Veterinary Assistant Grand Lake Veterinary Hospital Oakland, CA

JOB DESCRIPTION Veterinary Assistant

REPORTS TO:

Lead Veterinary Assistant, Head RVT, Team Development Manager, Assistant Manager, Hospital Administrator, or Owner(s)

The Veterinary Assistant moves patients and clients through the hospital to receive the care they need. They assist in restraining pets and set up for the examination procedure. They aid the DVMs by preparing appointments, communicating with, and educating clients. They aid the technicians in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of some of the routine work.

Veterinary Assistants are also cross-trained as kennel staff members and are responsible for proper husbandry care of all hospitalized and boarded animals, including feeding, bathing, record keeping and the cleanliness of cages, runs and ward areas. In addition, the kennel staff also is responsible for the cleanliness of the hospital.

Salary Range: $18 - $20 per hour depending upon experience

High school diploma or equivalent.
Customer Service background desirable but not required.
Typing skills required.
Some computer knowledge required; comfortable with Word, keyboarding, and use of communication tools such as email.

Previous animal care background is desirable, but not required

• Minimum of 18 years old.
• Genuinely enjoys working with animals and is able to deal with them even when stressed, ill or in pain.
• Can stay calm and efficient during a medical crisis.
• Is well-spoken and approaches his/her job duties in a mature nature.
• Can support and be a part of a team.
• Works well with all levels of hospital staff.
• Has excellent communication skills.

Physical Effort:
Work requires lifting, carrying and restraining animals (will be assisted by other staff members in lifting animals over 40 lbs). Walks or stands for extended periods or time; frequently works in a bent or squatting position.

Working conditions:

May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises and animal feces. May be exposed to bites, scratches and contagious diseases.

• Conducts oneself in a positive, confident and professional manner at all times.
• Maintains positive, cooperative relationships with other employees.
• Knows all common vaccines, understands basic vaccination protocol, heartworm testing and preventatives and flea/tick control options and can explain to clients.
• Keeps accurate medical records in accordance with hospital policy, including weights, microchips, and medical histories.
• Understands the importance of a clean and orderly facility, and promptly cleans and organizes as part of a normal job duty.
• Prepares and maintains the exam rooms and treatment areas. Ensures exam rooms are clean, sanitized, and thoroughly stocked.
• Safely and effectively restrains cats and dogs even when large or difficult.
• Guides clients and patients to exam rooms, creating a connection with clients, and maintaining client communication.
• Supports DVM, RVT, and Tech Assistants during examination and treatment of patients.
• Reviews the days schedule prior to the start of the business day to evaluate for any challenging patients or situations - coughing or potentially infectious patients (potential ringworm if skin lesions in kittens, acutely ill animals, etc), aggressive animals to contain in the carrier, clients with special needs, etc to create a game plan for the day.
• Collects brief information on the presenting complaint, completing the medical record above the SOAP.
• Contacts other facilities to obtain complete patient medical records. Summarizes records and updates vaccination data in accordance with hospital policy.
• Communicates regularly with clients if the DVM is running late (every 10 minutes), and approaches manager if assistance is needed.
• Keeps DVM moving through schedule efficiently, communicating patient signalment and presenting complaint and directing DVM to location of next patient.
• May be asked by DVM to present estimates to clients (after receiving training and permission from hospital manager in methods of presenting estimates). If client has any financial concerns with paying for visit in full at the…