Veterinary Assistant - Ferguson Animal Hospital

Position Overview

Join our team as a Veterinary Assistant who supports the veterinarians and technicians in their daily tasks by cleaning and maintaining equipment, feeding, exercising and grooming patients, preparing and sanitizing surgery suites, restraining and handling patients, and clerical and administrative work. They deliver quality care for all patients and provide exceptional service.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate care to all patients
• Greet patients and their owners as they arrive and show them to an examining room, taking the patient's weight and other vital signs upon arrival
• Triage patients, perform physical exams, treatments, and administer medication as directed by the licensed veterinary technicians (LVT's).
• Calm and soothe anxious patients
• Absorb and administer medications, restrain patients, operate and maintain hospital equipment, fill prescriptions, calculate and administer medications, maintain proper documentation, logging, and security of controlled drugs.
• Feed patients as prescribed by the attending doctor or as the client has requested; record appetites; recognize and report any unusual conditions or abnormal behaviors
• Communicate in a positive manner with clients and ensure that they feel comfortable leaving their pet(s)
• Educate clients about insurance, wellness, and medicinal plans
• Maintain the cleanliness of the hospital each day; clean equipment, kennels, and facilities using chemicals and supplies; ensure the safe use of chemicals; complete laundry
• Bath and care for patients who stay overnight; ensure that every animal released is clean and properly groomed prior to their release
• Adhere to the hospital's safety and wellness regulations
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Maintain accurate medical records
• Show up for work regularly; full-time presence at work is essential for every shift
• Promote hospital products and services and support the organization
• Respond respectfully with urgency to directions given by Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVT).
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Manager; may have other assigned duties if working in a specialty area (i.e., dentistry, surgery, emergency, radiology, cardiology, neurology, internal medicine, etc.)

Qualifications (Required)

• A high school diploma or equivalent
• Proven experience as a Veterinary Assistant or similar position working with animals.
• Excellent communication skills
• A patient and caring personality
• The ability to follow instructions properly
• The ability to meet the physical demands of the job (e.g., lift up to 50 lbs.)
• Availability to occasionally work in emergencies
• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this position

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• A certificate from a Veterinary Assistant program is a plus
• Experience in basic exam room procedures like restraint, preparing medications and invoicing is preferred
• The ideal candidate should work well in a fast-paced environment, possess excellent customer service skills, and be a team player.

Schedule

Full-Time, Rotating shifts
Hours will vary based on hospital’s needs but will include at least one evening shift (10:00am or 11:00am-7:00pm) per week and every other Saturday (8am-2pm)
Every other Saturday is a must, but we can work on which day you will be scheduled for an evening shift

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
• 401(k) with discretionary contribution
• Team Member Pet Discounts
• Emotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
• CE stipends and career development resources
• Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources