Veterinary Assistant (Overnight Position)

Lakefield Veterinary Group•Apple Valley, MN

1d•$18 - $22

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 role helps keep pets safe and comfortable during their visit and is for overnight shifts. The Veterinary Assistant assists with patient intake and recordkeeping, pet comfort and restraint, routine care and monitoring, cleaning and preparation of rooms and equipment, and client education and questions. Some medication administration, laboratory testing, prescription filling, and basic procedures may be performed under the direction of a veterinarian or veterinary technician. The role also supports a collaborative practice environment and follows practice policies, quality assurance guidelines, and standards of care. This position involves frequent computer use and periods of walking, standing, and sitting. The team member may encounter low to moderate noise, sanitation chemicals, pet dander, excretions, and aggressive, frightened, abused, or injured pets. The position requires the ability to move objects using up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, 20 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly. Flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, may be required.

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 administration of 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 the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Ability to handle and maintain sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
Ability to remain calm in work conditions that range from orderly to fast-paced and stressful.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
Ability to talk and hear, frequently use a computer for extended periods, and meet the position’s vision requirements, including close vision.
Ability to walk, stand, and sit for long periods.
Ability to exert up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, 20 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly to lift, carry, pull, or move objects.

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.
Collect initial patient information, medical histories, vaccination records, and reasons for visits; document 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.
Educate pet owners and provide resources on general pet care, specific conditions, and aftercare following procedures, as directed by veterinarians.
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 visits.
Respond to general client questions.
Perform and set up procedures that do not require veterinarian or veterinary technician assistance.
Perform basic health checks, look for signs of disease, illness, or injury, and treat pets under veterinarian direction.
As directed by a veterinarian or veterinary technician, administer medication, perform routine laboratory tests, fill prescriptions, and educate clients on medication use and side effects.
Provide professional, efficient, quality care and exceptional client service while maintaining maximum productivity.
Support a collaborative and team-oriented practice environment that delivers 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.