Animal Samaritans, an animal welfare organization committed to improving the lives of animals and people, is looking for a dedicated Veterinary Assistant to join our staff. 

Job Summary: Under the general direction of our Practice Manager, as well as working alongside and under the direction of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, the Veterinary Assistant performs veterinary tasks along with client service functions.   

Veterinary Assistant Job Responsibilities: 

· Surgery check-ins: Perform a brief examination of external body, ask pertinent medical questions regarding medical history. 

· Create a surgical template; Record all exam and surgical information in template. (Drugs administration and surgery times). 

· Assess in-take form; compare against surgical template entered; make revisions as authorized and needed.  

· Take vital signs of animal including temperature, pulse and respiration. 

· Communicate clearly and effectively with all surgery staff. 

· Make necessary additions to the patient record as is necessary and conveyed by the surgery staff. 

· Enter any additional charges/ notes that may have accrued during the surgery period. (pregnancy, in-heat and medication prescribed etc.) 

· Convey additional charges information; record in the patient pop-up window. 

· Keep accurate account of inventory in surgery prep room (syringes, needles e-collars etc.) Provide a summary of all items in need of order to floor supervisor. 

· Maintain and sterilize surgical instruments and packs. 

· Maintain and utilization surgical equipment. 

· Surgery rechecks with attending veterinarian. 

· Administers and prepare vaccines according to our vaccine protocol. 

· Monitor pets under anesthesia.  

· Assist veterinarian in medical procedures using proper restraint. 

· Assist veterinarian in medical procedures using proper aseptic technique. 

· Assist surgery veterinarian in exam rooms. 

· Prepares patient medications (two staff members must sign and check off all medication)  

· Complete ear cleaning and nail trims. 

· Maintain and use medical equipment such and autoclave etc. 

· Monitors animal’s vital signs before and after surgery. 

· Maintain pharmacy records, and controlled drug, anesthesia, fecal and heartworm test logs. 

· Clean work areas 

· Follow doctors protocol at all times. 

· Perform other duties as assigned including covering front desk and working in scheduling department. 

·   

Qualifications 

Education and Experience: 

· High school diploma required. Some college level course work desirable. Certifications, Associate or Bachelor degree preferred. 

· Knowledge of computers and relevant software. Veterinary software familiarity preferred. 

· Knowledge of customer service principles and practices 

Physical Requirements:  

· Dependable attendance is required. 

· Any allergies to animals must be controllable through medication. 

· Must be able to lift 40 pounds 

· Must be willing to work long or irregular hours under pressure conditions.