Veterinary Assistant

Petco Animal Supplies Stores•Sandy Springs, GA

21d

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 technical and customer-service operations, and helps foster teamwork and motivation within the practice. The position contributes to an efficient hospital operation and a high standard of care, with the goals of supporting patient well-being, employee retention, and customer satisfaction. The Veterinary Assistant works under the direct supervision of veterinarians and veterinary technicians for patient care, and takes overall direction from the HOM/HLOD or the supervising technician on shift. The position has no immediate supervisory duties. Most work takes place in the veterinary hospital, with substantial direct contact with clients and their pets. The role involves 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.
Willingness to work as a team player, learn new techniques and treatments, offer creative ideas, and accept change.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of previous experience working in a veterinary practice, or sufficient related animal-care experience to support 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 the veterinarian, and maintain medical records.
Schedule appointments, provide client education, relay test results to doctors and clients, and maintain and update client and patient records.
Prepare patients for surgical and dental procedures and assist the doctor or veterinary technician with anesthetizing patients.
Under supervision, maintain patients safely under anesthesia while monitoring vital parameters, assist with recovery monitoring, and prepare patients for discharge or transfer to an overnight care facility.
Under supervision, perform in-hospital treatments for sick patients, including administering injectable and oral medications and intravenous fluid therapy.
Keep patients clean, watered, and fed when indicated and directed by the doctor, and safely walk canine patients when necessary for elimination.
Assist with training new staff and sharing knowledge as directed by the HOM/HLOD.
Keep the hospital environment neat and clean and perform regular cleaning according to need and the established maintenance schedule.
Perform additional assigned duties and provide backup phone and front-desk support as needed.