Veterinary Assistant

Petco Animal Supplies Stores•Wareham, MA

22d

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 the hospital’s mission and values, supports technical and customer service operations, and contributes to teamwork and a positive, efficient hospital environment. Patient needs and exceptional customer experience are central to the position. Working under the supervision of veterinarians and veterinary technicians, the Veterinary Assistant supports appointments, procedures, patient monitoring and treatment, records, client communications, and hospital upkeep. The position has no immediate supervisory duties, though it may assist with training new staff under the direction of hospital leadership. Most work takes place in a veterinary hospital, with regular direct contact with clients and pets.

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.
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 support excellent performance of the listed duties.

Responsibilities

Greet clients and patients, escort them to exam rooms, obtain and record weight and vital signs, collect patient histories, and document visits in electronic medical records.
Assist doctors with routine and emergency appointments, surgery, dentistry, and euthanasia under appropriate supervision.
Restrain patients; collect and process laboratory samples; handle and dispense medications at the veterinarian’s direction; and maintain electronic medical records.
Schedule appointments, educate clients, relay test results to doctors and clients, and maintain and update client and patient records.
Prepare patients for surgical and dental procedures and assist with anesthetizing patients.
Under veterinarian or veterinary technician supervision, monitor patients under anesthesia and during recovery, and prepare them for discharge or transfer to overnight care.
Under veterinarian or veterinary technician supervision, provide in-hospital treatments, including injectable and oral medications and intravenous fluid therapy; keep patients clean, watered, and fed as directed; and walk canine patients when needed for elimination.
Assist with training new staff and sharing knowledge as directed by hospital leadership.
Keep the hospital neat and clean, performing regular cleaning according to need and established schedules.
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, and customer satisfaction.