Veterinary Assistant

Petco•Huntington Beach, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Veterinary Assistant position at Vetco Total Care hospitals is dedicated to providing excellent medical care to patients and exceptional customer service to their owners. This role is crucial in representing the company's mission and values, setting the tone for technical and customer support within the hospital. Veterinary Assistants are responsible for fostering cohesion and motivation within the practice, ensuring that patient needs are always prioritized and that every team member has the empowerment to create an exceptional customer experience. The role emphasizes resolving issues promptly and fostering a collaborative environment that benefits the entire organization.

Requirements

At least 1 year of previous experience working in veterinary practice or sufficient relatable animal care experience.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Compassionate and sympathetic demeanor.
Ability to maintain a professional attitude during emotional and stressful situations.
Telephone and computer skills.
Team player willing to learn new techniques and treatments, offer creative ideas, and accept change.

Responsibilities

Greet clients and patients, escort them into exam rooms, and record vital signs and weight in the electronic medical record.
Collect thorough patient histories and document patient visits in EMRs.
Assist doctors with appointments (routine and emergency), surgery, dentistry, and euthanasia under supervision.
Perform patient restraint and obtain/process laboratory samples.
Handle and dispense medications as directed by the veterinarian.
Maintain and update client/patient records.
Schedule appointments and provide client education.
Relay test results to doctors and clients.
Prepare patients for surgical and dental procedures and assist with anesthesia.
Safely maintain patients under anesthesia, monitoring vital parameters, and monitor patients during recovery.
Prepare patients for discharge or transfer to overnight care.
Perform in-hospital treatments for sick patients, including administering medications and intravenous fluid therapy.
Maintain patient hygiene, hydration, and feeding as directed by the doctor.
Safely walk canine patients for elimination when necessary.
Assist in training new staff members and disseminating knowledge as required.
Maintain a neat and clean hospital environment, performing regular cleaning based on necessity and a predetermined schedule.
Provide backup phone and front desk support as needed.