Veterinary Assistant

Seattle Humane•Bellevue, WA

121d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for assisting with daily medical care of shelter animals and surgical patients. Assists Veterinarians and Licensed Veterinary Technicians with pre-, peri-, and post-operative care of patients, general cleaning, and following patient care protocols. The VA should be excited about animal welfare, shelter medicine, increasing access to veterinary care and high-quality, high volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) practices.

Requirements

Ability to obtain Veterinary Med Clerk license (can be obtained on the job)
Familiar with characteristics of animal behavior and utilization low stress animal handling as related to a clinic/shelter environment
Must be able to use appropriate safety equipment for fractious or feral animals
Will be asked to handle large volumes of animals per day. Must be proficient at safe animal handling and restraint for various clinic procedures
Must be able to read, write, listen and communicate effectively
Must be able to perform basic mathematical operations
Should be able to identify personal limitations and be willing to ask for help
Ability to work independently or as part of a team
Should be able to identify personal limitations and be willing to ask for help
Must be able to work for extended periods, standing or sitting for 10 or more hours, and lift and carry up to 30 pounds repeatedly, with or without accommodation.
Additionally, they must be able to bend, kneel, and work on hands and knees repeatedly, as well as use ladders and step stools.
Fine motor skills are also essential, requiring an acceptable degree of dexterity in hands and fingers.
Furthermore, the candidate must be able to work efficiently in stressful conditions including frequent interruptions, respond quickly to various medical situations, and rapidly process information with accuracy.
Finally, they must be capable of working independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

DVMs and LVTs receive an annual CE stipend

Responsibilities

Works independently caring for hospitalized patients and animals throughout the shelter as assigned by a veterinarian.
Fill prescriptions
Administer medications, vaccinations, and other treatments
IV catheter placement and maintenance
Obtain diagnostics including digital radiography and positioning, phlebotomy, in-house lab analyzer processing
Infectious disease treatment, with a focus on Ringworm, Upper Respiratory Infection, Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease, Panleukopenia, and Parvovirus
Animal husbandry duties including cleaning, feeding, watering, medicating and monitoring all animals in the veterinary clinic to maintain high standards of veterinary care
Assist with euthanasia, perform euthanasia if certified
Perform public appointments, which includes history gathering, animal restraint, administration of treatments, and dispensing medications to owners
Support HQHVSN clinic which performs surgery on 20-50 patients daily per DVM
Monitor vital signs of anesthetized patients
Assist DVM with dental procedures including dental radiography and scaling/polishing teeth
Perform venipuncture and bladder expression on anesthetized patients
Assist with movement of patients, recovery of patients, and general flow in the veterinary clinic
Restrain patients for induction and intubation, and preps patients for surgery
Responsible for clinic and surgery set up/breakdown including cleaning, stocking, pack wrapping, instrument sterilization, laundry, organization.
Support Vet Reception as needed
Work closely with volunteers in the department and related programs and provide support and training as needed
Work closely with all departments and effectively communicates the medical needs of shelter animals
Respond appropriately during an emergency, take directions from a veterinarian or LVT and maintain competency during CPR procedures
Communicate in a professional and effective manner with the public, Seattle Humane staff, and all volunteers
Represent Seattle Humane in a professional and courteous manner
Follows all written and verbally communicated departmental standard operating procedures
Reports any health, behavior, safety, or security concerns to supervisor in a timely manner
All other duties as assigned