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

The job description is a guide to the essential functions of the job, not an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, qualifications, physical demands, and work environment conditions. Job descriptions are reviewed and revised to meet the changing needs of the organization at the sole discretion of management.
The Anti-Cruelty Society is an equal opportunity employer.

This is a full time job