Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Assistant

Our team is looking for a compassionate Veterinary Assistant to support our Veterinarians and Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) in providing excellent care to our patients. You will be responsible for assisting veterinary staff in examining and monitoring animal patients, restraint of animal patients, and maintaining clean and sanitary conditions in the exam and operating rooms.

Our ideal candidate is willing to learn new skills and develop their talents as an assistant, be reliable and be able to work efficiently with a team in a fast-paced, busy environment. And understands that communication with the veterinary team is a must for efficiency and success.

With a staff of highly recognized animal control and humane officers, Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. (IVHS & SPCA) answers the call of thousands of animals in need every year. With our community outreach programs, we educate the public on the humane treatment of animals including local wildlife, proper pet care, and how to be a responsible pet owner. Equally important is IVHS & SPCA's commitment to providing affordable veterinary care with low-cost vaccination clinic, low-cost spay and neuter programs, and microchipping for pets in our communities.

Under direct supervision of the Veterinary Services Supervisor, the Veterinary Assistant cares for the animals under the care of the Veterinary Department for treatment or surgery and maintains the veterinary facility and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Observes animals in shelter for signs of illness or injury and reports this using our shelter management software.
• Helps bring in and prepare patients for surgery and assists with monitoring patients in recovery.
• Assists the veterinarians and RVTs with medical examination and treatment of patients.
• Assists with health checks of shelter animals.
• Maintains inventory of medications and supplies.
• Provides food and water for animals under veterinary care.
• Cleans and disinfects animal enclosures and feed bowls.
• Maintains Veterinary Department facilities during shifts (cleaning, sweeping, mopping, etc., as needed).
• Euthanasia of animals when appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) year Veterinary Assistant Experience

Knowledge and Abilities

• Symptoms of common diseases of puppies, dogs, kittens and cats.
• Proper methods of safely handling and restraining a wide variety of animals.
• Animal breeds.
• Animal genders.
• Animal nutritional needs.
• Ability to estimate weights when appropriate.
• Knowledge of basic neonatal/bottle baby care.
• Ability and skill to administer injections to animal patients.
• Ability and knowledge of proper radiographic techniques for animal patients.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Extensive direct handling, carrying and restraining of animals, both large and small, and carrying of supplies and equipment.
• Extensive stooping, bending and carrying.
• Communicate effectively with community members, staff, and volunteers in person and by telephone.
• Compose, prepare, and read typewritten or handwritten documents.
• Must be able to tolerate loud animal noises and odors.
• Endurance sufficient for standing and walking during entire shift.
• Occasional running to apprehend loose animals evading capture.

Supplemental Information

Only those candidates whose applications and resumes most clearly demonstrate the job-related experience, education, and training sought by Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. shall be selected to move forward in the recruitment process. Placement in the position shall be contingent upon the successful completion of a reference check, prior employment check, Live Scan, and pre-employment medical exam, including a drug test.

The Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.