Veterinary Assistant 1

Veterinary Assistant

Responsible for delivering compassionate and humane nursing services to animals under the care of The Animal Foundation, including those served through the Low-Cost Vet Clinic. Duties are carried out in accordance with protocols established by the Chief Veterinary Officer, Director of Veterinary Services, and staff veterinarians at The Animal Foundation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with surgical procedures in a high-volume, fast-paced environment in accordance with the Nevada Administrative Code, under the immediate supervision of a licensed veterinary technician and veterinarian.
• Restrain animals for preoperative examinations and treatments.
• Monitor anesthesia in animals undergoing surgery, and assist surgeons by preparing and providing the necessary supplies, including opening surgical packs using aseptic technique.
• Perform surgical recovery, including restoring animals' body temperature, cleaning incision sites, applying e-collars as needed, performing nail trims and ear cleanings, and other post-operative care tasks.
• Review surgical discharge instructions with owners/adopters/fosters and address questions as they arise.
• Launder surgical linens, prepare and wrap surgical packs, and sterilize them using an autoclave to ensure proper surgical sterility.
• Assist veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians in a high-volume, fast-paced vaccine clinic serving the general public.
• Restrain animals for examinations, vaccinations, and treatments.
• Obtain vital signs using a stethoscope and thermometer.
• Provide patrons with guidance on appropriate vaccinations based on their pet's age and vaccination history.
• Assist veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians by providing safe and effective animal restraint during physical examinations and medical procedures.
• Perform health screening exams and obtain vital signs for shelter animals in foster care requiring booster vaccinations or a physical examination by a veterinarian to address medical concerns.
• Monitor animals for signs of illness, injury, or behavioral changes. Notify a veterinarian of potential medical concerns by entering a Medical Alert in the Chameleon software system. Notify the behavior department of potential behavioral concerns by entering a Behavior Alert in the Chameleon software system.
• Administer vaccinations and dewormer to animals identified on internal reports, including those not vaccinated/dewormed at intake or due for booster vaccines. Ensure safety during handling by using appropriate equipment, such as a syringe pole or muzzle, for animals that pose a safety risk.
• Prepare and administer prescribed medication(s) to animals in accordance with the Nevada Administrative Code.
• Prepare and administer medical treatments at the direction of a veterinarian, including subcutaneous fluid administration, nebulization, and other supportive therapies.
• Collect and prepare laboratory specimens for analysis, and operate diagnostic equipment such as CBC analyzers, chemistry analyzers, SNAP analyzers, urine analyzers, microscopes, and a radiographic machine.
• Restrain and position animals for diagnostic imaging procedures, such as radiographs and ultrasounds, utilizing proper positioning devices to ensure safety and image quality.
• Maintain accurate medical records by entering comprehensive exam and treatment information into the Chameleon software system.
• Process animal impounds and outcomes in the Chameleon software system as needed.
• Provide basic animal husbandry, including offering appropriate food and water, cleaning kennels, and performing additional tasks as directed.
• Perform medicated baths and grooming for animals as needed.
• Support humane euthanasia procedures when necessary, including emotional support and proper handling.
• Ensure all designated areas are stocked daily with adequate supplies, promptly informing supervisors or managers of any shortages or expired items.
• Receive delivered supplies and inventory and distribute them to their designated locations.
• Maintain daily cleanliness of workspaces by removing organic debris, disinfecting surfaces and supplies, and organizing materials.
• Prevent the spread of disease by following organizational protocols and using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Respond promptly to organizational emails, chats, and other communications to ensure efficient workflow. Communicate professionally with other departments to address discrepancies, concerns, and questions effectively.
• Contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of the veterinary services department by actively participating in team efforts and contributing ideas for improved service delivery.
• Communicate in a professional and courteous manner, providing accurate information and assistance to team members and the general public.
• Wear organizational-issued attire and maintain a professional appearance at all times.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Equivalent to a High School diploma.
• Graduation from a veterinary assistant training program is preferred. A minimum of 1 year of professional on-the-job veterinary assistant training and/or professional animal handling experience may be accepted in lieu of formal education.

License & Certification Requirements:

• None.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of veterinary clinical care and associated sanitary practices.
• Animal breeds and characteristics.
• Animal health, nutrition, and humane care.
• Standard clinic practices and procedures, including record keeping systems and the operation of office equipment, computers, and associated software.
• Techniques for dealing effectively with co-workers and the public, in person and over the telephone.
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Skill in:

• Performing veterinary clinical procedures.
• Working with animals and demonstrating concern for their welfare.
• Dealing tactfully and effectively with staff, volunteers and the general public.
• Identification of problems and/or patient conditions (medical and behavioral) that need to be brought to the attention of the proper department.
• Treating people and animals with respect.
• Fostering public relations beneficial to the shelter and its programs.
• Use of business software and associated computer hardware.
• Communicating effectively in oral and written forms.
• Working with animals of unknown disposition and those who may exhibit medical and other problems, as well as aggressive tendencies.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, instructions and other written materials.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

Physical ability and mobility to walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl. Strength to lift and/or move materials weighing up to 25 pounds frequently, 50 pounds occasionally. Vision to read printed materials. Stamina to sit and work with a computer for an extended period of time. Hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone. Accommodation may be made for some of these physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.

Team Members are continuously exposed to animals, animal waste, pet dander, peanut butter, cleaning chemicals, high noise and potentially hazardous conditions, including the risk of animal bites and occasional work outdoors for extended periods of time while exposed to cold and extremely hot temperatures.

All employees work in a culture of continuous improvement and are expected to support our mission. Employees must be able to clearly articulate our goals, actively participate in outstanding customer service, and accept responsibility for maintaining our culture of philanthropy.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work expected of this position. This description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive listing or description of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of incumbents in the job.

I have read and understand the above to be a general description of the duties, physical demands and occupational exposures of the position for which I am being hired.