Veterinary Assistant Position

Position Summary

A veterinary assistant supports technicians and veterinarians in exams, treatment and surgery. The veterinary assistant assists with animal restraint, housekeeping, client communication, treatments and surgeries. Veterinary assistants support both registered veterinary technicians and veterinarians in daily patient care. They communicate with clients in person and by phone for follow-up care and patient monitoring.

Reports to: Veterinarian on staff

Job Responsibilities

Technical Duties

Patient Care boarding and hospitalized animals, including cage cleaning, exercising, feeding, observing signs of illness and controlling the spread of parasites and infectious diseases

• Restrain patients for procedures performed by technicians or doctors
• Administer medications
• Assess change in animal status
• Trim nails
• Clean ears
• Ensure hospital patients and boarding pets go home well-groomed and in an appropriate medical state

Laboratory & Pharmacy

• Perform basic in-house lab tests
• Complete forms for reference lab
• Fill out lab reports and logs
• Clean lab area
• Fill prescriptions
• Wash and wrap packs and gowns
• Basic use of microscope

Inventory

• Unpack deliveries, reconcile against packing slip and restock supplies
• Restock shelves and drawers in exam rooms and treatment area
• Assist with ordering of drugs and supplies
• Assist with purchasing and stocking of cleaning and office supplies

Housekeeping Duties

• Do laundry
• Clean cages/runs
• Help maintain clean exam rooms, treatment area and surgical suite
• Clean public and staff areas
• Assist with trash
• Assist with maintenance of all lab machines, autoclave
• Assist with maintenance of the x-ray machine

Client Communication Duties

• Professional, cheerful and helpful attitude when interacting with pet owners
• Knowledge of common diseases, their symptoms and means of transmission
• Knowledge of preventative health care recommendations to answer questions and assist in marketing veterinary services from which clients’ pets would benefit

Administrative Duties

• Help in reception area when needed
• Know how to check out clients and release patients
• Understand front-desk procedures in order to assist receptionists such as phone system, veterinary practice-management software and appointment scheduling guidelines
• Bring concerns to management