Veterinary Assistant

Position: Animal Shelter Veterinary Assistant

Department:         Shelter Medicine

Reports To:           Clinic Supervisor

Location:                DeKalb County Animal Services

                              3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd

                              Chamblee, GA 30341

Summary:

LifeLine Animal Project is committed to the care and welfare of pets and the people who love them.  The values we exhibit as an organization show the strength of our staff, our leadership and our community.  We expect all employees to exhibit LifeLine’s core values as we complete daily tasks, provide services to clients and care for our animals.

This position is responsible for assisting the veterinarian by performing health checks, surgery, and

providing medications for animal

Essential Job Functions:

This represents a list of essential job duties.   Other duties or special projects may be assigned as needed.

• Uphold the standards and values of LifeLine Animal Project:

Save Lives -- Build Community -- Be Exceptional Stewards --  Be Courageous -- 

Be Compassionate -- Take Responsibility -- Respect, Embrace and Celebrate Diversity

• Provide excellent customer service to all clients and visitors.
• Greet clients and their pets.  Gather medical history and information prior to examination and treatment.
• Compassionately communicate discharge instructions and information to pet owners and  answer questions to ensure that owners have all information needed to care for their pet.
• Examine animals for diseases, parasites, injuries and other afflictions. 
• Assist the veterinarian with diagnostic exams and medical procedures to help drive LifeLine’s mission to save lives.
• Collect blood, urine, and stool samples as needed.
• Prepare animals for surgery.  Monitor health during surgery and recovery.
• Under Veterinary supervision, administer vaccinations and medications for animals in the clinic and kennel.
• Courageously perform basic first aid on injured animals.
• Be an exceptional steward by maintaining cleanliness and orderliness of medication and medical equipment.
• Clean instruments and surfaces.  Wrap packs.
• Take responsibility to clean recovery and other cages in the clinic area.  Clean crates if needed.
• Data entry of medical information, procedures, and notes.
• Help strengthen and build a community of animal welfare advocates by supporting and engaging the volunteers who aid the clinic teams.
• Conduct efficient operations and exceptional customer service to all visitors, while respecting, embracing, and celebrating the diversity of individuals.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Compassion for animals and the people who love and care for them.
• Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity.
• Knowledge of general animal care principles and practices.
• Ability to stand for extended periods (8 hours a day) and to bend and reach to perform assigned work activities.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. without assistance.
• Ability to interact with impounded dogs, cats and other animals including vicious, stray, sick or injured animals. Ability to handle seeing and dealing with animals that have been abused, neglected or treated cruelly.   
• Knowledge of common cat and dog illnesses and options for treatment.
• Ability to administer vaccinations and medications.
• Ability to learn animal management software systems and accurately enter information into the software system.  
• Must be able to work some nights and weekends based on shelter needs.
• Must pass a background check.
• Must have a means of travel that ensures prompt arrival for work shifts. 

Education and/or Experience:

Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent. One or more years’ experience in veterinary assistant/technician role preferred. Certification in euthanasia may be required. Valid, Georgia Drivers license may be required. Registered Veterinary Technician a plus. 

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to unpleasant kennel smells.  May have to handle dogs and cats that are stray, injured, diseased or vicious.