Veterinary Assistant

Cat Adoption Team•Sherwood, OR

just now•$20

About The Position

The veterinary assistant is primarily a cat medical care position. This position provides medical treatment to cats, maintains the equipment and cleanliness of the hospital, and works with other hospital team members and volunteers to assist with cat surgeries, exams, and medication preparation.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
>1 year of professional experience
Veterinary medicine knowledge
Animal sheltering
Computer programs, including Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Shelter Buddy
Perform basic veterinary procedures
Prioritize tasks to meet deadlines
Remain organized
Complete tasks with little direction or supervision
Handle animals safely
Follow protocols and procedures
Operate standard office equipment, including computers and telephone systems
Work cooperatively within a team environment
Provide corrective feedback in a positive manner
Facilitate difficult conversations with members of the public
Move and/or transport items up to 50 pounds (assisted or unassisted)
Position oneself at various levels to successfully carry out the essential functions of the job
Provide direct animal care, including feeding, watering, cleaning litter boxes, and other animal handling
Provide direct medical care to animal,s including administering vaccinations, medications, subcutaneous fluid,s and performing other treatments as needed
Clean animal housing and facility
Disinfect and sanitize using agents such as bleach and Rescue®
Communicate effectively with other staff and volunteers by email, phone, or in person
Navigate the shelter and building
Read and keep accurate records/files
Work on a computer and use various software programs
Operate office equipment such as a copy and fax machine, printer, scanner, and multi-line telephone
Operate equipment found in a veterinary hospital

Nice To Haves

1 year of applicable professional experience
Previous experience working in an animal shelter or veterinary clinic

Responsibilities

Provide basic and preventative medical care to cats by administering vaccines, medications, and fluids according to established protocol and/or veterinarian guidance; performing other minor procedures like nail trims, microchip insertions, sanitary shaves, etc., according to established hospital protocol and veterinarian guidance.
Perform physical exams of cats by following established protocol and veterinarian guidance.
Prepare lab work for testing by drawing blood and/or collecting the necessary specimen samples needed and following the established protocol or veterinarian guidance for preparation and/or submittal.
Update cat medical records when appropriate by inputting medications, exam findings, and preventative care treatments into Shelter Buddy.
Serve as a hospital representative to clients by providing detailed treatment instructions and answering questions as needed; greeting and assisting clients with the cat ownership surrender process; communicating the decision to deny admissions when necessary; ensuring the proper paperwork is completed for admissions and/or medical examination.
Assist with spay/neuter, dental, and special surgeries by physically handling and performing treatments on cats, preparing workspaces, and record keeping; working with the veterinarian during exams to provide safe restraint.
Perform radiographs (if certified)
Monitor cats as they recover from sedation by observing, taking, and recording their vitals on their paper and electronic medical records.
Train new staff and volunteers by demonstrating and delegating tasks related to cat care, sanitation, basic medical care, and overall hospital function; providing corrective feedback in a positive manner when necessary.
Remain informed regarding changes to policy and protocol by regularly attending shelter meetings and weekly check-in meetings.
Communicate treatment plans, schedules, protocols, and other specific issues related to cats and/or clients by using a multi-line phone system, Shelter Buddy, Microsoft Office, the Google suite, and/or other shelter software systems.
Assist with administrative tasks as needed to support the hospital manager and medical director.
Clean cat housing by scrubbing, wiping down, and sanitizing all surfaces according to shelter sanitation protocol.
Set up clean kennels by placing bedding, dishes, and enrichment items inside them according to established housing guidelines.
Ensure personal and cat safety by following all protocols related to the safe handling, mixing, and dilution of cleaning chemicals; wearing the proper personal protective equipment for the job or housing area; properly disposing of contaminated items; and following the prescribed cleaning order to minimize disease transmission.
Maintain a clean stock of cat supplies and laundry by cleaning, sanitizing, and drying reusable items according to shelter sanitation protocols; returning clean items to designated storage areas; notifying the appropriate staff members when disposable items run low.
Maintain facility cleanliness by cleaning, sanitizing, sweeping, mopping, and/or tidying hospital areas according to shelter sanitation protocol.
Maintain fully stocked hospital supply areas by retrieving supplies from the warehouse and/or unpacking and putting away supply shipments; following established protocols to reorder supplies when stocks are low.