Veterinary Assistant
About The Position
The Veterinary Assistant supports veterinarians and veterinary technicians in providing veterinary care, promoting pet well-being, educating clients, and maintaining hospital standards. The role contributes to efficient hospital operations through technical and patient-care support, accurate medical charting, client communication, selected reception duties, and inventory management. The position is performed onsite at a hospital or approved offsite event location; remote work is not available. The hospital environment may include limited space, odors from pet waste, and noise. Schedules may include shifts of 10 or more hours, Saturdays, evenings, and holidays. The stated salary range is $21.30–$28.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- At least 6 months of experience in the veterinary industry.
- Ability to handle dogs, cats, and exotic animals.
- Knowledge or experience in basic animal care, including feeding, bathing, grooming, and monitoring for signs of distress or illness.
- Knowledge or experience with common medical procedures, including medication administration, wound care, and assistance with diagnostic tests.
- Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment.
- Ability to multitask, set priorities, and remain action-oriented in a fast-paced environment while staying calm and resilient.
- Ability to take initiative, maintain accuracy amid interruptions, and be accountable for work.
- Ability to learn computer software systems, including EMR and scheduling systems.
- Strong customer-service focus and excellent communication and organizational skills; ability to respond empathetically and compassionately in a variety of emotional situations.
- Good hand-eye coordination and arm, hand, and finger dexterity, including the ability to reach and grasp; visual acuity for keyboard and equipment use and reading information.
- Specific vision abilities include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds or more; stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb.
- Ability to work around potential bites or scratches, biological hazards, anesthesia medication odors, radiation near an X-ray machine, and prescription medications including controlled substances.
Nice To Haves
- Completion of an NAVTA-approved veterinary assistant program, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience demonstrating the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Ability to develop or enhance technical skills in anesthesia, surgical assistance, and dentistry.
Responsibilities
- Apply technical skills in surgery, dentistry, laboratory procedures, venipuncture, patient restraint, and maintaining a sterile and safe environment.
- Contribute to the day-to-day efficiency and smooth operation of the hospital.
- Communicate effectively with team members and clients.
- Maintain thorough and accurate patient medical charts in accordance with hospital quality-control standards.
- Educate clients about Wellness Plans and provide appropriate guidance on pet care and overall health.
- Perform selected reception duties, including answering phones, scheduling appointments, and facilitating patient intake and discharge.
- Obtain pertinent medical history and patient information.
- Help manage hospital supplies by tracking inventory and restocking as needed.
- Complete assigned hospital duties before the end of each shift.
- Support the overall success and performance of the hospital.
- Provide professional, efficient, and exceptional customer service, adapting to clients’ needs and resolving complaints as appropriate.
- Follow OSHA standards and company policies.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
