Veterinary Assistant Job Description
Position Overview
The Veterinary Assistant supports the entire hospital team in providing attentive, efficient care to patients and clients. This role works across departments, assisting with appointments, treatments, hospitalized patients, and daily hospital operations under the direction of veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
Responsibilities
- Assist with patient care, treatments, and post-surgical care as directed.
- Monitor hospitalized patients and promptly communicate changes or concerns to the supervising veterinarian or veterinary technician.
- Obtain patient histories in exam rooms and record temperature, pulse, and respiration (TPR).
- Safely handle and restrain patients during examinations, blood draws, nail trims, and other procedures.
- Assist with diagnostic procedures, including radiographs, bloodwork, and fecal testing, as directed and within the scope of the role.
- Administer medications under appropriate veterinarian or veterinary technician supervision.
- Feed, walk, and bathe patients as directed.
- Clean and sterilize surgical instruments and equipment.
- Clean and disinfect cages, kennels, exam rooms, and treatment areas.
- Stock supplies, help maintain inventory, and alert the appropriate team member when supplies are running low.
- Assist clients and their pets, answer phones as needed, and provide courteous customer service.
- Communicate clearly with team members and help prioritize tasks as patient and hospital needs change.
Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- One or more years of veterinary experience preferred, but not required.
- Strong communication, organization, and multitasking skills.
- Able to take initiative, work collaboratively, and respond to direction from team members across the hospital.
- Comfortable handling animals that may be stressed, ill, or in pain.
- Able to lift up to 40 pounds independently and assist with lifting or restraining larger animals as part of a team.
- Able to stand or walk for extended periods and frequently bend or squat while performing job duties.
