JOB POSTING IS EXPIRED
Veterinary Assistant

Job Overview

Title: Veterinary Assistant

Reports to: Director of Operations

Hours: Part-time, frequent extended, evening and weekend hours

Status: Non-Exempt

Summary

The Veterinary Assistant performs technical and routine animal care, which includes preparing for surgeries, giving injectable, oral, and topical medications, and cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures. The Veterinary Assistant is responsible for performing diagnostics and treatments, surgical preparation, pre- and post-operation monitoring, foster support, rabies certificates, and general cleaning of the Hafeman Animal Care Center (Vet Clinic).

Essential Job Functions

• Receive, examine, and vaccinate animals upon intake in accordance with policy and booster preventative care as needed.
• Administer medications, conduct health exams, and administer first-aid when necessary.
• Maintain medical records, both paper and electronic, for animals. Document physical examination findings and any adverse events on appropriate medical records.
• Perform humane euthanasia according to established protocol.
• Assist Veterinarian in medical procedures using proper restraint and surgical procedures.
• Surgical support including injectable anesthesia, nail trims, microchips, clipping, intubate animals, surgical prep, and anesthesia monitoring.
• Collect samples and perform in-house diagnostic testing including fecals, SNAP tests, urinalysis, and skin & ear cytology.
• Ensure proper cleaning and storage of medical equipment, sterilization of surgical packs, and cleaning of Hafeman Animal Care Center.

Other Duties

• Provide timely, compassionate, and courteous service to customers, visitors, and volunteers.
• Provide accurate information to customers and volunteers about the DRHS’ policies and procedures.
• General office duties, including answering phones, data entry into PetPoint, filing, copying, and faxing.
• Ensure medical area has adequate supplies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in Veterinary Assistant program or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Have steadfast belief in the mission, policies, and procedures of the DRHS.
• Knowledge of animal healthcare and welfare, technical procedures used in vaccinations, euthanasia, and identification of animal species.
• Animal handling and restraint skills.
• Organizational skills, detail-oriented, and resourceful.
• Lift up to 50 lbs and stand for long periods at a time.
• Work collaboratively with diverse groups of people including volunteers, department supervisors, and staff.
• Make decisions in the best interest of the organization.
• Strong organization, interpersonal, and multi-tasking skills. Able to prioritize and adhere to deadlines.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.

Working Environment

The Veterinary Assistant will encounter regular exposure to animal odors, diseases, possible contagious conditions, bites, scratches, animal waste, and high noise levels.