Veterinary Assistant II

Santa Fe Animal Shelter Inc•Santa Fe, NM

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Assist the veterinarians in the medical and surgical treatment of animals. Intake animals entering the shelter system following proper protocols of handling and computer data entry. Educate the public on animal health while demonstrating SFAS policies and guiding principles. Ensure the most humane care possible is provided to all animals brought into the shelter. Promote the shelter whenever possible. Assist the veterinarians in all aspects of intake, surgery, diagnostics, radiographs, animal restraint, vaccinations, and keeping the clinic and animals in the kennels clean.

Requirements

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers and staff.
Excellent computer proficiency.
Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary communication.
Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.
High school diploma or GED required.
Previous Veterinary Technician level experience required. Vet Assistants will be considered with one (1) year of experience.
Ability to perform the essential job functions consistent safely and successfully with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards.
Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance.
Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
Must be able to talk, listen, and speak clearly on the telephone
Must be able to spend most of the day standing or walking with occasional periods of sitting.
Must be able to stoop, bend, and reach throughout the day.
Must be able to endure frequent interruptions and handle a great deal of flexibility in assignment of job duties.
Must have a sense of urgency.
Must be able to talk loudly over animal noises from the kennels when necessary.
Must have good manual dexterity for handling and examining animals as well as for entering data into the computer system.
Must be able to handle exposure to large numbers of potentially dangerous, fast-moving animals and other working conditions that may pose safety hazards.

Nice To Haves

Chameleon experience preferred.
LVT/RVT/CVT a plus.

Responsibilities

Assist in the admission of animals to the shelter by performing initial physical exams, reporting medical problems, completing initial vaccinations, and entering all pertinent data into the shelter's software system.
Ensure all pertinent medical information is entered into the medical record accurately and following set protocols.
Assist in the movement of animals throughout the shelter system.
Assist the veterinarians in examinations and treatment of injured or ill animals, including radiographs, blood collection, administering medications and treatments and general attention to the needs of the animals in the clinic's care.
Assist the veterinarians with surgical procedures, place IV catheters, administer IV medications, run in house lab equipment, log drugs used, monitor anesthesia, and intubate/extubate surgery patients.
Become Euthanasia Certified
Fill medications and administer to shelter animals as directed by Veterinarian or staff.
Assist all staff in cleaning all areas of the clinic, including but not limited to kennels, surgical suite, exam/intake rooms, and laundry.
Restock supplies.
Interact with fellow staff members with respect and professionalism, both in the medical and in other departments.
Follow Shelter Guiding Principles.
Other duties as assigned by Lead and/or Medical Director.