Veterinary Assistant

For those who love animals, there are few jobs more rewarding than that of veterinary assistant. The compassionate presence of the vet assistance eases the experience of a visit to our veterinary clinic for pets and pet owners alike. Veterinary assistants assist veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians with every aspect of animal care, as well as manage pet owners’ questions and concerns.

Veterinary assistants play a vital role in the daily activities of our veterinary clinic.

In addition to the animal care they provide, veterinary assistants also fulfill a vital role for the pet owners. They are often the first point of contact for clients, and as such, set the tone for the overall veterinary hospital experience. Veterinary assistants must be comfortable with people and possess good communication skills. They facilitate and expand on client education about various diseases, medications and their proper administration, and general pet care.

The assistants also answer any questions and concerns of the client.

The veterinary assistant operates under the supervision of the Veterinarians and the Office Manager.

Examples of some of the job responsibilities of our veterinary assistants include:

• Communicate with clients regarding the medical status of their pet. Provide accurate information to clients concerning fees, hospital policies and procedures, etc.
• Instruct clients as to what they should do prior to bringing their pets in for procedures, how to care for their pets after discharge from the hospital, how to administer medications, etc.
• Maintain knowledge of preventative healthcare recommendations in order to answer client questions, provide education on vaccines, flea and heartworm products, and assist in marketing veterinary services from which their pet would benefit, such as a dental cleaning, senior wellness, spay and neuter.
• Educate clients regarding preventive medicine and vaccination requirements. Recommend laboratory procedures, such as pre-anesthetic profiles, geriatric screening, fecals, urinalysis, heartworm checks, FIV/FeLV testing, etc. Give clients handouts and educational materials to take home to further their understanding of veterinary issues.
• Educate clients on products and medications sold including dietary products and answer questions regarding product purchase/use.
• Restrain animals in a safe, efficient and compassionate manner during examinations and procedures. Know how to properly handle difficult or contentious animals.
• Follow established procedures in order to assist veterinarians with examinations and facilitate the flow of clients and patients through the out-patient clinic. Consult with veterinarians on a daily basis to plan each day’s activities. Keep doctors apprised of potential problems, discussions with clients, etc.
• Review medical records and notes made by the admitting receptionist in order to discern the nature of the visit and any tests or procedures that may be needed.
• Obtain and record patient histories.
• Greet clients and escort them and their pets into an exam room. Obtain basic information (weight, temperature, pulse, respiration rate etc) on the pet.
• Discuss with the client the reason for the visit (chief complaint), any symptoms or problems being experienced, and any procedures that may need to be done (i.e. vaccinations, fecal or heartworm tests, etc). Utilize applicable client educational pieces and checklists to ensure that all medical needs are covered.
• Collect specimens and perform routine laboratory procedures and tests in hematology, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis, and serology to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.
• Notify the veterinarian when patients in the…