Veterinary Assistant I

Sacramento SPCA•Sacramento, CA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Veterinary Assistant I position assists staff veterinarians in the primary care and treatment of pre-operative and post-operative surgery animals. This role is crucial for the sterile, sanitary, and efficient operation of the Spay and Neuter Clinic, ensuring all procedures meet the highest standards. While duties are similar to a Registered Veterinarian Technician, no license or registration is required for this position.

Requirements

Knowledge of domestic animals including breeds, behavior, appropriate care and housing, common health problems, disease symptoms and handling techniques.
Knowledge of aseptic surgical techniques, animal care and husbandry.
Knowledge of anesthesia techniques.
Knowledge of sterilization and surgical pack preparation procedures.
Knowledge of State and local codes, ordinances and regulations governing quarantine, impounding, care, and disposal of animals.
Ability to identify normal and abnormal animal behavior and symptoms of rabies and other animal disorders.
Ability to control and safely handle pharmaceuticals used in the care and handling of animals and disinfectants in the cleaning and disinfecting of animal habitats.
Ability to get along and work effectively with the public, management, fellow employees, volunteers, and other agencies and groups.
Must possess a valid California Drivers license, clear driving record at least one year prior to application, and ability to drive both automatic and standard transmission vehicles.
High school graduate or GED equivalent with six months of experience assisting a licensed veterinarian in providing medical treatment to animals, including surgical procedures and medical examinations, in an animal shelter, hospital, or similar environment.

Responsibilities

Assists in the preparation of the Clinic for surgery and performs pre-op surgical duties on animals selected for surgery.
Provides support during surgery to the Staff Veterinarians.
Under supervision of a RVT, administers pharmaceuticals such as medications and vaccines.
Collects and prepares blood, urine, and feces samples.
Performs various procedures under the direct supervision of a Staff Veterinarian or RVT such as intramuscular, intravenous and subcutaneous injections.
Maintains cleanliness of the surgery room and other related areas, to provide a safe, clean and sterile environment.
Must be punctual and maintain regular, predictable attendance.
Must be committed to a high standard of safety and be willing and able to comply with all safety laws and all of the employer’s safety policies and rules and must be willing to report safety violations and potential safety violations to appropriate supervisory or management personnel.
Schedule spay/neuter appointments and completes appropriate paperwork for Spay Clinic related activities (i.e. filing, Spay Clinic correspondence, spay/neuter deposits and refunds, surgery reminders, telephone follow-ups, misc. reports).
Assists in tours, lectures, public education programs, special events and fundraising activities as needed.
Provides accurate information and friendly professional service to the public and to co-workers in a responsive, positive, courteous, truthful and tactful manner.