Veterinary Assistant

Anti-Cruelty

Job Description

THE ANTI-CRUELTY SOCIETY
JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Veterinary Assistant
DEPARTMENT: Clinic
REPORTS TO: Clinic Manager
STATUS: Non-Exempt

GENERAL SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Clinic Manager, the Veterinary Assistant is responsible for maintaining a safe, healthy, sterile environment, learning the aspects of companion animal care and assisting the veterinarians in ensuring the best possible outcome for the animals.
Clinic training operates on a tier system. As you acquire the knowledge and skills of each tier, you will advance to the next level for training.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Tier 1:
• Uphold the PETS Work Culture Agreement through Praise, Engagement, Trust and Support
• Support the Fear Free Shelter practices
• Administer medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous)
• Understanding of Pet Point software (fundamental)
• Accurate recording keeping of medications dispensed, medical observations
• Transferring animals to and from clinic and updating stage/location
• Assisting veterinarians with physical exams
• Conduct skin scrape analysis; heartworm, feline leukemia tests
• Disinfection and maintenance of surgical tools and equipment
• Post-surgical recovery
• Monitor and track patient vitals
• Prepare animals for surgical procedures
• Administer ear and flea treatment
• Perform subcutaneous fluid therapy
• Perform simple grooming
• Maintaining cleanliness of surgical suite, prep area, pharmacy, radiology
• Understanding of infectious disease cleaning protocols

Tier 2:
• Perform ear tips on feral cats
• Perform digital x-rays
• Perform dental x-rays
• Utilize Heska analyzers for pre-surgical and comprehensive testing
• Perform maintenance on Heska equipment
• Perform encephalopathy for rabies submission
• Conduct fecal analysis
• Administer distemper vaccines
• Data entries (advanced)
• Knowledge of emergency drug protocols

Tier 3:
• Perform intramuscular injections
• Perform intravenous injections
• Perform jugular blood draw
• Performa intravenous catheter placement
• Perform intubation
• Perform dental cleaning
• Knowledge of anesthesia protocols and processes
• Understanding of rabbit protocol of restraint, monitoring and recovery

If all levels have been successfully completed, the vet assistant may begin training to lead a surgery day and attend independent training sessions for euthanasia certification.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Works effectively in a team environment
• Detail oriented and strong organizational skills
• Ability to multi task while providing quality care in a fast paced and high volume setting
• Effective communication skills
• Maintains a neat and professional appearance
• Compassion and empathy for both animals and owners
• Passion for animals
• Comfortable in handling animals and the potential risk they pose

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
• High school diploma or GED required
• 1 to 3 years of previous experience in an animal related field

Note: a comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide a level of knowledge, skills, and ability may qualify individuals.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• Ability to work in all weather conditions
• Ability to handle work around companion animals
• Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
• Ability to frequently bend, stoop and reach

This is a full time job