Veterinary Assistant

Reporting Structure: The Veterinary Assistant is under the direct guidance and supervision of the Veterinary Technician Team Leader and veterinarians who will indicate general assignments, limitations and priorities.  Recurring assignments are performed independently.  Deviations or unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor.  Completed work is reviewed for technical accuracy and compliance with established procedures. 

Technician Objectives: The Veterinary Assistant (no credentials) assists the doctors to the fullest possible extent, to help improve the quality of care given to the patients, and to aid the doctors in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work. 

The Veterinary Technician/Assistant assists in multiple procedures providing care for animals including physical examinations, dental procedures, surgeries, immunizations, euthanasia and client education, marketing and inventory maintenance. This position requires a working knowledge of pharmaceutical drugs, common diseases; their symptoms, means of transmission, treatment and prevention, and other basic preventative health care recommendations.  This is an overview of the position, and the job responsibilities listed do not encompass the entire position. 

Position type and expected hours of work: 

• Full or Part-Time 

• 8-12 hours Shifts, up to 40 hours per week 

• Weekend, evening and holiday shifts required 

• Overtime may be required 

Education and Experience:   

• High School Diploma or equivalent, plus a minimum of 2 years of on-the-job training at a veterinary practice  

Essential Responsibilities:  

• Communicate with and educate pet owners about the medications/treatments their pet is receiving 

• Obtain and record patient histories. 

• Collect specimens and perform routine laboratory procedures  

• Dispense and administer medications and treatments as prescribed by veterinarians.  

• Administer fluids and blood products as prescribed by the veterinarian. 

• Administer and monitor anesthesia under the direction of a veterinarian. 

• Provide specialized nursing care for injured or ill animals. 

• Prepare patients, instruments and equipment for surgery. 

• Clean, maintain and sterilize instruments, equipment, and materials 

• Keeping hospital treatment and patient areas clean; includes trash, floors, bedding, laundry etc.  

• Keeping treatment areas stocked with supplies as needed 

• Assure that hospital equipment is in good working condition. 

• Take and process radiographs. 

• Maintain accessible inventory of pharmaceuticals, equipment and supplies. 

• Participate