surgery.

· Obtain blood, stool, and other samples; perform in-hospital laboratory testing and prepare specimens for outside laboratories.

· Take, develop, and maintain radiographs following proper safety procedures.

· Provide basic animal handling and restrain animals during exams.

· Administer and monitor medications, anesthesia, vaccines, and treatments at the discretion of the veterinarian.

· Clean and straighten exam rooms, treatment, and lab areas; restock exam rooms with supplies. Assist other team members to keep the public areas of the practice clean; clean and maintain all medical equipment.

· Demonstrate warmth, courtesy and professionalism in all interactions with clients; exercise compassion and care in all interactions with patients.

· Communicate with veterinarians and practice team members including client discussions, patient plans, client concerns, etc.

· Any other duties as assigned.

Requirements / Qualifications

· Previous veterinary experience preferred

· Ability to lift patients and carry equipment up to 25 pounds; ability to lift patients or carry equipment over 25 pounds with assistance

· Practice OSHA safety techniques including proper PPE

· Basic math and the ability to calculate medication dosages

· Basic computer skills, familiarity with MS office applications, etc.

· Strong communication skills to ensure patient safety

Benefits Offered

· Paid time off

· Health, dental, and vision insurance

· Retirement benefits (401k, Roth k and matching)

· Bonus incentive

· Career and professional development

· Employee Assistance Program

· Employee Referral Progra