Veterinary Assistant at Grand Avenue Veterinary Hospital

Practice

Grand Avenue Veterinary Hospital has been proudly serving the West Des Moines, Des Moines, Norwalk, Urbandale, Clive, and surrounding communities since the 1950s. We provide comprehensive, progressive care to dogs and cats in a welcoming, family-friendly setting where clients are on a first-name basis with our doctors and staff. Our focus is on building strong, lasting relationships with pets and their people while practicing high-quality medicine.

Our medical team includes:

• Dr. Christine Wauhob , a 1998 graduate of Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, has been with the practice since 2005. She works part-time with a strong focus on oncology, pathology, and internal medicine. Dr. Christine is known for her thorough diagnostic work-ups and does not perform surgical procedures.
• Dr. Emily Gearig , a 2011 graduate of Iowa State University, joined our practice in July 2023 and became managing DVM in October 2023. With 12 years of mixed animal experience in Ohio, Dr. Emily brings a wide skill set, including certification in Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy (chiropractic care) since 2018. She also provides laser therapy, soft tissue surgery, dental/oral surgery, and ultrasound.
• Dr. Adam Steffensmeier , a 2025 graduate of Iowa State University, is the newest addition to our team, bringing fresh knowledge and enthusiasm to our practice.

Our doctors are supported by a dedicated team of veterinary technicians and support staff who are passionate about patient care, client education, and teamwork.

At Grand Avenue Veterinary Hospital, we take pride in blending progressive medicine with a small-town, personal feel.

More about the Role

The Veterinary Assistant assists the veterinarians and technicians with patient care and treatment, monitors hospitalized pets, maintains inventory, prepares prescriptions, performs routine in-house laboratory work, educates clients regarding veterinary care and procedures, and assists with surgical procedures.

Pay $17 - $20

Competencies

• Patience & Compassion: Remaining professional while still making teammates, clients, and patients feel as comfortable as possible regardless of the situation or challenges presented. Responding quickly and calmly to crisis while maintaining a high standard of patient care.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Carefully coordinating actions with veterinarians and practice team members. Providing feedback appropriately and in a timely manner. Quickly incorporating feedback to ensure positive results. Sharing ideas and being open to other's ideas.
• Communicating : Conveying instructions to clients and teammates to ensure successful patient care.
• Active Listening: Following the instructions of veterinarians and sometimes patient owners. Picking up the needs of veterinarians and teammates based on prior experiences and feedback.
• Organization Skills : Clear tracking of lab specimens, medications, patient instructions, workflow, and other job-related items while managing multiple patients and clients.
• Client Satisfaction: Ensuring all activities and interactions result in the highest level of client satisfaction.

Essential Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians in the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery and other tasks as needed.
• Assist veterinarians in outpatient exams by taking histories, vital signs, and weights, as well as providing client education.
• Prepare patients for surgery and monitor vital signs of the patient during surgery.
• Obtain blood, stool, and other samples; perform in-hospital laboratory testing and prepare specimens for outside laboratories.
• Take, develop, and maintain radiographs following proper safety procedures.
• Provide basic animal handling and restrain animals during exams.
• Administer and monitor medications, anesthesia, vaccines, and treatments at the discretion of the veterinarian.
• Clean and straighten exam rooms, treatment, and lab areas; restock exam rooms with supplies. Assist other team members to keep the public areas of the practice clean; clean and maintain all medical equipment.
• Demonstrate warmth, courtesy and professionalism in all interactions with clients; exercise compassion and care in all interactions with patients.
• Communicate with veterinarians and practice team members including client discussions, patient plans, client concerns, etc.
• Any other duties as assigned.

Requirements/Qualifications

• Ability to work on weekends as required
• Previous veterinary experience preferred
• Ability to lift patients and carry equipment up to 25 pounds; ability to lift patients or carry equipment over 25 pounds with assistance
• Practice OSHA safety techniques including proper PPE
• Basic math and the ability to calculate medication dosages
• Basic computer skills, familiarity with MS office applications, etc.
• Strong communication skills to ensure patient safety

Benefits Offered

• Paid time off
• Health insurance; dental insurance; vision insurance
• Retirement benefits or accounts
• Bonus incentive
• Flexible work schedules
• Career and professional development
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Referral Program

Benefits offered may vary depending on full or part time employment status according to company policy.


Pay Range

USD $17.00 - USD $20.00 /Hr.