Ridge Lake Animal Hospital is seeking an enthusiastic, highly motivated, and detail-oriented veterinary assistant to join our growing team! We are a two-doctor, AAHA-accredited, veterinary practice, and we provide comprehensive medical, surgical, and dental care for dogs, cats, and exotics.

SUMMARY

The primary role of the veterinary assistant (VA) is to provide hands-on support in assisting veterinarians in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. The VA also interacts closely with clients, communicating general information, home care, and other information in regard to the pet’s care.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

· Performs all duties in accordance with government regulations and hospital policies and procedures

· Provides compassionate care to patients and clients; able to conduct oneself in a confident and professional manner even when stressed and/or focused on individual tasks

· Assists the doctor in medical, surgical, and dental procedures; prepares patients for surgery; monitors patients during surgery and recovery; performs dental ultrasonic scaling

· Administers injections, oral medications, and treatments as directed by veterinarians

· Performs emergency procedures such as control of bleeding, resuscitation with oxygen, and external cardiac massage

· Performs physical assessments; records observations legibly in files or veterinary software system

· Can effectively restrain pets, even when large or difficult

· Performs clinical laboratory procedures such as fecal flotation exams, heartworm checks, skin scrapings, urinalysis, and fungal cultures; draws blood for laboratory analysis; maintains file of lab test results and ensures that test results are recorded in patient records

· Takes radiographs and performs EKGs

· Admits and discharges patients on the doctor's orders. Counsels clients on various aspects of animal care; explains dosage/purpose of medications; reinforces the proper care and procedures that should be followed at home; makes follow-up calls to clients

· Knows all common vaccines and vaccination protocols and can explain to clients

· Prepares estimates for clients

· Prepares and maintains the exam rooms and treatment areas

· Understand the importance of and regularly helps to maintain a clean and orderly facility

· Properly cleans all surgical materials after they are used; keeps the operating room stocked and prepared for surgery

· Maintains positive, cooperative relationships with other employees

· Assists other staff members as required

· Performs other duties as assigned

COMPETENCIES

· Compassion and empathy

· Adaptable

· Ability to carry out verbal and written directions

· Strong oral communication and comprehension skills

· Writing and verbal skills

· Organizational skills

· Ability to stay calm and efficient during times of high tension

· Collaboration and teamwork

PREFERRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

· High school diploma or equivalent

· Previous veterinary practice experience is preferred

COMPUTER SKILLS

Employee must be able to use a computer and specialized software. Microsoft word, Outlook, Excel, etc

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, kneel, and crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee must possess good hand-eye coordination as well as hand-finger dexterity. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. The noise level in the work environment can be moderately high. The employee is regularly exposed to pets that may cause physical harm, including biting and scratching. The employee may occasionally be exposed to anesthesia, radiation, and biological hazards.

Community Veterinary Partners. is committed to equal opportunity in employment. It is the Company’s policy that equal employment opportunity be provided without regard to age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, covered veteran status, or any other status protected by law.