Veterinary Surgical Assistant - Critical Care - Full Time
About The Position
The Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS) is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to join their Critical Care Center team in Hoover. GBHS is a progressive animal welfare shelter dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals. They are committed to an open admissions policy, animal rehabilitation, and maintaining a low euthanasia rate, enabling them to save and rehome thousands of animals annually. The Veterinary Assistant reports to the Practice Manager and is an integral part of the clinic team, interacting with veterinarians, LVTs, other assistants, student externs, adoption and animal care staff, volunteers, the public, and rescue partners.
Requirements
- A passion for the mission of GBHS and a sense of humor.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Minimum 1 year of experience working as a vet assistant in a veterinary/animal clinic environment.
- Minimum 1 year of experience in animal handling, animal behavior, and animal welfare in a shelter environment.
- Currently a Certified Euthanasia Technician (CET) or obtain CET within one year of employment.
- General knowledge of pharmaceutical medications.
- General knowledge of veterinary medical terminology.
- Ability to perform physical work including standing for long periods, carrying animal crates, bending, scrubbing, mopping, walking quickly, reaching, squatting in a timely manner and with ease.
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds and lift up to 75 pounds with reasonable accommodation.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- A positive attitude and ability to get along with others.
Responsibilities
- Humanely handle and kennel all animals, ensuring proper identification.
- Provide animal care, including cleaning cages/kennels to prevent disease spread.
- Feed animals according to dietary requirements and procedures.
- Develop knowledge of animal behaviors, temperaments, and personalities.
- Assist with laundry requirements for respective areas.
- Wash and disinfect animal articles, bedding, dishes, and toys daily.
- Observe animals for medical and behavioral issues (sickness, stress, aggression, injury) and report findings to supervisors and medical staff.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and complete records.
- Check and maintain supplies and equipment, communicating needs and maintenance issues to supervisors.
- Stock needed supplies in respective areas.
- Handle, restrain, and triage all animals entering the shelter.
- Assist with medication and medical treatment of animals as prescribed by the veterinarian.
- Assist in preparing animals for surgery and routinely inspect and clean incisions.
- Oversee preparation of animals for adoption, including health exams and inoculations.
- Assist in maintaining and treating illnesses throughout the shelter.
- Stay current with field advancements, animal welfare issues, techniques, procedures, and equipment.
- Maintain a high level of communication with all GBHS staff, volunteers, and fosters.
- Collaborate with staff to determine animal adoption appropriateness.
- Assist in screening animals for adoption when requested.
- Greet, direct, and provide information to visitors, answering public questions.
- Potentially work at off-site events when requested.
- Represent GBHS professionally in all situations.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Competitive pay
- Benefits (details available on GBHS website)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
