Veterinary Assistant - Inver Grove Heights Animal Hospital

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Veterinary Assistant supports and assists the Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians, ensuring thesafety of pets and clients, and the continuity of quality veterinary care. They work to keep pets safe andcomfortable during their visit.

WHAT YOU’LL DO (Essential Functions):

• Foster a culture built on our values: Respect, Learning, Do the Right Thing, WOW Service,and Fun• Clean, disinfect, and prepare exam rooms, medical equipment, and surgery between eachappointment• Obtain initial patient information, medical histories, vaccination records, and the reason for thepet’s visit. Document patient information, and update records• Calm, soothe, comfort, and restrain pets before, during, and after procedures• Take note on examination results and updates records as directed by veterinarians• Provide the owners education, resources and information on how best to care for pets in general, atthe Veterinarian’s direction, for specific conditions, and after various procedures• Monitor and track pet’s physical status and vital signs following surgery• Monitor, record, and report the physical condition and vital signs of the hospitalized and boardedpets• Clean and disinfect cages, pens, runs, and boarding areas• Feed, water, bathe, and exercise pets during their visit• Respond to general questions from clients• Perform and set up procedures that do not require Veterinarian or Veterinary Technicianassistance• Examine pets, performing basic health checks, looking for signs of disease, illness, or injury, andtreat them under the direction of the Veterinarian• May administer medication, perform routine laboratory tests, fill prescriptions, and educate clienton use and side effects of medication under the direction of a Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician• Provide professional, efficient, quality care and exceptional service to clients while maintainingmaximum productivity• Support a practice environment that promotes collaboration and teamwork and ensures thedelivery of quality, compassionate, effective, and efficient health care to pets• Comply with all practice policies, quality assurance guidelines, and minimum standards of care• Perform other duties as requested

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR (Essential Qualifications):

Education:• High School Diploma or GED required

Professional Licenses/Certifications:• Certificate of completion from a NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant program preferredExperience:• One year of experience in a pet care setting preferredSkills, Ability and Knowledge:• Broad knowledge of animal science• Basic knowledge of pharmacology• Proficiency with a variety of computer programs including Microsoft Outlook, Word andindustry internet sites• Basic written, verbal, and active listening communication skills with a customer-orientedapproach• Basic mathematical skills to ensure the administration of accurate drug and fluid doses• Basic analytical, critical thinking, judgement, and problem-solving skills• Compassion and empathy for both pets and pet owners• Interact with a variety of clients and employees in a professional, caring, compassionate, andtactful manner• Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy• Strong organizational and time management skills, including managing multiple priorities• Handle and maintain sensitive and confidential information with discretion• Maintain a calm demeanor in a work environment that fluctuates from orderly to fast pacedand stressful

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to talk and hear. Theteam member must frequently use a computer for long periods of time. Specific vision abilities arerequired to do this job including close vision. This position requires walking, standing, and sitting forlong periods of time. May be exposed to low to moderate noise levels as well asdisinfectant/sanitation chemicals, pet dander, and excretions. May experience aggressive,frightened, abused or injured pets that bite and scratch. This position requires exerting up to 30pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds frequently, and/or 10 pounds constantly in order tolift, carry, pull or move objects. Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities