Veterinary Assistant

Cara Veterinary • Tacoma, WA

9h • Onsite

About The Position

Animal Hospital of Parkland, part of the Cara Network of Neighborhood Veterinary Practices, is seeking a Veterinary Assistant. Located in Tacoma, WA, we are known for our dedicated care to animal family members and are an exceptional place to work. We offer training, support, opportunities for growth and advancement, and recognition for outstanding performance. We are committed to putting pets and our people first, with clear expectations and a path to advancement.

Requirements

• Must be as good with people as you are with pets.
• Enjoys educating and connecting with people.
• Communicates effectively.
• Advocates for patients.
• Reliable and trustworthy.
• Some demonstrable animal care skills.
• Shows adaptability and resilience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Washington State Medical Clerk License.

Nice To Haves

• Fully updated resume.
• Cover letter expressing why you think you’d be a good fit for us.

Responsibilities

• Cleaning, disinfection, and management of cat room, kennel room, inside runs, and outside area.
• Cage card interpretation (diagnosis, food/water intake, stool/urine samples needed, medications, etc.).
• Laundry, including disinfection of regular and Isolation Ward linens.
• Husbandry and Husbandry Standards (feeding, water, walking, and litter pans - frequency).
• Obtain body weights, temperature, heart rates, and respiratory rates and DOCUMENT.
• Safe and effective animal restraint and muzzle application for canines and felines.
• Disposal of waste and sharps.
• Proper care and use of clippers and blades.
• Isolation Protocol.
• Care and handling of neonates.
• Perform ear flushes (Direct DVM/LVT Supervision).
• Nail trims.
• Fecal Set Up and Preparation to outgoing lab (Direct DVM/LVT Supervision).
• Perform all SNAP tests (Direct DVM/LVT Supervision).
• Telephone etiquette including appointment scheduling.
• Add new Client & Patient and schedule an appointment.
• Check –in & Checkout a patient with receiving (Practice Management Software).
• Open, complete, and get signatures for Admit Form(s).
• CareCredit application and setup.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Washington State Medical Clerk License.
• Admit & discharge patients.
• Biological injections (vaccines) (direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Biological vaccines for rabies (Direct DVM Supervision).
• Intramuscular and subcutaneous injections (direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Intravenous injections into catheterized veins (direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Anal gland expression.
• Lab sample collection and test preparation (direct DVM supervision).
• Venipuncture (direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Skin Scrapping (exfoliative) (direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Imaging procedures: produce radiographs and transfer images (direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Removal of sutures, drains, and staples (direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Use and maintenance of ultrasonic cleaner and instrument milk.
• Bandage applications (direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Removal of exposed foreign bodies (direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Knowledge and understanding of the Cara Surgical Sterility Protocol.
• Knowledge of surgical instruments - their use and names.
• Maintenance and use of autoclave/gas sterilizer (including proper instrument selection).
• Assembly of surgical packs and autoclave.
• Proper procedure for opening sterile instruments, suture material, and scalpel blades.
• Patient preparation of surgery (clipping, positioning, surgical scrub, urinary bladder expression).
• Microchip implantation (direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Perform enema (direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Massage, except when otherwise regulated (direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Dispense non-controlled pharmaceuticals (Requires Veterinary Medical Clerk License).
• Removal of exposed foreign bodies (i.e., Ticks or PPQ’s) (direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Perform ECG & blood pressure readings (direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Set up for all surgery types.
• Change oxygen tank.
• Know how to care for an intravenous catheter.
• Knowledge of IDEXX equipment and how to run samples.
• Knowledge of IDEXX maintenance procedures and frequency of care as well as documentation.
• Know locations of drugs for emergency use.
• Client education (admit, discharge & present estimates).
• Ability to be assigned to a doctor and assist them in handling their cases.
• How to prepare an estimate for a client.
• Know how to invoice a client.
• Ultrasound set up including client/patient information input.
• Bandage application (Direct DVM/LVT Supervision).
• Know proper technique to scrubbing, gowning, and gloving.
• Monitor anesthetized patients’ vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration) (IMMEDIATE DVM/LVT Supervision).
• Set up and Maintenance of Suction Equipment.
• IV Catheterization - peripheral (direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Know the names of dental instruments and care/maintenance of dental equipment.
• Routine Dental Prophy (direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Perform non-invasive CPR and basic first aid.
• Provide comprehensive client education during admissions, discharges, and while presenting treatment estimates.
• Serve as a resource for clients, offering detailed information and guidance on their pets' health and treatment options.
• Proactively anticipate the needs of the veterinarian during appointments, procedures, and surgeries.
• Prepare necessary equipment, supplies, and treatment plans to streamline the care process.
• Efficiently manage patient flow, ensuring timely appointments and procedures, which contributes to a seamless and positive client experience.
• Act as a partner with clients in their pets' healthcare journey, fostering a relationship-based approach to veterinary care.
• Create experiential, not transactional, client interactions by actively engaging with clients, answering their questions, addressing concerns, and making them feel heard and valued.
• May assist in training of other team members as directed by hospital leaders.

Benefits

• Great compensation & benefits
• Flexible schedules
• Competitive salary ranging from $21-$24
• Medical, vision, & dental insurance premium with 4 options for all full-time employees
• Child, spousal, and family insurance options for all medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off (PTO), up to 80 hours + 10 hours for Personal Celebration Day
• Up to six paid floating holidays per calendar year
• 401k + 4% employer match
• Employee pet care discount for up to four personal pets
• Uniform allowance
• Professional Development (CE) reimbursement, up to $500 each year
• Quarterly Incentive Bonus Program with potential earnings of up to $250/quarter
• Veterinary Medical Clerk License application and renewal covered
• Regular reviews and feedback

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed