Veterinary Assistant

Who we are:

Located in New York's Capital District, Boght and Oakwood Veterinary Clinics have been providing quality care for patients for over 40 years. Our veterinary clinics are fast paced, high volume practices that service small animals, pocket pets and exotics. Providing medical and surgical services including acupuncture and eastern medicine.

Boght and Oakwood Veterinary Clinics are privately owned practices, located in Latham and Troy, New York respectively. David A. Wagoner DVM started working at the clinics when he was in high school. Dr. Wagoner bought into the practice in 1995 and became the sole owner in 2011. Dr. Wagoner's main focus is exceptional patient and client care at a reasonable price.

Position Overview

Currently looking for Full/Part time veterinary assistants, some experience is preferred but not required. The veterinary assistant is the veterinary technician and veterinarian’s primary support. They assist in restraining pets and test set up for the examination procedure. They aid the technicians in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of some of the routine work. They have a very significant role in freeing up the technicians to assist the veterinarian with medical procedures.

Qualifications/Requirements

- FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE, WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS A MUST

Education and Licensure Requirements

· High school diploma or equivalent

· Previous animal care background is desirable, but not required

Experience Requirements

· Experience required

Personal Requirements

· 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 hospital personnel

· Has excellent client 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 of 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

Job Performance/Duties include but are not limited to the following...

· Can provide compassionate care to patients and clients

· Can conduct oneself in a confident and professional manner even when stressed and/or focused on individual tasks

· Can keep accurate medical records in accordance to hospital policy

· Can prepare and maintain the exam rooms and treatment areas

· Can perform physical assessments; record observations accurately in files on computer

· Can effectively restrain pets even when large or difficult

· Knows all common vaccines and vaccination protocols and can explain to clients

· Understands the importance of a clean and orderly facility, does not hesitate to clean or organize as part of a normal job duty

· Maintains positive, cooperative relationships with other employees

· Can prepare estimates for procedures and discuss financial commitments with clients supporting hospital financial policies

· Can explain necessary follow-up and homecare instructions

· Can properly care for all surgical materials and equipment; keep the operating room properly stocked and prepared for surgery

· Understands the use and care of IV pumps

· Can admit patients following policy and doctors written orders

· Can discharge patients based on the veterinarian’s orders, ensuring that patients are well groomed and in a medically appropriate state

· Performs other duties as assigned including assisting in other areas

- Can maintain a clean, neat and well-organized work environment 

- Can maintain a professional image at all times