Veterinary Assistant

About Pets in Need

About Pets in Need

Our mission is to provide animals with loving care and lasting homes, to partner with communities striving to do the same, and to advance our no-kill legacy.

Under the supervision of the Medical Manager, the Veterinary Assistant is responsible for assisting the medical team in examining and monitoring animal patients, performing administrative tasks, and maintaining clean and sanitary conditions in the exam and operating rooms. A 4/10 weekly schedule is available with the ability to work on Saturdays.

• Assist the medical team with surgeries during spay/neuter clinic (in-house and mobile).
• Support the medical team with PIN surgeries including charting, surgical prep, and recovery.
• Assist the medical team with administration of treatments for all shelter animals (medications, flea preventatives, vaccinations, medicated baths, and de-wormers).
• Perform administrative duties (charting, documenting inventory, ordering supplies, and data entry).
• Answer phones and schedule appointments for foster program; relay messages to the Medical Director as required.
• Clean and organize the medical department, perform routine equipment maintenance, and create surgical packs.
• Handle and restraint of public and PIN animals.
• Under the Clinic Supervisor s supervision, update drug logs in accordance with CA laws and codes.
• Keeps PIN van stocked, preps, and cleans mobile clinics.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the education, knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• High School Diploma or GED and one year of experience in veterinary clinic, veterinary hospital, and/or animal shelter or control facility, or a combination of education and experience.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Must have strong people skills and outstanding organizational skills.
• Experience in caring for and handling animals in a safe, effective, and humane manner.

• Physically strong and dexterous, and ability to stand for extended periods.
• Must be able to bend and kneel repeatedly.
• Good range of motion in joints, especially wrists, knees, back for twisting, and elbows.

• No allergic reactions resulting from close proximity to animals in the workplace.
• Working with potentially dangerous and fractious animals.
• Ability to lift and move objects and animals weighing up to 50 pounds for short distances and to humanely restrain animals when necessary.
• Works on-site, and outdoors in various settings and weather within the community.
• Ability to travel between locations.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings, and holidays.

The pay range for this role is: 26 - 32 USD per hour (Palo Alto and Redwood City)