Veterinary Assistant

Description

Position at Kensington Veterinary Hospital

Job Title: Veterinary Assistant

Location: Kensington Veterinary Hospital
Job Type: Full-Time/Part-Time

Job Summary:

We are seeking a compassionate, reliable, and team-oriented Veterinary Assistant to join our dedicated team. This role involves supporting our veterinarians and technicians with patient care, maintaining a clean and organized environment, and ensuring an exceptional client and patient experience.

In addition to clinical duties, the Veterinary Assistant will also be expected to work at the Client Services Representative (CSR) desk as needed. This includes helping with phone calls, appointment scheduling, checking clients in and out, and assisting with front desk responsibilities during busy times or when coverage is required.

Primary Responsibilities

Patient Care

· Provides compassionate patient care, keeping patients clean, dry, and comfortable.

· Alerts the veterinarian(s) to changes in patients’ condition.

· Recognizes patients with contagious disease and follows relevant procedures.

· Provides safe and effective patient restraint.

· Medicates patients.

· Uses proper safety techniques and positioning for radiological procedures.

· Recovers patients from anesthesia.

· Assists veterinarians and technicians in surgery and dentistry.

· Performs basic emergency care, CPR, and intensive care as needed.

· Assists with and documents patient treatments.

· Walks, cleans, and feeds patients.

· Sets up and assists with procedures, such as IV catheterization and other common treatments.

· Bathes patients as needed.

· Assists with patient admits and releases as needed.

· Ensures patients leave in better condition than when they arrived (e.g., clean and with IV catheter removed).

· Maintains knowledge of drugs and their uses.

· Calculates drug dosages and fills prescriptions accurately; asks for guidance if necessary.

· Assists with lab tests as needed.

· Completes medical records accurately and efficiently.

· Performs procedures such as pedicures and fluid administration.

Equipment and Facility Maintenance

· Cleans, cares for, and packs surgical equipment properly.

· Keeps hospital clean and stocked.

· Removes trash from hospital, and sweeps and mops floors daily.

· Launders soiled blankets, towels, and other linens.

· Utilizes in-house inventory control procedures to ensure items are stocked appropriately.

Additional Duties

Client Services (CSR Desk):

• Greet clients and patients warmly upon arrival
• Answer multi-line phones and direct calls appropriately
• Schedule appointments and manage the appointment calendar
• Process payments and invoices accurately
• Communicate effectively with clients regarding basic animal care instructions
• Assist in maintaining a clean and welcoming reception area

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• At least 1 year experience in a veterinary or animal care setting preferred
• Comfortable handling dogs, cats, and small animals of all sizes and temperaments
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Ability to multitask and work well in a fast-paced environment
• Team player with a positive and professional attitude
• Flexible and willing to assist in both clinical and front-desk duties as needed

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 40 pounds
• Comfortable with frequent kneeling, bending, and reaching
• Exposure to animal dander, waste, and cleaning agents