Veterinary Assistant

Ark Animal Clinic•Bend, OR

13d•Onsite

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 daily hospital operations through patient care and handling, clinical assistance, accurate medical charting, client communication, reception duties, and supply management. The position is performed onsite at a hospital or approved offsite event location; remote work is not available. The hospital environment may involve limited space, pet waste odors, and noise. Schedules may include shifts of 10 or more hours, Saturdays, evenings, and holidays. The role involves physical activity and potential exposure to animals that may bite or scratch, biological hazards, anesthesia medication odors, radiation near X-ray equipment, and prescription medications, including controlled substances.

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 providing basic animal care, including feeding, bathing, grooming, and monitoring for signs of distress or illness.
Knowledge or experience with common medical procedures, including administering medications, wound care, and assisting 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.
Ability to remain calm and resilient and show initiative when addressing tasks and challenges.
Ability to complete accurate work while managing frequent interruptions.
Ability to learn computer software systems, including EMR and scheduling systems.
Strong customer service, communication, organizational, and accountability skills; ability to respond empathetically and compassionately to varied emotional situations.
Good hand-eye coordination, arm-hand-finger dexterity, reaching and grasping ability, and visual acuity for keyboard use, equipment operation, and reading information.
Specific vision abilities including close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Ability to lift more than 50 pounds and to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb.
Ability to work schedules that may include 10+ hour shifts, Saturdays, evenings, and holidays.

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 acquire or enhance technical skills in anesthesia, surgical assistance, and dentistry.

Responsibilities

Apply technical skills in surgery, dentistry, laboratory procedures, venipuncture, and proper restraint while following protocols for 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 guidance on pet care and overall health as appropriate.
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 necessary.
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 assigned job duties.