Veterinary Assistant

Petco•Kennesaw, GA

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 the technical and customer-service functions of the hospital, and contributes to a cohesive and motivated practice team. The position helps ensure that patient needs come first, clients receive an exceptional experience, issues are addressed promptly, and the hospital operates efficiently with a high standard of care. The Veterinary Assistant works under the direct supervision of veterinarians and veterinary technicians for patient care. Overall direction comes from the HOM/HLOD or the supervising technician for the shift. The role has no immediate supervisory duties, though it may assist with training new staff. Most duties take 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 during emotional and stressful situations.
Telephone and computer skills.
Willingness to be 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 in the listed duties.

Responsibilities

Greet clients and patients, escort them to exam rooms, obtain weights 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 supervision.
Restrain patients, obtain and process laboratory samples, handle and dispense medications as directed by a veterinarian, 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 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, perform in-hospital treatments for sick patients, including administering injectable and oral medications and intravenous fluid therapy.
Keep patients clean, watered, and fed when indicated and directed by a doctor, and safely walk canine patients when necessary for elimination.
Under the direction of the HOM/HLOD, assist with training new staff and sharing knowledge as needed.
Keep the hospital environment neat and clean, performing routine cleaning according to need and a predetermined maintenance schedule.
Perform additional duties as assigned and provide backup phone and front-desk support as needed.
Communicate regularly with clients, veterinary specialists, and companies that provide products or services used by the practice.