What are the responsibilities and job description for the Veterinary Assistant position at Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter?
Position: Veterinary Assistant
Salary: Hourly
Reports To: Medical Supervisor, Tiffany Johnson
Position Summary: Veterinary Assistants will be responsible for assisting Shelter Veterinarian, working in conjunction with Veterinary Technicians to ensure the health and well-being of the shelter felines, including medication, intake of new felines, and daily rounds of felines currently in our care.
Professional Expectations
- Interest and passion for the cats of The Hermitage and the Medical Department
- Understanding of and willingness to adhere to the basic tenets of the No-Kill philosophy
- Treat felines with care and compassion and impart these values to other team members
- Maintain a positive and respectful attitude toward staff and general public when necessary
- Communicate regularly with Executive Director regarding the status of the cats
- Demonstrate ability to prioritize workload
- Willingness to participate in meetings and share ideas and suggestions to improve feline medical care or the organization as a whole
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Become acquainted with all Hermitage cats, and be able to recognize when they require medical attention.
- Become familiar with, and implement if needed, Hermitage Medical Treatment Protocols.
- Prepare and distribute prescription diets according to the Hermitage Wet Food Feeding Guide & Individual Feeding List.
- Administer medications (oral, dermal, inhalant via nebulization, injectable), FVRCP vaccines, and SQ fluids as indicated by the Shelter DVM, VTs, and/or Treatment Sheets.
- Calculate doses for medications frequently used by Hermitage Medical.
- Become proficient in fear-free cat handling & restraint.
- Help carry out prescribed diagnostics and treatments, including, but not limited to, regular weighing of all Hermitage cats, bathing & grooming, ear cleanings, toenail trims, various forms of venipuncture, bloodwork, SNAP tests, urinalyses, cytologies, DTMs, and taking radiographs.
- Assist with euthanasia, and arrange for proper disposal of their bodies.
- Transport cats requiring off-site treatment to/from off-site facilities.
- Learn how to properly operate all Hermitage Medical equipment.
- Learn proper Isolation Ward protocols and implement fully when tending to the Ward. Perform lime sulfur dips on ringworm cats per protocol.
- Help maintain utmost cleanliness in the entire Medical Department, displaying a strong understanding of cross-contamination & disease control. See to it that the department remains fully stocked & organized.
- Train new Hermitage Medical staff, student externs & visitors, and volunteers on the policies, procedures, and day-to-day operations of Hermitage Medical.
- Facilitate new intakes into the Shelter.
- Assist with the implementation of the Hermitage’s Foster Program.
- Schedule exams and surgeries for Hermitage cats, as well as Fosters.
- Learn appropriate medical record notation, making certain each and every Hermitage medical file is accurate and up-to-date.
- Immediately prior to adoption, prepare and provide adopter with cat’s medical record, counsel adopter on any medical-related questions, and ensure cat is medically sound for adoption.
- Assist with the administrative duties required of Hermitage Medical.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications/Educational Background
- Valid Arizona driver’s license
- Veterinary Assistant Certification
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: From $15.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- Day shift
Work Location: In person
Salary : $15
