Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Assistant - Columbia Pike Animal Hospital & Emergency Center

Located in Northern Virginia, our hospitals are under the same private and actively involved ownership since 1974. Our focus has always been on providing excellent veterinary care to our patients coupled with the highest standard of customer service for our clients.

Our mission is to offer World-Class veterinary care. In everything we do, we believe in innovation. We believe in advancing the standard of what is possible within veterinary care. You will find innovation in the way we teach and educate, its at the core of who we are. Whether its for our team, in cultivation professional growth, or for our clients, here we empower through knowledge.

The Veterinary Assistant must have a true passion for animal welfare and veterinary care as they work with our Doctors and LVTs to provide exceptional care to our patients. They will help ensure the safety of the pets during their stay with us both in-room and in the treatment areas. They will be a vital member of our veterinary team.

If you are a problem-solver, collaborator, and doer, and have a passion for Veterinary Medicine we are interested in hearing from you. We are a teaching organization and provide growth opportunities from the start. We pride ourselves on giving you the freedom, resources, and guidance to chart a fulfilling career!

This position reports to Hospital Operations Manager

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assisting with exam room appointments, take vital signs and weight to prepare for the patient's appointment.
• Utilizing proper and safe handling techniques to hold cats and dogs during procedures.
• Assisting LVTs and Veterinarians in the treatment room by completing blood draws, preparing and completing lab work, monitoring patients during surgical procedures, collecting samples from the animals, and preparing vaccines.
• Conduct rounds on hospitalized animals, completing nursing/assisting care as needed.
• Updating medical records through the patient file system (Cornerstone).
• May include shifts in the pharmacy, filling prescriptions and maintaining proper inventory protocol.
• Kennel Maintenance: cleaning kennels/runs/crates, washing/drying food and water dishes, washing/drying bedding, and towels, sweeping/mopping of treatment room.
• Walking hospitalized animals; picking up and mopping of animal waste from runs/crates and dog walk area. Feeding dogs/cats and administering medication as directed.
• Maintain cleanliness of workspace, equipment, treatment room, and exam rooms. Ensuring hospital protocols are followed to maintain high standards of care.

Other Key Job Aspects

• Ability to remain calm when interacting and handling a variety of dog/cat breeds and appropriately respond to behavioral and temperament cues.
• Excellent attention to detail, ability to multi-task and respond with a sense of urgency, perform work duties with initiative and commitment to high standards.
• Enthusiasm for teamwork, possessing a strong work ethic with excellent communication skills.
• Ability to learn and perform a variety of tasks to contribute to overall team success. Work independently on tasks as assigned.
• Dedication to excellent customer service and animal welfare. Treat all patients, clients, and hospital/kennel staff with respect and compassion.

Key Competencies Required:

• Reliable transportation to and from work.
• Availability to work weekends and all major holidays.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 30lbs; work involves continual walking and standing throughout shift; physical demands include walking, standing, bending, reaching, stooping, and kneeling.
• Must be at least 18 years or older; high school level education or equivalent.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Previous Work Experience:

• Animal Hospital, any position: (Preferred)
• Veterinary Assistant Experience: 1 year (Preferred)
• Customer Service: 1 year (Required)

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule/Availability:

• Full time employees are scheduled to work 3-12 hour shifts averaging at least 36 hours per week
• Weekend and holiday availability is required.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance, Paid Time Off, 401K; Scrub Allowance, pet discounts, Employee Tuition Assistance available for LVT candidates.