Veterinary Assistant

Petco•Auburn, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Veterinary Assistant provides medical care support to Vetco Total Care full-service hospital patients and customer care to their owners, while representing Petco’s mission and values. The role helps set the tone for technical and customer support in the hospital and contributes to a cohesive, motivated practice focused on patient needs, exceptional customer experiences, effective issue resolution, teamwork, and shared goals. Working under the supervision and direction of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and hospital leadership, the Veterinary Assistant supports appointments, procedures, patient monitoring and treatment, client communication, records, and hospital operations. The position is based primarily in a veterinary hospital and involves regular direct contact with clients and pets. It has no immediate supervisory duties.

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 member, learn new techniques and treatments, offer creative ideas, and accept change.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of previous veterinary-practice experience, or sufficient related 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 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 patients safely under anesthesia while 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 for elimination when necessary.
Assist with training new staff and sharing knowledge as directed by hospital leadership.
Keep the hospital environment neat and clean and perform regular cleaning according to need and established maintenance schedules.
Perform additional assigned duties and provide backup phone and front desk support as needed.