Veterinary Assistant

Petco•Chicago Clybourn, IL

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 role represents Petco’s mission and values, supports the technical and customer-service functions of the hospital, and contributes to teamwork and an environment focused on patient needs, exceptional client experiences, and shared goals. The position supports veterinarians and veterinary technicians with appointments, procedures, treatments, patient monitoring, records, and client communication. Duties are performed under the supervision and direction of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and hospital leadership. The role has no immediate supervisory responsibilities. Most work takes place in a veterinary hospital, with frequent direct contact with clients and pets. The position requires bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds as necessary, and standing for long periods.

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.
Ability to bend, kneel, lift up to 30 pounds as necessary, and stand for long periods.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of previous experience working in a veterinary practice, or sufficient related animal-care experience to ensure excellent performance of the listed skills.

Responsibilities

Greet clients and patients, escort them to exam rooms, obtain weights and vital signs, and record 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 maintain electronic medical records.
Schedule appointments, educate clients, relay test results to doctors and clients, and maintain and update client and patient records.
Prepare patients for surgical and dental procedures and assist doctors or veterinary technicians with anesthetizing patients.
Under supervision, maintain patients safely under anesthesia while monitoring vital parameters, monitor recovery, and prepare patients for discharge or transfer to an overnight care facility.
Under supervision, provide in-hospital treatments for sick patients, including 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 necessary for elimination.
Assist with training new staff and sharing knowledge as directed by hospital leadership.
Keep the hospital neat and clean, performing cleaning as needed and according to a maintenance schedule.
Perform additional duties as assigned.
Provide backup phone and front-desk support as needed.