Veterinary Assistant

Petco•Encinitas, CA

16d•Onsite

About The Position

The Veterinary Assistant provides medical care support to patients at a Vetco Total Care full-service hospital and customer care to their owners. The position represents Petco’s mission and values, supports technical and customer service in the hospital, and helps foster cohesion and motivation within the practice. Patient needs come first, and the role contributes to an exceptional client experience, effective teamwork, and shared goals. The assistant works under direct supervision of veterinarians and veterinary technicians for patient care, and takes overall direction from the HOM/HLOD or the supervising technician on shift. The role supports the hospital’s daily operations and contributes to a high standard of care, patient well-being, customer satisfaction, and a cohesive, well-trained, motivated technical team. This position has no immediate supervisory duties.

Requirements

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Compassionate and sympathetic demeanor, with the ability to remain professional during emotional and stressful situations.
Telephone and computer skills.
Ability to work as a team player, learn new techniques and treatments, offer creative ideas, and accept change.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of previous veterinary-practice experience, or sufficient related animal-care experience to ensure strong performance in the listed duties.

Responsibilities

Greet clients and patients, escort them to exam rooms, obtain patient weights and vital signs, and document information in the electronic medical record.
Collect patient histories and document visits in electronic medical records.
Assist doctors with routine and emergency appointments, surgery, dentistry, and euthanasia under supervision.
Restrain patients, obtain and process laboratory samples, handle and dispense medications as directed by a veterinarian, and help maintain medical records.
Schedule appointments, provide client education, relay test results to doctors and clients, and maintain and update client and patient records.
Prepare patients for surgical and dental procedures and assist with anesthetizing patients.
Under supervision, maintain patients safely under anesthesia while monitoring vital parameters, help monitor recovery, and prepare patients for discharge or transfer to an overnight care facility.
Under supervision, perform in-hospital treatments for sick patients, including administering injectable and oral medications and intravenous fluid therapy.
Keep patients clean, watered, and fed when indicated and directed by a doctor, and safely walk canine patients when needed for elimination.
Under the direction of the HOM/HLOD, help train new staff and disseminate knowledge as required.
Keep the hospital neat and clean, completing cleaning as needed and according to a predetermined maintenance schedule.
Perform additional duties as assigned.
Provide backup phone and front desk support as needed.