DVM Student Externship - Delta Animal Hospital

Practice

In 1996, Delta Animal Hospital was established to serve the animals and people of Baldwin County. Our mission is simple provide outstanding veterinary care and excellent customer service.

Our veterinarians have established a consistent program of procedures and techniques proven to be the most effective in keeping pets healthy. In addition to providing preventive care with a full range of vaccines and parasite medication, Delta Animal Hospital has a state-of-the-art laboratory, radiology, and surgical equipment to diagnose and treat all our patients.

Position Purpose

Reporting into the Practice Manager, the Groomer looks after the condition of the patient's coat by providing services to keep the patient clean and well-cared for. Working with a variety of patients (breeds and sizes), the Groomer is responsible for patient bathing, fur and teeth brushing, nail trimming and grinding. The Groomer engages with clients to understand expectations, patient special needs, and desired outcomes. The Groomer is also responsible to ensure grooming rooms or designated space is clean, sanitized, safe, and secure.

Essential Responsibilities

• Admits patients noting the client's specific instructions to ensure a quality outcome including contact information and pick up time.
• Determines any veterinary services required during the client's visit. In accordance with hospital operating instructions, determines care required in agreement with the individual needs and circumstances of the patients.
• Observes patient appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease and discontent. Parts patient's hair to check for ticks, fleas, red, sore or inflamed areas and any lumps. Reports signs of illness, disease, injury or unusual activity to veterinary technicians or veterinarians.
• Appropriately handles patients and as needed, properly restrains hard-to-control patients.
• Performs bathing services, including shampooing and drying.
• Performs grooming services, including brushing, clipping, hand scissoring, trimming and shaping the patient's coat. Appropriately shapes hair using knowledge of patient characteristic, grooming techniques, styles, and client's instructions.
• Stays current and up to date on new techniques and trends that client are looking for as related to provided services.
• Provides medication (when instructed) and general cleansing, parasite control baths, pedicures, medicated dips (when instructed) and ear cleansing, as required for each patient.
• Applies technical knowledge of products and medications sold, including dietary products. Explains and educates clients on products and answers questions regarding product purchase/use.
• Performs work according to established methods specified in practice procedure manual or following special instructions.
• Performs all general maintenance of grooming room and yard; cleans and disinfects cages, tubs, grooming tables, and yard at least once daily. Vacuums and mops floor; empties trash; cleans clipper blades, scissors and brushes after use; performs monthly dryer and clipper maintenance.
• Delivers final groomed patient to client and ensures satisfaction. Appropriately addresses concerns.
• Where applicable, trains, supervises, and assists the Grooming Assistant in their performance of a variety of service functions. Sets performance standards and monitor performance. Conducts timely performance evaluations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements/Qualifications

• Ability to work on weekends as required
• Experience grooming / caring for animals
• Previous veterinary experience preferred
• Client satisfaction references preferred
• Ability to lift patients up to 25 pounds; ability to lift patients over 25 pounds with assistance
• Practices OSHA safety techniques including proper PPE

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.