Veterinary Assistant, Surgery, Vancouver Animal Emergency & Referral Centre

VCA Animal Hospitals • Vancouver, BC

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Vancouver Animal Emergency and Referral Centre is seeking a dependable and caring Veterinary Assistant to join their Surgery department full-time. This role is crucial for supporting the entire hospital, with a specific focus on assisting with orthopedic, soft tissue, and emergency surgeries. The ideal candidate will be organized, motivated, and empathetic, contributing to a smooth-running service and a positive environment for both pet parents and patients.

Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 20kg patients
• Completion of a Medical Device Reprocessing course or familiarity with instrumentation and various types of instrument sterilizers (steam/chemical)
• Candidates with previous experience in medical device reprocessing in a human medical facility will also be considered
• Superior customer service and outstanding client communication skills
• Keen interest in improving and learning new skills with a sense of curiosity
• Exceptional organizational skills and a detail-oriented work style
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Willingness to learn more regarding veterinary services, updated medical office procedures
• Knowledge of the use, care, and storage of veterinary instruments, materials, and equipment
• Awareness of the hospital's policies and procedures
• Know and use standard medical and business abbreviations
• Have physical strength and the ability to stand for an entire shift when needed & lift to 20kg

Nice To Haves

• Veterinary Assistant (VA) or Veterinary Office Assistant (VOA) program certificate is an asset
• Previous experience in a veterinary setting is beneficial, it is not a requirement
• Recent program grads who are motivated and confident in their abilities and possess above-average skills are also encouraged to apply
• Ability to scrub in to assist the surgeon is also an asset if needed

Responsibilities

• Assist the veterinary staff with various tasks and treatments
• Create a warm and welcoming environment for our pet parents
• Create a positive, low-stress atmosphere for our patients and adapt to changing situations
• Take initiative and work independently
• General housekeeping duties; cleanliness of reception area, pet holding areas, and common areas
• Willingness to learn more regarding veterinary services, updated medical office procedures
• High standard of instrument reprocessing and sterilization, striving to ensure fully stocked operating rooms in an efficient manner
• Maintenance of equipment and supplies used in our three state-of-the-art surgical units
• Assembling and providing surgical supply sets and carts as ordered for scheduled and emergency surgeries
• Inventory monitoring, ordering, replenishing and rotating supplies in your work area
• Safe animal restraint and handling of dogs and cats
• Assisting the surgery team with various animal nursing tasks
• Above average knowledge on sterile preparation of patients for various surgical procedures, including orthopedic & soft tissue procedures
• Ability to scrub in to assist the surgeon is also an asset if needed
• Ability to assist technologists with anesthesia induction of patients for various surgical procedures
• General cleaning duties; cleanliness of operating rooms, sterilization area, pet holding areas, and common areas
• Maintaining continuous surgical laundry flow
• Preparing and submitting lab samples to various outside laboratories
• Attend staff meetings
• Assisting the Board-Certified Specialist and Registered Veterinary Technologists in any other appropriate capacity as requested

Benefits

• RRSP Employer 5 % Match Program
• Competitive wages and benefits
• Opportunity to apply for a Veterinary Technician/Technologist scholarship (annual process)
• Annual uniform allowance
• Referral Bonus Rewards
• Opportunities to give back to your community through VCA initiatives
• Generous personal pet care discounts
• Shopping discounts
• Wellness apps

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees