Veterinary Assistant
: Job Details :

Veterinary Assistant Job Description

Classification: Non-Exempt

Job Summary

Under policy direction from the Hospital Manager and Medical Director, the Veterinary

Assistant is responsible to assist the veterinarian and other hospital staff. Job expectations

include venipuncture, patient care, surgical prep, patient treatments which include various

technical and animal care functions under the supervision of a veterinarian and as allowed by

state regulations. This may include other tasks involved in the operations of a veterinary hospital,

including client communication, scheduling appointments, invoicing, and answering the

telephone.

Veterinary Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

The following is a list of essential job requirements. This list may be revised at any time and

additional duties not listed here may be assigned as needed.

Client Relations

Nursing Care

Examinations & Assessments

Anesthesia & Surgical Procedures

Laboratory & Digital Images

Medical Records

Housekeeping

Training

Client Relations

Demonstrate excellent customer service with clients by listening to their concerns and

addressing them professionally, while refusing to diagnose medical conditions.

Ensure that clients and pets feel welcome and comfortable. Serve as Ambassadors by

creating and maintaining goodwill for the hospital.

Assist Technician Assistants and Receptionists with client/patient check in and out.

Immediately greet clients and pet(s) by name (and correct gender).

Help new clients fill out the forms for admission. Inform new clients about services, anti-

parasiticides, etc. Ensure all admission forms are completed in their entirety and all client

information, including contact information, is accurate.

Support reception staff by ensuring client requests are handled in a timely manner.

Handle client complaints with concern and diplomacy.

Ability to effectively communicate and educate clients on general animal husbandry and

answer questions as directed by the veterinarian.

Understand general dietary requirements and feeding schedules of patients.

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Present and explain client education materials, nutrition, discharge instructions, medication

administration, and answer general questions about treatments, bandages, laboratory tests,

medications.

Present and sign clients up for various promotions, including online pharmacy.

Present and explain treatment plans/estimates as needed.

Nursing Care

Compassionate nursing care is the top priority for all patients.

Make certain all patients are kept clean and as comfortable as possible.

Medication administration (practicing the 6 patient rights) as directed by a doctor.

Exercising technical skills under the supervision of a doctor, and as allowed by state

regulations, including - IV catheter placement, cystocentesis, venipuncture, fluid pump setup,

and monitoring.

Efficiently organize daily duties to best utilize staff time.

Participate in client communication and education, explaining administration of medications,

follow-up care, diet recommendations, and general pet care as directed by a doctor.

Flexibility in working hours is required to ensure that the job is done properly (willing to

work beyond scheduled hours if necessary).

Examinations & Assessments

Ability to obtain a complete and accurate medical history, as well as vital signs, within the

scope of veterinary technology and under the direction of a doctor.

Ability to use a stethoscope and otoscope/ophthalmoscope.

Ability to recognize fleas, ticks, and other external parasites.

Ability to recognize other potential health care issues, i.e. signs and behavior patterns that

suggest an animal may be in pain (using pain score) or in need of an immediate assessment

by the veterinarian.

Clearly communicate your findings to a doctor, refraining from making a diagnosis.

Anesthesia and Surgical Procedures

Maintain and use the hospital's inhalation anesthetic machines.

Administer anesthetics under doctor supervision and as allowed by state regulations.

Monitor anesthesia under direct doctor supervision and as allowed by state regulations,

utilizing in-house monitoring equipment, doppler, etc.

Familiar with procedures and medications commonly utilized during an anesthetic

emergency.

Understand how to prep animals for minor (non-sterile) and sterile surgery.

o This includes setup, shaving, and sterile scrub and cleanup.

Understand principles of aseptic techniques, maintaining sterile conditions, and proper

operating room conduct.

Know the names and general uses of surgical instruments and equipment.

Clean, assemble and wrap packs, and run autoclave. Troubleshoot sterilization concerns.

Perform routine dental cleanings and take dental radiographs under the direct supervision of

a doctor and as allowed by state regulations.

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Laboratory and Digital Images

Draw blood samples. Collect stool and urine samples under the supervision of a doctor and as

allowed by state regulations.

Prepare lab request forms.

Prepare laboratory tests, e.g. stool exams, urinalysis, skin scrapings, slides, etc. under the

supervision of a doctor and as allowed by state regulations.

Run various in-house laboratory equipment.

Perform radiographs in accordance with OSHA and as allowed by state regulations, while

striving to keep radiation exposure as low as reasonably achievable by utilizing sandbags,

tap, and wedges whenever possible to reduce exposure.

Medical Records

Keep medical records accurate and up to date. This includes client records, medical history,

treatment sheets, medications administered, patient observations, etc.

Follow all policies and procedures for controlled drugs (including recordkeeping).

Ensure client has signed all authorization forms for anesthesia, surgery, laboratory,

euthanasia, etc.

Housekeeping

Make certain entire hospital is clean, so a client could enter the area and see their pet in a

clean environment. This includes your clothing and appearance.

Follow surface disinfection and isolation/cleaning protocols for patients who may be

infectious.

Advise the Hospital Manager of any conditions that are unsafe, including unrecognized

hazards or infractions of safety rules.

Assist with supply/food stocking, as needed.

Training

Conduct regular training with new hires and staff who wish to follow the career ladder.

Connect with trainee by using communication and presence, as a way for the staff to feel

acknowledged and supported during their training session.

Review training obstacles and concerns with Hospital Manager.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Previous experience or training/education working in a veterinary facility.

Must be friendly, outgoing, people oriented .

Excellent communications skills, both written and oral.

Telephone and computer skills, including Microsoft and Practice Management software.

Must be able to prioritize multiple tasks at once, and deal with high levels of stress in an

environment of changing priorities.

Intermediate math skills.

Must be able to interact with all levels of staffing in a professional manner.

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Education and Experience

Veterinary hospital experience of at least 2 years.

Training and client relations experience.

College or college-equivalent education as required to become a Licensed, Registered or

Certified Veterinary Technician is preferred.

Physical Requirements

Dependable attendance is required

Any allergies to animals must be controlled through medication

Must be able to lift 40 lbs.

Must be willing to work long or irregular hours under pressure conditions.

This position requires the ability to sit, walk, squat, bend, stand, reach, lift and type

constantly during a minimum of 8 hours a day.

Visual acuity sufficient to maintain accurate records, recognize people and understand

written directions.

Ability to speak and hear sufficiently to understand, give information in person and over the

telephone.

Fine motor skills adequate for utilizing hospital equipment such as a computer, etc.

Adhere to appropriate dress code to include proper scrubs and nametag.

Hospital Environment

Animal areas may be humid, noisy, and odorous

Exposure to pests such as fleas and ticks and other zoonotic diseases

While handling animals, there is a possibility of being bitten or scratched

Dust and pet dander are common within the practice

I have read and fully understand the position's responsibilities, duties, and what is

expected of me. I am able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or

without reasonable accommodation.

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Print Name

Date

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Signature

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