Veterinary Assistant

Position Purpose The purpose of this position is to provide excellent medical care to Vetco Total Care hospital patients and phenomenal customer care to their owners. Veterinary Assistants represent the mission and values to all clients and set the tone for technical and customer support in the hospital. Essential Job Functions Greet clients and patients arriving for appointments; escort them into an exam room, obtain weight and vital signs (temperature, pulse, respirations), and record the information in the electronic medical record. Veterinary Assistants collect thorough patient histories and document visits in the EMRs. Assist doctors with routine and emergency appointments, surgery, dentistry, and euthanasia under the supervision of the veterinarian, credentialed veterinary technician, HOM, and HLOD. Perform patient restraint, obtain and process laboratory samples, handle and dispense medications at the direction of the veterinarian, and help maintain the electronic medical record. Schedule appointments, provide client education, relay test results to doctors and clients, and maintain and update client/patient records. Help prepare patients for surgical and dental procedures and assist doctor and/or veterinary technician in anesthetizing patients. Assist in maintaining patients safely under anesthesia while monitoring vital parameters, help monitor patients during recovery, and prepare them for hospital discharge or transfer to an overnight care facility. Under supervision, perform in-hospital treatments for sick patients, including giving injectable and oral medications and providing intravenous fluid therapy; keep patients clean, watered, and fed when directed by doctor; walk canine patients for elimination when necessary. Assist in the training of new staff members and general dissemination of knowledge as required. Keep the hospital environment neat and clean; perform regular cleaning based on necessity and a predetermined maintenance schedule. Other Duties And Responsibilities Perform additional duties as assigned. Provide backup phone and front desk support as needed. Nature of Supervision In all activities related to patient care, the incumbent reports directly to the veterinarian and Veterinary Technician. Overall shift direction comes from the HOM/HLOD or supervising technician. Planning and Problem Solving The Veterinary Assistant plays a crucial role in ensuring day-to-day operations run efficiently, providing an optimal experience for patients and clients. Impact This position contributes to the growth of a productive practice by maintaining a high-quality standard of care, fostering teamwork, and supporting a conducive environment that enhances employee retention, patient well-being, and customer satisfaction. Supervisory Responsibility This position has no immediate supervisory duties. Education & Experience Preferred: at least 1 year of experience in a veterinary practice or substantial animal-care experience. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Compassionate and sympathetic; maintain a professional attitude during emotional and stressful situations. Telephone and computer skills. Team player willing to learn new techniques and treatments, offer creative ideas, and accept change. Work Environment The majority of duties are conducted in the Veterinary Hospital. Position requires bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, and standing for long periods of time. Much time is spent in direct contact with clients and their pets. Contacts This position will regularly communicate with clients, veterinary specialists, and product or service companies used by the practice. Salary Range $18.50 - $29.50 hourly or salary. Benefits Petco Total Rewards includes health, financial benefits, 401k plan, incentives, and PTO. Equal Opportunity Employer Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification. Employment Eligibility Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. #J-18808-Ljbffr