Veterinary Assistant

Overview

The Veterinary Assistant supports veterinarians and veterinary technicians in providing quality veterinary care for all pets, educates clients on pet health, and helps maintain a safe and effective hospital environment. This role adheres to the company Five Principles and assists with a range of duties as defined by state practice acts and NAVTA guidelines.

• Act as the extra eyes, ears, and hands for the veterinarian and veterinary technician to ensure quality pet care and maximize productivity.
• Communicate with veterinarians, technicians, and associates to maintain the flow of patients and provide professional, efficient service at all times.
• Perform procedures that do not require veterinarian or technician assistance, prepare for other procedures, ensure client and pet comfort, and monitor hospitalized or surgical pets as allowed by state practice acts.
• Educate clients about Optimum Wellness Plans, preventive care, pet health needs, hospital services, and related topics.
• Obtain relevant information and medical history from clients and maintain complete medical charts.
• Ensure safety by using safe restraining techniques, following standard protocols, and maintaining clean, sterile treatment areas, exam rooms, and labs.
• Assist with surgery as applicable and utilize technical skills within state practice acts and NAVTA guidelines.
• Mentor other paraprofessionals in the hospital and perform other duties as assigned.

• Quality – The consumer is our boss; quality is our work; value for money is our goal.
• Responsibility – We take responsibility for ourselves and support others.
• Mutuality – Mutual benefits are shared benefits.
• Efficiency – Use resources fully and do what we do best.
• Freedom – We need freedom to shape our future and profit to remain free.

• NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant program certificate or equivalent education/experience; must meet NAVTA skill requirements.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred; must be at least 18 years old to perform radiography duties.
• One year of related experience preferred; customer service experience is a plus.
• Ability to multi-task, strong English communication (written and verbal), organizational skills, problem-solving ability, and client service focus.
• Proficiency with computers and medical software; familiarity with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.

• Ability to work at a computer for long periods; comfortable around various pets (dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, etc.).
• May require more than 40 hours per week, including weekends and evenings.
• Moderate noise level; physical requirements include standing, walking, bending, kneeling, lifting up to 50 pounds, fine motor skills, and good vision.
• Exposure to pets that may bite or scratch; potential exposure to anesthesia, radiation, biological hazards, and medications/controlled substances.

• Certificate of completion from a NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant program or equivalent.
• One year related experience preferred; must perform NAVTA-required skills to aid practice efficiency.

• The pay range for this role is $18.40 - $23.51 hourly. The specific rate depends on experience, skill level, education, and location.
• Benefits eligibility is based on employment status. Full-time Associates are eligible for all benefit programs; part-time Associates are eligible for those benefits with an asterisk.
• Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, student debt relief, paid time off and holidays, mental health resources, life insurance, disability, FSA/HSA options, parental leave, continuing education allowance, backup care resources, fertility and family building support, and other voluntary plans.