Veterinary Assistant
Revive Veterinary Care, San Carlos, CA, United States
Position Title:
Veterinary Assistant
Reports To:
Hospital Manager or Technical Supervisor
Employee Status:
Non-Exempt
Full‑time position available, competitive pay, PTO, 401k, medical, dental, vision, and employee pet discount.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Veterinary Assistant supports the veterinarians, veterinary technicians and receptionists in all duties of the hospital. This includes care and cleaning of patients and facilities, completing patient treatments, assisting in surgery, and performing other animal care functions as well as tasks involved in the operations of a veterinary hospital. Responsibilities vary with current needs of the hospital team and the individual abilities demonstrated by the employee. Flexibility in working hours is required. This overview does not encompass the entire position.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Receive, handle/restrain and treat patients with skill, compassion and care including accurately recording medical observations and carrying out treatments or assigned duties.
Clean patients and sanitize hospital as assigned to ensure a safe, sanitary environment for the patients and team.
Accurately administer medications under the supervision of a doctor.
Accurately and promptly input data into computer software system.
Observe animals’ demeanor and activity for general physical condition, signs of illness, disease and discomfort.
Maintain regular attendance without tardiness.
Strong communication and client service skills; tact and diplomacy are required. Work with clients and patients in a professional, friendly, hospitable manner.
Work well with all team members and support the hospital, the doctors, and the practice philosophy.
Perform general physical activities such as bending, standing, stooping, squatting, walking, lifting, and handling; may be required to walk or stand for long periods and use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel; will reach with hands and arms.
Frequently lift, carry and handle dogs weighing 50 lbs.
PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: Technical 65%
Patient Care.
Ensure a comfortable and sanitary environment for all patients under treatment.
Responsible for care of hospitalized patients and those being seen by a doctor including kennel upkeep, patient exercise, feeding, medicating, shaving, and all assigned patient care-related tasks.
Maintain cleanliness of the entire hospital, including treatment, surgery, kennels, runs, and entry throughout the day.
Ensure all animals are identified—entry on hospital day sheet, cage card, and ID collar.
Properly and safely restrain patients with compassion for procedures performed by technicians and/or doctors.
Observe patients throughout the day for signs of discomfort, illness, parasites, and disease control; report abnormalities or concerns to the veterinarian in charge or day admission technician.
Advise the Medical Director or Technical Supervisor of unsafe conditions, hazards or infractions of safety rules.
Gather patient history from client, enter findings into the computer system, and keep records up to date—client records, charges, medical history, vaccine status, medications administered, laboratory reports, etc.
Maintain all log books (e.g., controlled substance logs).
Assist with nail trimming, ear cleaning, expressing anal glands, wound cleaning, and dipping procedures.
Draw and process blood samples; collect stool and urine samples; prepare lab request forms.
Correctly administer medication prescribed by the doctor.
Prep patients for surgery, assist when needed; be willing to assist the doctor with certain surgical procedures.
Assist with the operation of the anesthesia machine and other applicable equipment; maintain and use inhalation anesthetic machines; monitor anesthesia under direct doctor supervision; familiarity with procedures and antidotes for an anesthetic emergency.
Assist in radiology; position animals properly for radiographs; practice all safety regulations in regard to radiology.
Clean and autoclave surgical instruments; thoroughly clean the autoclave per hospital schedule; clean and prepare surgical instruments and packs.
Understand how to set up and use a dental prophylaxis unit; take dental radiographs if necessary.
Create prescription labels, fill prescriptions, and dispense medications as directed; control inventory and assist in ordering medications and supplies; maintain proper storage and safekeeping of drugs.
Follow OSHA regulations.
Hospital Maintenance: 25%
Clean exam rooms after each visit and prepare for the next client and patient.
Ensure supplies are always available and adequately stocked in exam rooms and treatment rooms.
Prepare and sanitize the surgery suite, treatment area, isolation ward, and all kennels used for treatment.
Properly maintain equipment according to the maintenance schedule.
Inventory
Unpack deliveries, reconcile against packing slip, restock supplies.
Alert day admission technician of special order medications’ arrival so client may be contacted.
Restock shelves and drawers in exam rooms and treatment area with necessary supplies.
Assist with maintaining proper levels of drugs, medical supplies, cleaning, and office supplies.
Client Service: 10%
Function as a liaison between the doctor and client during appointments.
Assist CSRs with outpatients and hospitalized patients from admission to discharge with clerical and administrative work.
Communicate with pet owners using a professional, cheerful, and helpful attitude; provide knowledge of vaccines, dental health, preventive health care recommendations to accurately answer questions and relay doctor’s or technician’s information.
Demonstrate excellent relations with clients/pets in waiting and/or exam rooms.
Assist receptionists with client/patient checking in and checking out of hospital.
Ensure that clients and pets feel welcome and comfortable.
Serve as ambassadors of goodwill for the hospital.
Build rapport with clients and pets; greet clients and pets by name; exceed client expectations of service.
If there is a delay, keep clients informed of expected waiting time.
Provide support to reception staff in appointment scheduling.
Effectively communicate and educate clients on general animal husbandry and answer non‑medical questions:
General dietary requirements and feeding schedules.
Vaccines.
Basic dietary recommendations.
Dental care instructions.
Routine laboratory tests such as fecal, heartworm, leukemia, etc.
Housebreaking techniques.
General flea and tick control.
REQUIRED EDUCATION, SKILLS, AND KNOWLEDGE
Education
High school diploma or equivalent preferred but not required.
Formal or on‑the‑job training as a veterinary assistant.
Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as accept direction on given assignments.
Exhibit strong problem‑solving and an organized approach to the position.
Remain calm in the face of stressful situations without letting emotions overwhelm attitude or performance.
Foster a positive work environment for colleagues and clients.
Communicate effectively in English.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform those essential functions. Specific vision abilities required: close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to hazards associated with aggressive patients; hazards associated with infected animals and controlled substances; exposure to unpleasant odors and noises; exposure to bites, scratches and animal wastes; possible exposure to contagious diseases.
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Veterinary Assistant
Reports To:
Hospital Manager or Technical Supervisor
Employee Status:
Non-Exempt
Full‑time position available, competitive pay, PTO, 401k, medical, dental, vision, and employee pet discount.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Veterinary Assistant supports the veterinarians, veterinary technicians and receptionists in all duties of the hospital. This includes care and cleaning of patients and facilities, completing patient treatments, assisting in surgery, and performing other animal care functions as well as tasks involved in the operations of a veterinary hospital. Responsibilities vary with current needs of the hospital team and the individual abilities demonstrated by the employee. Flexibility in working hours is required. This overview does not encompass the entire position.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Receive, handle/restrain and treat patients with skill, compassion and care including accurately recording medical observations and carrying out treatments or assigned duties.
Clean patients and sanitize hospital as assigned to ensure a safe, sanitary environment for the patients and team.
Accurately administer medications under the supervision of a doctor.
Accurately and promptly input data into computer software system.
Observe animals’ demeanor and activity for general physical condition, signs of illness, disease and discomfort.
Maintain regular attendance without tardiness.
Strong communication and client service skills; tact and diplomacy are required. Work with clients and patients in a professional, friendly, hospitable manner.
Work well with all team members and support the hospital, the doctors, and the practice philosophy.
Perform general physical activities such as bending, standing, stooping, squatting, walking, lifting, and handling; may be required to walk or stand for long periods and use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel; will reach with hands and arms.
Frequently lift, carry and handle dogs weighing 50 lbs.
PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: Technical 65%
Patient Care.
Ensure a comfortable and sanitary environment for all patients under treatment.
Responsible for care of hospitalized patients and those being seen by a doctor including kennel upkeep, patient exercise, feeding, medicating, shaving, and all assigned patient care-related tasks.
Maintain cleanliness of the entire hospital, including treatment, surgery, kennels, runs, and entry throughout the day.
Ensure all animals are identified—entry on hospital day sheet, cage card, and ID collar.
Properly and safely restrain patients with compassion for procedures performed by technicians and/or doctors.
Observe patients throughout the day for signs of discomfort, illness, parasites, and disease control; report abnormalities or concerns to the veterinarian in charge or day admission technician.
Advise the Medical Director or Technical Supervisor of unsafe conditions, hazards or infractions of safety rules.
Gather patient history from client, enter findings into the computer system, and keep records up to date—client records, charges, medical history, vaccine status, medications administered, laboratory reports, etc.
Maintain all log books (e.g., controlled substance logs).
Assist with nail trimming, ear cleaning, expressing anal glands, wound cleaning, and dipping procedures.
Draw and process blood samples; collect stool and urine samples; prepare lab request forms.
Correctly administer medication prescribed by the doctor.
Prep patients for surgery, assist when needed; be willing to assist the doctor with certain surgical procedures.
Assist with the operation of the anesthesia machine and other applicable equipment; maintain and use inhalation anesthetic machines; monitor anesthesia under direct doctor supervision; familiarity with procedures and antidotes for an anesthetic emergency.
Assist in radiology; position animals properly for radiographs; practice all safety regulations in regard to radiology.
Clean and autoclave surgical instruments; thoroughly clean the autoclave per hospital schedule; clean and prepare surgical instruments and packs.
Understand how to set up and use a dental prophylaxis unit; take dental radiographs if necessary.
Create prescription labels, fill prescriptions, and dispense medications as directed; control inventory and assist in ordering medications and supplies; maintain proper storage and safekeeping of drugs.
Follow OSHA regulations.
Hospital Maintenance: 25%
Clean exam rooms after each visit and prepare for the next client and patient.
Ensure supplies are always available and adequately stocked in exam rooms and treatment rooms.
Prepare and sanitize the surgery suite, treatment area, isolation ward, and all kennels used for treatment.
Properly maintain equipment according to the maintenance schedule.
Inventory
Unpack deliveries, reconcile against packing slip, restock supplies.
Alert day admission technician of special order medications’ arrival so client may be contacted.
Restock shelves and drawers in exam rooms and treatment area with necessary supplies.
Assist with maintaining proper levels of drugs, medical supplies, cleaning, and office supplies.
Client Service: 10%
Function as a liaison between the doctor and client during appointments.
Assist CSRs with outpatients and hospitalized patients from admission to discharge with clerical and administrative work.
Communicate with pet owners using a professional, cheerful, and helpful attitude; provide knowledge of vaccines, dental health, preventive health care recommendations to accurately answer questions and relay doctor’s or technician’s information.
Demonstrate excellent relations with clients/pets in waiting and/or exam rooms.
Assist receptionists with client/patient checking in and checking out of hospital.
Ensure that clients and pets feel welcome and comfortable.
Serve as ambassadors of goodwill for the hospital.
Build rapport with clients and pets; greet clients and pets by name; exceed client expectations of service.
If there is a delay, keep clients informed of expected waiting time.
Provide support to reception staff in appointment scheduling.
Effectively communicate and educate clients on general animal husbandry and answer non‑medical questions:
General dietary requirements and feeding schedules.
Vaccines.
Basic dietary recommendations.
Dental care instructions.
Routine laboratory tests such as fecal, heartworm, leukemia, etc.
Housebreaking techniques.
General flea and tick control.
REQUIRED EDUCATION, SKILLS, AND KNOWLEDGE
Education
High school diploma or equivalent preferred but not required.
Formal or on‑the‑job training as a veterinary assistant.
Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as accept direction on given assignments.
Exhibit strong problem‑solving and an organized approach to the position.
Remain calm in the face of stressful situations without letting emotions overwhelm attitude or performance.
Foster a positive work environment for colleagues and clients.
Communicate effectively in English.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform those essential functions. Specific vision abilities required: close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to hazards associated with aggressive patients; hazards associated with infected animals and controlled substances; exposure to unpleasant odors and noises; exposure to bites, scratches and animal wastes; possible exposure to contagious diseases.
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