Careers

Job Summary:

The Veterinary Assistant supports veterinarians and veterinary technicians in the care and
treatment of animals. This role involves assisting with clinical procedures, managing
administrative tasks, maintaining the cleanliness of the clinic, and ensuring the overall comfort
and well-being of animals.
Key Responsibilities:

1. Animal Care and Handling

• Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians with examinations, treatments, and
  surgeries.
• Safely handle and restrain animals during procedures.
  Feed, water, and exercise animals as directed.
• Monitor and report changes in the health or behavior of animals.

2. Clinical Assistance

• Prepare examination and operating rooms with necessary equipment and supplies.
• Clean and sterilize surgical instruments and equipment.
• Administer medications, vaccinations, and treatments under the supervision of a
  veterinarian.
• Collect and prepare blood, urine, and fecal samples for laboratory testing.

3. Client Interaction

• Greet clients and their pets and address any immediate needs or concerns.
• Provide information on general animal care and treatment plans as instructed by
  the veterinarian.
• Assist with client education on preventive care, nutrition, and post-treatment care.

4. Administrative Duties

• Schedule appointments and follow-up visits.
• Maintain accurate patient records and update medical files.
• Process billing and payments.
• Manage inventory of medications, supplies, and equipment.

5. Facility Maintenance

• Ensure the cleanliness and organization of the clinic, including examination
  rooms, kennels, and waiting areas.
• Dispose of medical waste according to safety protocols.
• Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on equipment.

Qualifications:

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent; completion of a veterinary assistant program is preferred.

Experience:

Previous experience in a veterinary clinic or animal care setting is an
advantage.

Skills:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Compassion and patience when dealing with animals and their owners.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and perform tasks accurately.
• Physical stamina to lift and restrain animals and stand for extended periods.
• Basic computer skills for managing patient records and administrative tasks.

Working Conditions:

Work in a clinical setting with exposure to animals of various sizes and temperaments.

Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, animal bites, and scratches.

May require working evenings, weekends, and holidays based on the clinic's hours and
needs.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to lift and carry animals and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching.

Dexterity to handle small instruments and perform precise tasks.

Reporting Structure:

Reports to: Lead Veterinary Technician or Veterinarian

Job Overview

A Veterinary Technician provides essential support to veterinarians by performing various
medical and technical tasks to ensure the health and well-being of animals. They play a critical
role in animal care, diagnostics, treatment, and client communication.

Animal Care

1. Patient Restraint and Handling: Safely restrain animals during examinations and procedures.
2. Feeding and Nutrition: Assist with feeding schedules and provide nutritional support as directed
   by the veterinarian.
3. Hygiene and Cleanliness: Maintain clean and sanitary conditions in the clinic, including kennels,
   examination rooms, and surgical areas.

Exercise and Enrichment: Ensure animals receive proper exercise and enrichment activities
during their stay at the clinic.

Medical Assistance

1. Examinations: Assist veterinarians during physical examinations by preparing animals and
   necessary equipment.
2. Diagnostics: Collect samples (blood, urine, feces, etc.) for laboratory testing and perform
   diagnostic tests (radiographs, ultrasounds, etc.).
3. Medications: Administer medications, vaccines, and treatments as prescribed by the
   veterinarian.
4. Anesthesia: Prepare and monitor animals undergoing anesthesia for surgery or other
   procedures.

Surgical Assistance

1. Preparation: Prepare animals and surgical equipment for procedures.
2. Monitoring: Monitor animals’ vital signs during surgery and recovery.
3. Post-operative Care: Provide post-operative care, including wound management and pain relief.

Emergency Care

1. Triage: Assist in the triage of emergency cases, assessing and prioritizing based on the severity
   of the condition.
2. First Aid: Provide immediate first aid and stabilization for emergency patients.

Laboratory Work

1. Sample Processing: Prepare and process laboratory samples for analysis.
2. Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of laboratory results and report findings to the
   veterinarian.

Client Communication

1. Education: Educate clients on animal care, nutrition, and preventative health measures.
2. Instructions: Provide clear instructions for home care and medication administration.
3. Follow-ups: Conduct follow-up calls to check on the progress of patients and answer any
   questions clients may have.

Administrative Duties

1. Record Management: Maintain detailed and accurate patient records, including medical
   histories and treatment plans.
2. Inventory: Manage inventory of medical supplies and equipment, ensuring they are stocked and
   in good condition.
3. Appointments: Assist in scheduling and managing appointments and clinic operations.

Additional Duties

1. Continuing Education: Stay updated on the latest veterinary practices and technologies through
   continuing education and training.
2. Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with veterinarians, other veterinary technicians, and
   support staff to provide the highest standard of care.
3. Compliance: Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to veterinary
   medicine.

Skills and Qualifications

Education: Associate's degree in Veterinary Technology or a related field.

Certification: Certification as a Veterinary Technician (CVT, LVT, RVT).

Experience: Previous experience in a veterinary clinic or hospital setting preferred.

Skills: Strong technical skills, attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability
to work under pressure.

Physical Requirements: Ability to lift and restrain animals, stand for extended periods, and
perform repetitive tasks.