Veterinary Assistant

Four Paws Veterinary Hospital is a two-doctor general practice located in Southport, NC. Our workplace culture prioritizes optimal patient care and client experience. We are seeking a motivated, skilled veterinary assistant with a positive attitude and passion for teamwork to join our experienced team. We utilize our assistants to their full potential and provide ongoing opportunities to enhance technical skills.

About the role

We believe in a Whole Person Approach for our veterinary teams, including a living wage, best-in-class benefits, mental health support, and continuous education. Every team member is eligible to participate in our revenue-sharing program, and all positions come with growth opportunities tailored to individual career journeys.

Responsibilities

• Check patient medical records for past histories, enter treatments and charges in the computer.
• Restrain animals for the veterinarian as required.
• Maintain client educational material efficiently.
• Draw blood, access veins quickly, and minimize patient discomfort during testing procedures.
• Perform specimen testing procedures accurately on blood, urine, or other samples using related equipment and computers.
• Assist the veterinarian with in-patient care, including maintaining and calculating IV fluids, drawing blood samples, and passing urithrocatheters.
• Perform anesthesia induction and monitoring.
• Dispense medication and feed patients as directed.
• Communicate with pet owners about medication, possible complications, and warnings.
• Utilize the computer system to enter and reference patient information.
• Perform lab work such as x-rays, CBCs, blood profiles, urinalysis, heartworm tests, FELV/FIV tests, fecal tests, cultures, and fungus cultures.
• Document test results and deliver them to appropriate personnel promptly.
• Prepare specimens for mailing according to practice requirements.
• Ensure all materials (e.g., otoscopes, nail clippers) are stocked in exam rooms.
• Schedule and perform routine maintenance of testing equipment.
• Maintain cleanliness of exam rooms at all times.
• Set laboratory standards, update operations, and provide training to staff as required.
• Assist in animal care as needed.
• Handle all tasks associated with the x-ray process, including patient information entry, proper animal positioning, and preparing forms for referral.
• Take medical histories and vital signs of patients.
• Perform departmental housekeeping duties.
• Admit and discharge patients.
• Process and log prescription refills in-house, call out pharmacies, and manage online pharmacy requests.
• Lift up to 50 pounds, stoop, bend, and stand for long periods.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• One to two years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to multi-task, think quickly, and develop positive working relationships with clients and co-workers.

Skills

• Dental cleanings and charting teeth abnormalities.
• Anesthesia induction and monitoring.
• Surgical preparation.
• Intravenous catheter placement.
• Vaccination administration.
• Venipuncture.
• In-house lab work.
• Filling prescriptions.
• Ability to work well with others and independently, take initiative, and thrive in a busy environment.

Benefits

Full-time team members are eligible for:

• Competitive base pay plus revenue share bonus program.
• Best-in-class medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability.
• Life insurance.
• 401k with match.
• Paid time off.
• Free continuing education.
• Mental health support.
• Additional benefits.