Veterinary Assistant

Cara Veterinary • Kirkland, WA

2d • $22 - $26 • Onsite

About The Position

Juanita Hills Animal Hospital is seeking a dedicated Veterinary Assistant to join their team. This role is crucial for maintaining the health and well-being of animal patients and upholding high standards of care. The Veterinary Assistant will be responsible for day-to-day patient care, ensuring a clean and safe environment, and assisting with medical and client-related tasks. The position emphasizes exceptional care and service, requiring strong interpersonal skills with both people and pets. The hospital is part of the Cara Network of Neighborhood Veterinary Practices and is known for its supportive work environment, opportunities for growth, and commitment to pets and people.

Requirements

• Minimum of 1-year experience in Veterinary Assistant Role.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Washington State Medical Clerk License.
• Good with people and pets.
• Enjoys educating and connecting with people.
• Communicates effectively.
• Advocates for patients.
• Reliable and trustworthy.
• Demonstrable animal care skills.
• Adaptability and resilience.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a veterinary hospital setting.
• Strong client engagement skills.
• Ability to defuse difficult client interactions gracefully.
• Empathy and compassionate listening.

Responsibilities

• Cleaning, disinfection, and management of cat room, kennel room, inside runs, and outside area.
• Cage card interpretation (diagnosis, food/water intake, stool/urine samples needed, medications, etc.).
• Laundry, including disinfection of regular and Isolation Ward linens.
• Husbandry and Husbandry Standards (feeding, water, walking, and litter pans - frequency).
• Obtain and document body weights, temperature, heart rates, and respiratory rates.
• Safe and effective animal restraint and muzzle application for canines and felines.
• Disposal of waste and sharps.
• Proper care and use of clippers and blades.
• Adherence to Isolation Protocol.
• Care and handling of neonates.
• Perform ear flushes (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Nail trims.
• Fecal set up and preparation for outgoing lab (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Perform all SNAP tests (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Telephone etiquette, including appointment scheduling.
• Add new clients and patients and schedule appointments.
• Check-in and check-out patients using Practice Management Software.
• Open, complete, and obtain signatures for Admit Form(s).
• CareCredit application and setup.
• Admit and discharge patients.
• Administer biological injections (vaccines) (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Administer biological vaccines for rabies (under direct DVM supervision).
• Administer intramuscular and subcutaneous injections (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Administer intravenous injections into catheterized veins (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Anal gland expression.
• Lab sample collection and test preparation (under direct DVM supervision).
• Venipuncture (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Skin scrapping (exfoliative) (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Produce radiographs and transfer images (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Removal of sutures, drains, and staples (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Use and maintenance of ultrasonic cleaner and instrument milk.
• Bandage applications (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Removal of exposed foreign bodies (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Knowledge and understanding of the Cara Surgical Sterility Protocol.
• Knowledge of surgical instruments, their use, and names.
• Maintenance and use of autoclave/gas sterilizer (including proper instrument selection).
• Assembly of surgical packs and autoclave.
• Proper procedure for opening sterile instruments, suture material, and scalpel blades.
• Patient preparation for surgery (clipping, positioning, surgical scrub, urinary bladder expression).
• Microchip implantation (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Perform enema (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Massage, except when otherwise regulated (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Dispense non-controlled pharmaceuticals (Requires Veterinary Medical Clerk License).
• Removal of exposed foreign bodies (i.e., Ticks or PPQ’s) (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Perform ECG & blood pressure readings (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Set up for all surgery types.
• Change oxygen tank.
• Care for an intravenous catheter.
• Knowledge of IDEXX equipment and how to run samples.
• Knowledge of IDEXX maintenance procedures and frequency of care as well as documentation.
• Know locations of drugs for emergency use.
• Client education (admit, discharge & present estimates).
• Ability to be assigned to a doctor and assist them in handling their cases.
• Prepare an estimate for a client.
• Invoice a client.
• Ultrasound set up including client/patient information input.
• Bandage application (under direct DVM/LVT Supervision).
• Know proper technique to scrubbing, gowning, and gloving.
• Monitor anesthetized patients’ vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration) (IMMEDIATE DVM/LVT Supervision).
• Set up and Maintenance of Suction Equipment.
• IV Catheterization - peripheral (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Know the names of dental instruments and care/maintenance of dental equipment.
• Routine Dental Prophy (under direct DVM/LVT supervision).
• Perform non-invasive CPR and basic first aid.
• Provide comprehensive client education during admissions, discharges, and while presenting treatment estimates.
• Anticipate veterinarian's needs during appointments, procedures, and surgeries.
• Efficiently manage patient flow, ensuring timely appointments and procedures.
• Act as a partner with clients in their pets' healthcare journey.
• Create experiential, not transactional, client interactions.
• May assist in training of other team members as directed by hospital leaders.

Benefits

• Competitive salary ranging from $22-$26
• Medical, vision, & dental insurance premium with 4 options for all full-time employees
• Child, spousal, and family insurance options for all medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off (PTO), up to 80 hours + 10 hours for Personal Celebration Day
• Up to six paid floating holidays per calendar year
• 401k + 4% employer match
• Employee pet care discount for up to four personal pets
• Uniform allowance
• Professional Development (CE) reimbursement, up to $500 each year
• Quarterly Incentive Bonus Program with potential earnings of up to $250/quarter
• Veterinary Medical Clerk License application and renewal covered
• Regular reviews and feedback

What This Job Offers

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