Veterinary Assistant

Petco • Clark, NJ

14d • Onsite

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 in the hospital, and contributes to teamwork and an effective practice environment. Patient needs, exceptional customer experiences, prompt resolution of issues, and shared goals are central to the position.

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 supervising technician for the shift. The role supports appointments, emergency care, surgery, dentistry, anesthesia, treatments, patient records, client communication, and hospital cleanliness. This position has no immediate supervisory duties. Most work takes place in a veterinary hospital, with frequent direct contact with clients and pets.

Requirements

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Compassionate and sympathetic manner, with the ability to maintain a professional attitude and demeanor in emotional and stressful situations.
• Telephone and computer skills.
• Ability to work as a team player, learn new techniques and treatments, offer creative ideas, and accept change.
• Ability to perform the listed duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to bend, kneel, lift up to 30 pounds as necessary, and stand for long periods.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of previous experience working in a veterinary practice, or sufficient relatable animal-care experience to ensure excellent performance of the listed skills.

Responsibilities

• Greet clients and patients, escort them to exam rooms, obtain patient weights and vital signs, and document the information in the electronic medical record.
• Collect patient histories and document patient 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 a veterinarian, and maintain electronic 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 doctors or veterinary technicians with anesthetizing patients.
• Under supervision, maintain patients safely under anesthesia while monitoring vital parameters, monitor recovery, and prepare patients for discharge or transfer to an overnight care facility.
• Under supervision, provide in-hospital treatments for sick patients, including injectable and oral medications and intravenous fluid therapy.
• Keep patients clean, watered, and fed as directed, and safely walk canine patients when needed for elimination.
• Assist with training new staff members and sharing knowledge as directed by the HOM/HLOD.
• Keep the hospital neat and clean, performing routine cleaning as needed and according to the maintenance schedule.
• Perform additional duties as assigned and provide backup phone and front desk support as needed.
• Contribute to efficient day-to-day hospital operations, teamwork, patient well-being, employee retention, and customer satisfaction.

Benefits

• Health benefits
• Financial benefits
• 401(k)
• Incentives
• Paid time off (PTO)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed