Veterinary Wellness Center is reimagining how small animal, non-emergency veterinary medicine is done in the Rio Grande Valley and we’re looking for a Veterinary Assistant to join our team! Our mission is to improve the lives of pets in the Edinburg-McAllen area. Wellness is our middle name because it’s the cornerstone of our practice. We’re revolutionizing every part of our process with a unique membership experience, a well-rounded and knowledgeable staff, and on-site diagnostic tools and treatments. We’re proud to practice Low Stress Handling in order to help foster the human-animal bond and protect the mental safety of our pet patients.

At VWC, we want to ensure our clients and patients feel safe, valued and respected. We strive for our VetWell Care Team to feel the same way. Dr. Keller, our courageous leader, fosters an “open-door” policy and has set processes in place that make room for our staff to share their opinions, feelings and observations. We empower our employees to be all they can be. We do away with systems and processes that don’t serve us. We don’t complain. We take action to improve and do all that we can for our patients AND our staff.

Responsibilities:

Your primary role as Veterinary Assistant would be to communicate the Veterinarian's recommendations, go over treatment plans with clients, dispense prescribed medication, vaccinate and restrain pets and assist the Veterinarian in surgery. The fundamental responsibility of the veterinary assistant is to use all available resources to communicate with clients, staff members, and doctors to provide the best possible patient care and client experience.

• Exhibit client hospitality including friendly demeanor, greeting clients and patients by name, offering refreshments, explaining delays, and assisting with carrying pets or products
• Cross train on reception tasks including answering the phone, greeting clients, keeping the lobby clean and promoting sales.
• Clean and straighten exam rooms and kennels to prepare for incoming patients
• Take accurate notes and medical history of patients in exam rooms for doctor
• Complete laboratory tests, in-house diagnostics (fecal centrifugation, ELISA tests, urinalysis strip , PCV, total protein) and assist with exam room procedures
• Use practice management software to access/enter client/patient information, check on vaccine status, find services due, enter charges, enter exam information, create report cards, and create estimates.
• Educate clients on the importance of quality, comprehensive medical care for their pet
• Be familiar with infectious, contagious and common zoonotic diseases; including prevention, and follow protocol to reduce or eliminate transmission
• Assist the doctor in surgical procedures. Tasks include administering preoperative medications, entering surgical and discharge notes, placing E-collars, and cleaning patients before they are discharged, etc.
• Place catheters
• Assist in restraining pets in a manner that allows necessary procedures to be done with minimal stress to patients, and ensure safety of patients and people
• Anticipate the needs of the doctor for routine exam/surgery visits; follow doctor’s requests to fill or refill medications
• Take temperatures, blood/fecal/urine samples, and vitals as requested by the doctor;
• Explain at-home responsibilities (administering medication, behavior training, etc.) to clients in detail
• Communicate with clients to obtain patient history and discuss preventative care protocols
• Prepare and administer oral medications, injections, vaccines, topicals, and anesthesia, flea/tick medication and prevention
• Monitor patients in the clinic. Clean feces, urine or blood as soon as possible. Notify doctor immediately if a patient appears distressed, painful, or unresponsive.
• Maintain a safe, secure, healthy, and humane environment by sterilizing and wrapping instruments, sanitizing operating areas, verifying shelf life of medications, and complying with legal regulations.
• Follow clinic protocols to minimize the risk of patient escape
• Engage in productive work during slow periods
• Actively participate in staff meetings, evaluations and training
• Protect confidential client, patient and business information while building relationships with clients
• Advocate for the health and safety of all our patients

When submitting resume, please also include a list of veterinary skills.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $14.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• No nights
• No weekends

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Veterinary Experience: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person