Veterinary Assistant at Grand Avenue Hospital

Practice:

Grand Avenue Veterinary Hospital has been proudly serving the West Des Moines, Des Moines, Norwalk, Urbandale, Clive, and surrounding communities since the 1950s. We provide comprehensive, progressive care to dogs and cats in a welcoming, family-friendly setting where clients are on a first‑name basis with our doctors and staff. Our focus is on building strong, lasting relationships with pets and their people while practicing high‑quality medicine.

• Dr. Christine Wauhob
  , a 1998 graduate of Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, has been with the practice since 2005. She works part‑time with a strong focus on oncology, pathology, and internal medicine. Dr. Christine is known for her thorough diagnostic work‑ups and does not perform surgical procedures.
• Dr. Emily Gearig
  , a 2011 graduate of Iowa State University, joined our practice in July 2023 and became managing DVM in October 2023. With 12 years of mixed animal experience in Ohio, Dr. Emily brings a wide skill set, including certification in Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy (chiropractic care) since 2018. She also provides laser therapy, soft tissue surgery, dental/oral surgery, and ultrasound.
• Dr. Adam Steffensmeier
  , a 2025 graduate of Iowa State University, is the newest addition to our team, bringing fresh knowledge and enthusiasm to our practice.

Our doctors are supported by a dedicated team of veterinary technicians and support staff who are passionate about patient care, client education, and teamwork.

At Grand Avenue Veterinary Hospital, we take pride in blending progressive medicine with a small‑town, personal feel.

The Veterinary Assistant assists the veterinarians and technicians with patient care and treatment, monitors hospitalized pets, maintains inventory, prepares prescriptions, performs routine in‑house laboratory work, educates clients regarding veterinary care and procedures, and assists with surgical procedures. This is a full‑time position. Professional small animal vet med experience required. Pay range: $16 - $17

• Patience & Compassion: Remaining professional while still making teammates, clients, and patients feel as comfortable as possible regardless of the situation or challenges presented. Responding quickly and calmly to crisis while maintaining a high standard of patient care.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Carefully coordinating actions with veterinarians and practice team members. Providing feedback appropriately and in a timely manner. Quickly incorporating feedback to ensure positive results. Sharing ideas and being open to others’ ideas.
• Communicating: Conveying instructions to clients and teammates to ensure successful patient care.
• Active Listening: Following the instructions of veterinarians and sometimes patient owners. Picking up the needs of veterinarians and teammates based on prior experiences and feedback.
• Organization
  
  Skills:
  
  Clear tracking of lab specimens, medications, patient instructions, workflow, and other job‑related items while managing multiple patients and clients.
• Client Satisfaction: Ensuring all activities and interactions result in the highest level of client satisfaction.

• Assist veterinarians in the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery and other tasks as needed.
• Assist veterinarians in outpatient exams by taking histories, vital signs, and weights, as well as providing client education.
• Prepare patients for surgery and monitor vital signs of the patient during surgery.
• Obtain blood, stool, and other samples; perform in‑hospital laboratory testing and prepare specimens for outside laboratories.
• Take, develop, and maintain radiographs following proper safety procedures.
• Provide basic animal handling and restrain animals during exams.
• Administer and monitor medications, anesthesia, vaccines, and treatments at the discretion of the veterinarian.
• Clean and straighten exam rooms, treatment, and lab areas; restock exam rooms with supplies. Assist other team members to keep the public areas of the practice clean; clean and maintain all medical equipment.
• Demonstrate warmth, courtesy and…