Veterinary Assistant - Primary Care

COVE Animal Health•New Haven, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

We are opening the doors at Elm City Vet – Primary Care located in New Haven, CT! We are looking for compassionate and motivated Veterinary Assistants to join our team! If you have a love for animals and a passion for providing exceptional care, this is your chance to help shape the future of our practice and support our mission to deliver top-notch service to every pet and pet parent. At Elm City Vet, Veterinary Assistants play an essential role in supporting our doctors, technicians, clients, and patients by ensuring the hospital operates efficiently and compassionately each day. Veterinary Assistants are responsible for assisting with patient care, maintaining cleanliness and organization throughout the hospital, supporting medical procedures, and delivering excellent client service. Our vision is a simple one, to make the community and the animals and people in it happier and healthier. Elm City Vet is located right on vibrant Orange Street in the heart of New Haven. This brand-new build will feature a spacious lobby to give pets and their families ample space to comfortably relax. Our five exam rooms feature double entry to not only maximize efficiency but also promote a safe environment for all pets and their people. Our hospital locations work closely together with each other as well as the Specialty/ER location in Middletown to provide the best possible care for the pets we see. We want to retain and develop our talent to the best of our ability. You can expect numerous in-house CE opportunities, and any mentoring available to support and achieve your goals. We pride ourselves on recognizing top talent and strong work ethic and if you demonstrate those things, you can expect to be promoted from within. We strongly believe that veterinary medicine is a team sport, and our ideal candidate is someone who feels the same. Communication is key in our industry, and we are looking for people who navigate both client and interpersonal communication with skill and ease.

Requirements

Prior experience working in a veterinary setting.
Experience in handling animals and performing basic animal care tasks.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with clients and team members.
Ability to multi-task and remain organized in a fast-paced environment.
Compassion and patience when handling animals.
Basic knowledge of animal behavior and medical terminology.
Ability to work well under pressure and in stressful situations.
Ability to work collaboratively with veterinarians, technicians, and other staff members.
Willingness to take direction and adapt to new tasks and procedures.
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.
Ability to lift and restrain animals safely
Ability to stand for extended periods of time
Ability to perform repetitive cleaning and stocking tasks
Punctuality and reliability, with a commitment to maintaining a high standard of care.
Positive attitude, professionalism, and a compassionate approach to client care.
Willingness to continue learning and stay updated on veterinary practices.
Must be 18 years or older to apply.

Responsibilities

Assist with patient restraint during examinations, treatments, and procedures
Obtain and record TPRs (Temperature, Pulse, Respiration)
Assist technicians with technician appointments
Assist technicians during procedures by helping set up, break down, and recording TPRs in SRX as needed (2nd assistant)
Set up instruments and supplies for appointments based on doctor preference
Prepare patients and treatment areas for procedures
Take radiographs (X-rays) under supervision and hospital protocols
Veterinary Assistants should always function as the second person in X-ray
Physically refill medications as directed by the medical team
Feed and walk hospitalized animals
Clean cages and maintain kennel areas
Perform laundry duties
Maintain overall hospital cleanliness and sanitation
Clean and prepare exam rooms between appointments
Restock hospital and treatment supplies as needed
Answer incoming phone calls and appropriately route communications
Schedule patient appointments
Manage and complete VA communications/tasks in a timely manner
Support smooth appointment flow and assist team members as needed