Veterinary Surgery Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

The Surgical Veterinary Technician / Surgical Veterinary Assistant is responsible for supporting high-volume, high-quality surgical operations through patient preparation, anesthesia support, surgical recovery, client communication, and daily clinic operations. This role assists veterinarians and medical staff with peri-operative patient care while maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient work environment.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring quality patient care, operational efficiency, and positive client experiences within a fast-paced animal welfare and veterinary setting.

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Essential Job Functions

• Work collaboratively as part of a high-volume veterinary medical team while maintaining quality standards and patient safety 

• Assist veterinarians and medical staff with surgical preparation, induction, monitoring, and recovery procedures 

• Monitor patients under anesthesia and communicate concerns appropriately 

• Place IV catheters as directed and within training and skill level 

• Clean, sterilize, and maintain surgical instruments and equipment 

• Handle cleaning and disinfecting chemicals safely and according to protocol 

• Maintain accurate patient records and ensure proper documentation procedures are followed 

• Check in and discharge patients while communicating all necessary medical and post-operative information to clients 

• Administer oral medications as directed 

• Safely and appropriately handle dogs and cats during exams, procedures, and treatments 

• Transport patients safely between Indianapolis Animal Care Services and IndyHumane locations as needed 

• Communicate professionally and effectively with coworkers, leadership, veterinarians, and clients 

• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation standards throughout clinic and surgical areas 

• Adapt effectively to changing priorities, workflow demands, and clinic environments 

• Maintain focus and productivity in environments with frequent barking, vocalizing animals, medical equipment noise, and other high-volume sounds 

• Participate in beginning- and end-of-shift responsibilities and daily operational tasks 

• Assist in directing workflow and supporting team members as needed 

• Follow all safety, sanitation, controlled substance, and animal handling protocols 

• Perform all other duties as assigned 

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Surgery Preparation Duties

• Prepare surgical patients by performing duties including: 

o Bladder expression 

o Surgical site shaving and preparation 

o Intubation 

o Venipuncture 

o Administration of subcutaneous and intramuscular injections 

o Nail trimming 

o Patient monitoring 

o Surgical scrubbing procedures 

• Ensure patients are properly prepared and ready for surgery in a timely manner 

• Maintain cleanliness and organization within prep and treatment areas 

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Surgery Recovery Duties

• Monitor animals during post-operative recovery 

• Implant microchips and administer vaccines when needed 

• Scrub, sterilize, and wrap surgical packs 

• Safely transport patients to assigned recovery kennels 

• Observe patients for complications or concerns and communicate findings appropriately 

• Maintain sanitation and cleanliness standards throughout recovery areas 

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Induction Duties

• Handle and track controlled substances in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational protocols 

• Efficiently pre-medicate feline patients, induce anesthesia, and intubate canine patients 

• Maintain accurate and timely paperwork and medical documentation 

• Support efficient patient flow while prioritizing patient safety and quality of care 

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Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required 

• Veterinary clinic, shelter medicine, or animal care experience preferred 

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to learn and apply veterinary medical concepts including vaccine protocols and anesthetic risks 

• Ability to communicate veterinary-related information professionally and accurately to clients 

• Ability to obtain and document medical histories for surgical rechecks 

• Strong communication and teamwork skills 

• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment 

• Ability to work independently while maintaining attention to detail 

• Knowledge of animal behavior and safe handling techniques 

• Ability to safely restrain animals for various procedures 

• Ability to safely work with feral or trapped cats using required safety equipment and handling procedures 

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid Indiana driver’s license required 

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Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a veterinary clinic, shelter medicine environment, or related setting preferred 

• Veterinary Assistant or Veterinary Technician education and/or certification preferred 

• Experience working in a high-volume spay/neuter environment preferred 

• Understanding of veterinary medical terminology preferred 

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Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time 

• Ability to bend, squat, kneel, twist, and perform repetitive motions throughout the workday 

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds safely 

• Ability to safely handle approximately 30–50 dogs and cats per day 

• Ability to safely transport animals and supplies between organizational locations as needed 

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Work Environment & Potential Exposures

This position operates in a veterinary clinic and animal shelter environment with frequent exposure to animals, medical equipment, cleaning chemicals, noise, odors, and biological hazards.

Potential and prolonged exposures may include:

• Various cleaning and disinfecting agents including chlorhexidine, bleach, quaternary ammonium cleaners, dish soaps, and related solutions 

• Isopropanol and hydrogen peroxide 

• Isoflurane gas and anesthetic agents 

• Pressurized steam and sterilization equipment 

• Sharps including needles and surgical blades 

• Animal-related allergens, zoonotic diseases, scratches, and bites 

• Frequent exposure to barking dogs, vocalizing animals, alarms, and medical equipment sounds 

Employees are required to follow all safety procedures and utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

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Core Competencies

• Teamwork & Collaboration 

• Attention to Detail 

• Adaptability & Flexibility 

• Communication Skills 

• Time Management 

• Professionalism 

• Compassion for Animals and People 

• Accountability 

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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

IndyHumane is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.

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Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

IndyHumane is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws. Employees and applicants requiring accommodation should contact Human Resources.

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At-Will Employment Disclaimer

Employment with IndyHumane is at-will. This means that either the employee or IndyHumane may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and with or without cause, subject to applicable law. Nothing in this job description should be interpreted as creating a contract of employment.

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Job Description Disclaimer

The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required. IndyHumane reserves the right to modify duties, responsibilities, and position requirements based on organizational needs.

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Safety Statement

Employees are expected to comply with all workplace safety standards, animal handling procedures, controlled substance protocols, sanitation requirements, and OSHA-related safety practices.

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