Veterinary Technician or Assistant

Job Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate care to all patients
• Administer drugs to patients according to the veterinarians’ orders
• Calculate drug dosages and fluid drip rates
• Know common drugs and their protocols and be able to explain them to clients
• Perform physical assessments and document observations
• Collect and perform laboratory procedures
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment (microscope, bloodwork machines, etc.)
• Tag and process cremations
• Perform venipuncture and catheter placement
• Prep wounds and apply bandages
• Maintain vital signs
• Understand the use and care of IV pumps
• Record all controlled drug use
• Properly place endotracheal tubes
• Administer and monitor anesthesia
• Assist in diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures as requested by a veterinarian
• Admit patients following hospital policy and doctor’s written orders
• Discharge patients based on the veterinarian’s orders, ensuring that patients are well groomed and in medically appropriate state
• Greet clients and pets by name
• Note in medical records the details discussed during client conversations including the date, time, key points of the discussion and any action required
• Answer clients’ questions about veterinary services and products and provide knowledgeable advice about wellness, prevention and disease
• Advise clients on proper nutrition, flea/tick/heartworm preventatives, pre-anesthetic testing, pain management, shampoos, home dental products and other retail items
• Explain invoices to show value for the care provided
• Know fees for routine services
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) required for each job duty and keep PPE in good working order
• Understand infectious diseases and how to control and prevent their spread
• Maintain positive and cooperative relationships with other employees

Skills Needed

• Ability to read and comprehend instructions
• Proper animal handling and restraint
• Effective communication with clients in person and by phone
• Experience in caring for animals, proper restraint techniques
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals
• Exceptional customer service skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Reports to

• Head Technician and/or Technician Shift Leader

Physical Obligations

• Able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Endure standing and walking on hard floor surfaces for extended periods of time
• Able to work in noisy work conditions with sounds from animals and equipment
• Take safety precautions for exposure to toxins, drugs, anesthesia and radiation