What are the responsibilities and job description for the Veterinary Assistant position at Animal Emergency & Surgical Center?
Veterinary Assistant
Animal Emergency & Surgical Center
Animal Emergency and Surgical Center is actively seeking a Veterinary Assistant to assist 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 Assistant assists in multiple procedures 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
- 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 in inventory monitoring of hospital supplies and drugs by alerting the facilities/inventory team about needs
- Knowledgeable regarding related federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA. Inform the veterinary practice or operations manager(s) of any regulatory issues observed.
- Ensure that monitoring and support equipment such as anesthetic machines, cardiac monitors, oxygen kennels, scopes and breathing apparatus are in good working condition.
- May be required to cross-train to assist front desk during peak hours or in the event of staff shortage
- Other Duties as directed
- Diagnosis and Prognosis
- Prescribe medications
- Perform surgery, including dental extraction
- Able to communicate professionally with coworkers of all levels and in all areas of the hospital
- Possession of strong organizational skills.
- Knowledge of the spelling and meaning of commonly used terminology of veterinary medicine to accurately record results of tests and treatment plan in patient chart in PIMS.
- Critical thinking
- Ability to multi-task
- Strong communication and motivation skills. Effective problem solving.
- Requires active listening skills
- Requires telephone conversations
- Requires basic computer skills, including use of email for hospital communications
- Requires face-to-face discussions with individuals or team members across all areas of hospital
- Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and accept direction on given assignments.
Working Environment Characteristics
Ability to stand, walk, kneel, crouch, and climb as well as manipulate (lift, carry, and move) up to 50 pounds.
Requires good hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
Use of computer software and keyboarding
Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
Exposure to pet odors and allergens/dander
Occasional exposure to airborne particles from chemicals related to animal care and office equipment.
Moderate noise levels are present
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Disclaimer
The above statements are meant as a representative guideline for this position and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all working requirements or conditions
At AmeriVet, we’re committed to your growth, development, well-being, and success. We empower team members with the resources, support, and opportunities needed to thrive in their careers and make a lasting impact in our communities.
Here’s what you can expect when you join our team:
- Tailored development programs, mentorship, and career pathing to help you achieve your unique goals.
- Competitive pay, performance bonuses, 401(k) matching, and student loan assistance to foster your financial well-being.
- Health, dental, vision, life insurance, and mental health resources to support your overall well-being.
- Generous paid time off and holidays, because your personal time matters.
- A supportive, collaborative environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
At AmeriVet, your unique skills and passion are celebrated, and every team member has the tools to thrive. Our people-focused approach is centered on helping you grow in your career while making a meaningful impact on the communities we serve.
