Pet Care Assistant; PCA

Overview

The Pet Care Assistant works with the veterinary medical team to provide and prepare for the best medical care of pets. This role includes preparing the treatment room and necessary medical items, assisting veterinarians and technicians, restraining pets as needed, performing in-house tests, maintaining patient comfort, and ensuring hospital cleanliness. (This description references internal procedures and benefits offered by Banfield Pet Hospitals.)

• Live and exemplify the Five Principles of Mars, Inc. within self and team.
• Prepare the treatment room for examination and gather necessary medical items and supplies (e.g., vaccinations, fecal loops, slides) for the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician.
• Set up fecals, smears, and skin scrapings as allowed by state rules and regulations.
• Provide support to the Client Services Coordinator, Veterinary Assistant, and Veterinary Technician.
• Hold or restrain pets during examination, treatment, or inoculation.
• Prepare routine in-house laboratory tests (e.g., canine heartworm, feline leukemia, FIV, canine parvovirus) as allowed by state rules and regulations.
• Monitor and ensure the comfort of hospitalized patients (e.g., walking, exercising, feeding, cage cleaning as approved).
• Bathe and dip pets as needed to address dermatological conditions (as advised by the veterinarian or veterinary technician).
• Clean the surgical suite and instruments; maintain overall hospital cleanliness (laundry, dishes, mopping, cage cleaning, trash, instrument cleaning) per hospital protocols.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Capabilities and Experience (Can Do)
  • Ability to multi-task and manage multiple tasks with accuracy under distracting conditions.
  • Fluent English communication skills (reading, writing, speaking) with clear grammar and terminology.
  • Organizational ability and a systematic approach to assignments.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and decisive action to translate problems into practical solutions.
  • Customer service focus and a commitment to delivering attentive, courteous service.
  • Intellectual ability to follow instructions in various formats and provide clear directions.
  • Numerical skills including basic arithmetic and unit conversion.
  • Computer skills and proficiency with standard software (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
• Attitudes (Will Do)
  • Initiative and willingness to take appropriate steps and assume additional responsibilities.
  • Integrity, cooperativeness, and openness to feedback.
  • Flexibility and independence in performing tasks without supervision.
  • Resilience under stress with a positive, professional demeanor.
• Education and Experience
  • High School Diploma preferred.
  • Must be at least 18 years old to perform duties involving radiography (x-ray) and exposure to radioactive substances.
  • One year of related experience required; customer service experience preferred.

• Ability to work at a computer for long periods.
• Ability to be comfortable around various pets (dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, etc.).
• May require more than 40 hours per week, including weekends and evenings.
• Noise level can be moderately high; must have ambulatory ability to perform duties in the hospital.
• Position involves standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing, and the ability to lift/move up to 50 pounds.
• Good hand-eye coordination and vision to operate equipment and keyboards.
• Exposure to pets that may bite or scratch; potential exposure to anesthesia, radiation, biological hazards, and medications.

The pay range for this role is $15.00 - $16.44 per hour. Pay is determined based on experience, skill level, and education, and may vary by location or applicable minimum wage laws.

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Generous Retirement Plans (401(k) and Roth) with company match.
• Student Debt Relief Program (for eligible positions).
• Paid Time Off and Holidays.
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources.
• Company-paid Associate life insurance and optional additional coverage.
• Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Paid Parental Leave for birth or adoption.
• Continuing Education Allowance (for eligible positions).
• Back-Up Child and Elder Care Resources and Family Support.
• Fertility and Family Building Support.
• Digital Exercise Therapy program.
• Voluntary Protection Benefits and Legal Plan options.
• Identity Protection and Commuter Benefits.
• Three Free Optimum Wellness Plans for Pets.
• Exclusive Discounts on products and services.

Benefits eligibility is based on employment status. Full-time (FT) Associates are eligible for all benefits;
Part-time Associates are eligible for those benefits with an asterisk (*) as applicable.