Veterinary Assistant

Job Title: Veterinary Assistant

Department: Medical

Classification: Full Time, Hourly Non-Exempt

Reports To: Medical Services Manager

Supervises: N/A

Position Summary: Under the general supervision and direction of the Medical Services Manager, the Veterinary Assistant is responsible for the daily oversight of all sick animals to include animal care, cleaning, and feeding of animals. Additionally, the Veterinary Assistant will work with the on-staff Veterinarian, to diagnose, treat, and observe all sick animals in order to meet department goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Determines animal requirements by conducting examinations and reviewing records.
• Collects and preserves laboratory samples that must be shipped offsite for more comprehensive testing, as well as laboratory samples, to be tested in house.
• Cares for animals by taking vital signs, administering medications and vaccines, and dressing wounds as instructed by the on-staff Veterinarian.
• Supports animal examinations by gathering supplies and instruments, restraining, securing, and bringing animals to examination room, providing assistance as directed, and explaining animal’s status to others as directed.
• Performs animal husbandry for animals being housed in the areas designated for sick animals that are maintained by Medical Staff, this includes but not limited to daily sanitizing cages and equipment used in these areas, executing the treatment plan for each animal, charting progress of each animal and observing for clinical signs of disease.
• Performs daily disinfecting of all areas near the designated areas for sick animals to aide in the prevention of disease spreading throughout the shelter.
• Maintains records of all sick animal by documenting animal conditions, reactions, and changes via written and logged into the Shelter Manager system, then communicating with to Medical Services Manager.
• Perform daily checks of all sick animals and record findings.
• Follow protocols set in place by the on-staff Veterinarian and Medical Services Manager.
• Maintains inventory of medications and medical supplies and alerts Medical Services Manager of low stock.
• Fill in as a back up to assist the Clinic Assistant with prepping animals for surgeries and/or retrieving animals from their kennels or placing them back in their kennels.
• Aid the Intake Associate by providing restraint of an animal, if necessary.
• Administering necessary vaccination(s) and preventatives as they are required for each animal.
• Participates in educational seminars, webinars, etc. and stays current on veterinary literature in order to further job knowledge.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of animal health, animal welfare, breed behavior and assessment.
• Knowledge of shelter medicine and clinical veterinary medicine.
• Skill and ability to use a computer and work in a Windows environment.
• Able to communicate and document effectively.
• Organizational and time management skills.
• Able to create and maintain a safe and clean work environment.
• Able to properly use, clean, and maintain medical tools and technologies.
• Detail-oriented and able to multitask.
• Ability to work with animals, disinfectants, and cleaning agents.
• Ability to perform physical work such as scrubbing, mopping, lifting (50lbs. with assistance), walking and standing for up to 8 hours per shift

Qualifications

Prefer a Veterinary Assistant Certification, or two years equivalent experience in veterinary clinic, an animal welfare organization, or an animal control agency. Experience in animal behavior, health, and handling required.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an animal shelter setting with the potential for exposure to high noise levels, zoonotic disease, animal bites and scratches. Work is performed indoors and outdoors with exposure to heat, cold, chemicals and cleaning agents. Frequent walking, standing, bending, and stooping is required for 8 – 10 hours a day to perform essential job functions. Regular lifting of 50 – 75lbs with reasonable accommodations is required.

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee filling this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job related duties required by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than and “at-will” relationship. The HSEP requires pre-employment and criminal background checks and drug testing.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $10.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Every weekend

Work Location: In person

Salary : $11