Veterinary Assistant - Freeland Animal Hospital (No Weekends)

Freeland Animal Hospital•Indianapolis, IN

10d

About The Position

The Veterinary Assistant supports veterinarians and veterinary technicians to help ensure pet and client safety and continuity of quality veterinary care. The position also provides client service and front desk support, including greeting clients, answering phones, scheduling appointments, processing payments, and assisting with administrative tasks. The role combines patient care with client-facing responsibilities throughout the day. The assistant helps prepare and clean exam rooms and equipment; gathers and documents patient information; comforts and restrains pets; records examination updates; provides client education under veterinary direction; monitors pets’ status and vital signs; and supports care for hospitalized and boarded pets. Duties also include feeding, watering, bathing, and exercising pets, responding to client questions, performing procedures that do not require veterinarian or veterinary technician assistance, and potentially administering medication, performing routine laboratory tests, or filling prescriptions under appropriate direction. The position is expected to provide professional, efficient, quality care and exceptional client service, support a collaborative practice environment, and comply with practice policies and care standards. It has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Broad knowledge of animal science.
Basic knowledge of pharmacology.
Proficiency with computer programs including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and industry internet sites.
Basic written, verbal, and active listening communication skills with a customer-oriented approach.
Basic mathematical skills to ensure accurate drug and fluid doses.
Basic analytical, critical-thinking, judgment, and problem-solving skills.
Compassion and empathy for pets and pet owners.
Ability to interact professionally, caringly, compassionately, and tactfully with a variety of clients and employees.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, including managing multiple priorities.
Ability to handle and maintain sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
Ability to remain calm in an environment that varies from orderly to fast-paced and stressful.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including prolonged walking, standing, and sitting; frequent computer use; and lifting, carrying, pulling, or moving objects using up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, 20 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly.

Nice To Haves

Certificate of completion from a NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant program.
One year of experience in a pet care setting.

Responsibilities

Foster a culture built on the values of Respect, Learning, Do the Right Thing, WOW Service, and Fun.
Clean, disinfect, and prepare exam rooms, medical equipment, and surgery areas between appointments.
Obtain initial patient information, medical histories, vaccination records, and reasons for visits; document patient information and update records.
Calm, soothe, comfort, and restrain pets before, during, and after procedures.
Record examination results and update records as directed by veterinarians.
Provide pet owners with education, resources, and information about general pet care, specific conditions, and post-procedure care at the veterinarian’s direction.
Monitor and track pets’ physical status and vital signs following surgery.
Monitor, record, and report the physical condition and vital signs of hospitalized and boarded pets.
Clean and disinfect cages, pens, runs, and boarding areas.
Feed, water, bathe, and exercise pets during their visit.
Respond to general questions from clients.
Perform and set up procedures that do not require veterinarian or veterinary technician assistance.
Examine pets, perform basic health checks for signs of disease, illness, or injury, and provide treatment under veterinarian direction.
May administer medication, perform routine laboratory tests, fill prescriptions, and educate clients on medication use and side effects under the direction of a veterinarian or veterinary technician.
Provide professional, efficient, quality care and exceptional client service while maintaining productivity.
Support collaboration and teamwork and the delivery of quality, compassionate, effective, and efficient pet health care.
Comply with practice policies, quality assurance guidelines, and minimum standards of care.
Perform other duties as requested.
Greet clients, answer phones, schedule appointments, process payments, and assist with administrative tasks.