Job Description
Position Description Veterinary Assistant
Position Overview
The Veterinary Assistant (VA) assists the Veterinarian and Veterinary Technician with office visits, exams, procedures, treatments, lab work. This position also involves taking care of the everyday needs of pets in the hospital and helps maintain the hospital facility, keeping it neat and clean.
Reporting Structure
On any given shift you may be required to report to the head technician,
Attending Veterinarian, or the Practice or Office Manager.
Educational Requirements
Graduation from an approved Veterinary Care program.
Skills
Excellent communication skills is a must. Knowledge of basic veterinary terminology is required for accurate medical record maintenance and effective co-worker-based communication. Knowledge of/ability to learn commonly used computer programs and veterinary software is needed. You will be required to perform basic math calculations. Enthusiasm, self-motivation, and empathy are necessary to excel at this job. You should be people oriented, able to prioritize and work calmly under pressure. A good understanding of animal behaviour and proper restraint technique is paramount. Adaptability and flexibility are key traits to possess in this role.
Working Conditions
Must be able to work with unpleasant noises and odours, and able to handle the sight of blood or bodily fluids. You may be exposed to contagious diseases and injury as a result of animal handling. Physical requirements are that you must be able to lift up to 50 lb, bend frequently, and stand for extended periods of time.
Emergency or difficult situations will arise during which you must remain calm and focused.
Responsibilities
The Veterinary Assistant assists the Veterinarian and Veterinary Technician with office visits, exams, procedures, treatments, lab work. This position also involves taking care of the everyday needs of pets in the hospital and helps maintain the hospital facility, keeping it neat and clean.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
1. Provide compassionate care for pets and clients
2. Restrain pets for veterinarians and technicians
3. Assist in taking of x-rays
4. Monitor, record, and report physical signs of hospitalized/boarded pets
5. Surgical pack preparation and sterilization as directed by technician
6. Clean hospital facilities including reception area, exam rooms, pharmacy area, treatment area, surgery areas, cages, runs, bathrooms and doctor’s office, employee area.
7. Provide clean bedding, water and litter pans for pets
8. Feed hospitalized/boarded pets as needed
9. Clean and prepare pets for discharge
10. Laundry
11. Inventory duties as directed.
12. Client Care/Reception responsibilities as needed (see Client
Care/Reception Job Description)
13. Lab work as directed by Veterinarian or Technician which will involve handling of samples such as fecal, blood, urine, tissue biopsies, skin/ear swabs/scrapings.
14. Preparation of medications as directed by Veterinarian
15. Perform other duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES:
1. Ability to physically restrain and lift (with assistance) dogs and cats of varying size and temperament.
2. Ability to perform daily cleaning tasks (sweeping, mopping, cage cleaning)
3. Ability to work with some chemicals necessary to perform job functions as described.
OTHER CAPABILITIES:
1. Attendance as per agreed hours of work week is critical for the smooth operation of the animal hospital.
2. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
3. Ability to read, write and understand English.
4. Ability to interact in a polite and friendly manner with the clientele, maintaining excellent customer relations.
5. Ability to interact in a friendly and respectful manner with other hospital staff.
6. Ability to use all standard equipment necessary to perform duties as described.
7. Ability to perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload (shared assistant or reception duties with other team members)
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Part-time hours: 15 per week
Salary: From $16.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- On-site parking
- RRSP match
- Store discount
- Wellness program
Schedule:
- Evening shift
- Weekends as needed
Work Location: In person
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