Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Assistant - Inver Grove Heights Animal HospitalThe Veterinary Assistant supports and assists the Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians, ensuring the safety of pets and clients, and the continuity of quality veterinary care. They work to keep pets safe and comfortable during their visit.Foster a culture built on our values: Respect, Learning, Do the Right Thing, WOW Service, and FunClean, disinfect, and prepare exam rooms, medical equipment, and surgery between each appointmentObtain initial patient information, medical histories, vaccination records, and the reason for the pet's visit. Document patient information, and update recordsCalm, soothe, comfort, and restrain pets before, during, and after proceduresTake note on examination results and update records as directed by veterinariansProvide the owners education, resources and information on how best to care for pets in general, at the Veterinarian's direction, for specific conditions, and after various proceduresMonitor and track pet's physical status and vital signs following surgeryMonitor, record, and report the physical condition and vital signs of the hospitalized and boarded petsClean and disinfect cages, pens, runs, and boarding areasFeed, water, bathe, and exercise pets during their visitRespond to general questions from clientsPerform and set up procedures that do not require Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician assistanceExamine pets, performing basic health checks, looking for signs of disease, illness, or injury, and treat them under the direction of the VeterinarianMay administer medication, perform routine laboratory tests, fill prescriptions, and educate client on use and side effects of medication under the direction of a Veterinarian or Veterinary TechnicianProvide professional, efficient, quality care and exceptional service to clients while maintaining maximum productivitySupport a practice environment that promotes collaboration and teamwork and ensures the delivery of quality, compassionate, effective, and efficient health care to petsComply with all practice policies, quality assurance guidelines, and minimum standards of carePerform other duties as requestedEducation: High School Diploma or GED requiredProfessional Licenses/Certifications: Certificate of completion from a NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant program preferredExperience: One year of experience in a pet care setting preferredSkills, Ability and Knowledge: Broad knowledge of animal science, basic knowledge of pharmacology, proficiency with a variety of computer programs including Microsoft Outlook, Word and industry internet sites, basic written, verbal, and active listening communication skills with a customer-oriented approach, basic mathematical skills to ensure the administration of accurate drug and fluid doses, basic analytical, critical thinking, judgement, and problem-solving skills, compassion and empathy for both pets and pet owners, interact with a variety of clients and employees in a professional, caring, compassionate, and tactful manner, strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy, strong organizational and time management skills, including managing multiple priorities, handle and maintain sensitive and confidential information with discretion, maintain a calm demeanor in a work environment that fluctuates from orderly to fast paced and stressfulWorking Conditions/Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to talk and hear. The team member must frequently use a computer for long periods of time. Specific vision abilities are required to do this job including close vision. This position requires walking, standing, and sitting for long periods of time. May be exposed to low to moderate noise levels as well as disinfectant/sanitation chemicals, pet dander, and excretions. May experience aggressive, frightened, abused or injured pets that bite and scratch. This position requires exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds frequently, and/or 10 pounds constantly in order to lift, carry, pull or move objects. Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.Supervisory Responsibilities: This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilitiesCompensation Range: $14 - $16 USD