Veterinary Assistant
About The Position
Animal Samaritans, an animal welfare organization committed to improving the lives of animals and people, is seeking a Veterinary Assistant. Under the general direction of the Practice Manager and alongside and under the direction of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, the Veterinary Assistant performs veterinary tasks and client service functions. The role includes surgery check-ins and recordkeeping, monitoring and assisting with animals before, during, and after procedures, preparing vaccines and medications, maintaining equipment and inventory, and supporting front-desk and scheduling operations as assigned.
Requirements
- High school diploma required.
- Knowledge of computers and relevant software.
- Knowledge of customer service principles and practices.
- Dependable attendance is required.
- Any allergies to animals must be controllable through medication.
- Must be able to lift 40 pounds.
- Must be willing to work long or irregular hours under pressure conditions.
Nice To Haves
- Some college-level coursework is desirable.
- Certifications, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree are preferred.
- Familiarity with veterinary software is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Perform surgery check-ins, including a brief external examination and questions about the animal’s medical history.
- Create surgical templates and record examination and surgical information, including drug administration and surgery times.
- Review intake forms against surgical templates and make authorized revisions as needed.
- Take and monitor animals’ vital signs, including temperature, pulse, and respiration, before and after surgery.
- Communicate clearly and effectively with surgery staff and update patient records based on information conveyed by staff.
- Record additional surgery-period charges and notes, such as pregnancy, being in heat, or prescribed medication; communicate additional charges and record them in the patient pop-up window.
- Track inventory in the surgery preparation room and provide the floor supervisor with a summary of items needing to be ordered.
- Maintain and sterilize surgical instruments and packs; maintain and use surgical and medical equipment, including an autoclave.
- Conduct surgery rechecks with the attending veterinarian.
- Prepare and administer vaccines according to the organization’s vaccine protocol.
- Monitor pets under anesthesia.
- Assist veterinarians with medical procedures using proper restraint and aseptic technique, and assist the surgery veterinarian in exam rooms.
- Prepare patient medications, ensuring two staff members sign and check off all medication.
- Perform ear cleaning and nail trims.
- Maintain pharmacy records and controlled-drug, anesthesia, fecal, and heartworm-test logs.
- Clean work areas and follow doctors’ protocols at all times.
- Perform other assigned duties, including covering the front desk and working in the scheduling department.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
