Veterinary Assistant

Alliance Animal Health•New York, NY

15d•$18 - $21•Onsite

About The Position

Lefferts Animal Hospital is a well-established, progressive, full-service general practice in Richmond Hill, NY, with 10 doctors. The hospital treats companion animals, exotics, reptiles, and avian patients and provides preventive care, surgery, emergency and urgent care, dentistry, laser therapies, in-house diagnostics, imaging, ultrasonography, acupuncture, and house calls. It offers mentoring for new graduates and has no emergency hours. The Veterinary Assistant supports veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and receptionists with daily hospital duties and helps provide medical, surgical, and dental care. Responsibilities include patient restraint and triage, laboratory work, diagnostic imaging, nursing care, medication administration, client communication, surgical assistance, and anesthetic management. The role also involves maintaining a clean and sanitary hospital environment, taking and recording patient vital signs, answering basic client questions, and preparing and administering vaccines according to clinic policies and applicable guidelines. The position requires working around unpleasant odors and noises, with possible exposure to bites, scratches, animal waste, and potentially contagious diseases. The work may involve long or irregular hours and requires performing well under pressure. The stated pay range is $18–$21 per hour.

Requirements

At least 1 year of veterinary assistant experience is ideal.
Must be able to lift at least 40 pounds.
Must be willing to work long or irregular hours and perform well under pressure.
Must be able to walk, bend, stand, and reach constantly during a minimum 8-hour workday.
Ability to multitask and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to safely and confidently restrain patients while ensuring the safety of clients and staff.

Responsibilities

Restrain pets and safely handle patients while protecting clients and staff.
Triage incoming patients.
Collect and analyze laboratory samples.
Perform diagnostic imaging.
Manage and provide nursing care for medical and hospitalized cases with varying levels of stability.
Administer medications.
Communicate treatment plans effectively to clients.
Prepare for and assist with surgery, including anesthetic management.
Support veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and receptionists with daily hospital duties.
Maintain a clean, comfortable, and sanitary environment for patients.
Clean and prepare exam rooms, including disinfecting tables and removing hair, body fluids, dirt, and odors.
Measure and record patient weight, temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate.
Answer client questions and provide basic education about pet care, nutrition, parasite control, vaccinations, medications, spay/neuter procedures, and behavior.
Refer questions outside the assistant’s scope to an appropriate veterinarian or team member.
Prepare vaccines and injections using proper aseptic procedures for veterinarian administration.
Administer vaccines subcutaneously and intramuscularly in accordance with clinic policies, manufacturer instructions, and applicable AAFP guidelines.

Benefits

Health, dental, and vision benefits.
Liability insurance, life and supplemental insurance, HSA, and FSA.
401(k) and 401(k) matching program.
Employee Assistance Program.
Paid vacation and sick time for all employees.
Paid bereavement program.
Paid parental leave program.
Continuing education allowance for licensed, registered, or certified roles.
Tuition reimbursement for any AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program.
Career development opportunities.
Referral bonus program for most positions.
Additional benefits may be available, such as personal pet discounts, holiday pay, uniform allowance, and bonuses.