Veterinary Assistant

Petco•Happy Valley, AZ

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 position represents Petco’s mission and values and supports technical and customer service operations, teamwork, and a high standard of care. The role contributes to an efficient hospital environment, patient well-being, employee retention, and customer satisfaction. Under the supervision of veterinarians and veterinary technicians, the Veterinary Assistant supports appointments, procedures, anesthesia monitoring, inpatient treatments, patient recovery and discharge, and maintenance of medical records. The position also assists with client communication, staff training, and the cleanliness and organization of the hospital.

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.
Willingness to work as part of a team, learn new techniques and treatments, offer creative ideas, and accept change.

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 of the listed skills.

Responsibilities

Greet clients and patients, escort them to exam rooms, obtain weights and vital signs, and record the information in the electronic medical record.
Collect patient histories and document patient 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 help maintain electronic medical records.
Schedule appointments, provide client education, 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 patient safety during anesthesia by monitoring vital parameters, assist with recovery monitoring, 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.
Assist with training new staff and sharing knowledge as directed by the HOM/HLOD.
Keep the hospital neat and clean and perform regular cleaning according to need and established schedules.
Perform additional assigned duties and provide backup phone and front desk support as needed.