Veterinary Assistant

Job Overview
Shelter Medicine is a specialized area of veterinary care focused on addressing the needs of animals in underserved situations. Unlike private practice veterinarians, who focus on individual animals with owners, shelter veterinarians work with both individual animals and the broader population. They often face challenges such as limited or unknown health histories, neglect or abandonment, and exposure to infectious disease.

While general medicine and surgery are key aspects of Shelter Medicine, veterinarians in this field must also have expertise in areas such as epidemiology, preventive care, infectious disease control, policy development, facility design, public health, animal behavior, and veterinary forensics. Shelter veterinarians are creative, adapting traditional medical practices to meet the unique needs and circumstances of animals in shelters.

Harbor Humane Society is a private non-profit animal shelter located in West Olive, MI. Our mission is to provide safe harbor for animals entrusted to our care as we strive to secure their future through outreach and education. The Harbor Humane Shelter Medicine team provides surgery and medical care to shelter animals daily and publicly owned pets through low-cost services. In addition to veterinary care, the Shelter Medicine team supports a variety of progressive shelter programs such as our Return To Field program for outdoor cats, intake diversion to keep pets with their people, and volunteering at fundraising events like Ales for Tales and Putts for Paws. We are looking for a driven team member who is passionate about animal welfare, eager to learn, and dedicated to the mission of Harbor Humane.

Duties for the Vet Assistant:

• Able to perform or learn to perform various diagnostics: Urinalysis, Fecal floats, Blood draws, Ear cytology, Radiographs and more
• Able to safely handle and restrain cats, dogs, and small mammals
• Assisting Doctor and team members in appointments, surgery, and exams such as: monitoring animals under anesthesia; maintaining sterility in surgical suite; shaving, prepping, and intubating surgical patients in a high-volume setting; monitoring animals recovering from anesthesia
• Maintain a clean environment- including but not limited to cleaning/sterilizing surgical instruments, cleaning up blood and bodily excretions, and cleaning kennels.
• Administering treatments to animals- including vaccines, medications (by mouth, eye, ear, topical, etc), subcutaneous fluids.
• Work cohesively in a team environment
• Know how to operate safety equipment for feral and fractious animals
• Fear Free Certified or willing to become Fear Free Certified within first 90 days of employment

Requirements:

• Perpetual student: curious mind, eager to learn, excited about new learning opportunities
• Previous veterinary and/or animal experience (1-2 years)
• Able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Work efficiently with minimal supervision
• Detail oriented
• Proficient skills with online software and Microsoft Office Programs
• Fluent in English with strong written and verbal communication skills
• Professional certifications (i.e. Fear Free certified, Licensed Veterinary Technician, Euthanasia by Injection Certified) Basic knowledge of animal husbandry care
• Basic working knowledge of commonly used veterinary equipment (autoclave, anesthesia machines, ultrasonic cleaner, muzzles, etc.)
• Basic working knowledge of veterinary nursing and patient care
• Good working knowledge of patient restraint techniques
• Able to make sound decisions; seek instruction and direction as necessary
• Passion for animals and Veterinary Medicine

Working Conditions:

• Loud noises
• Exposure to animal bodily fluids including but not limited to urine, feces, blood
• Exposure to animal hair and dander
• Exposure to potential allergens such as peanut butter and hay
• Exposure to cleaning products, disinfectants, and medications
• Ability to maintain physical stamina for up to 10 hours a day, including: standing, walking, kneeling, lifting, and squatting
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds
• Able to see, hear, and perform fine motor tasks
• Ability to receive, process and follow direction and instructions

Please note: This job description outlines the general duties of this position and is not intended to imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee in this position.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.00 - $17.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Uniform allowance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 12 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• West Olive, MI 49460 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• West Olive, MI 49460: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15 - $17