JOB DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Animal Care
- Restrain animals during examinations or procedures
- Observe the behavior and condition of animals and monitor their clinical symptoms
- Assist with physical examination by obtaining temperature, pulse, and respiration data
- Clip nails and flush ears
- Prepare feed for animals according to specific instructions
- Prepare and administer vaccinations, medications, and treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian
- Administer anesthesia to animals under the direction of the veterinarian, and monitor animals’ responses to the anesthetics
- Prepare animals for surgery (intubation, preparing a sterile surgical site)
- Prepare procedure equipment and pass instruments to the veterinarian when needed
- Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery
- Administer emergency first aid
- Perform venipuncture and catheterization
- Perform dental work (cleaning, polishing, and extracting teeth)
- Dress wounds and apply bandages
- Provide assistance with animal euthanasia and disposal of remains
Client Communication
- Discuss medical health with clients, such as post-operative status
- Ask questions to clients to obtain a thorough patient medical history
- Explain medical discharge instructions and patient home care to clients
- Provide information or counseling with issues such as animal health care, behavior problems, and nutrition
- Answer client questions thoughtfully and accurately
- Explain treatment plans to clients
- Accurately calculate and quote services and procedures
- Schedule appointments and procedures
- Demonstrate polite and professional conduct
Laboratory and Diagnostics
- Collect, prepare, and label biological samples for laboratory testing, culture, or microscopic examination
- Perform laboratory tests on blood, urine, feces, and other samples to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient
- Prepare and take diagnostic radiographs using x-ray equipment
- Fill prescriptions, measuring medications and labeling containers
Clerical Duties
- Create medical estimates
- Invoice services and products
- Record laboratory results and findings into the patient file
- Maintain inventories of pharmaceuticals, equipment, or supplies
- Maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books
Personal Conduct/Attitude/Teamwork
- Maintain positive, cooperative relationships with other employees
- Display tact and respect with team members even when busy or hectic
- Feel and express a genuine liking for animals and their owners and for working in an animal care field
Organization/Time Management
- Work consistently and diligently in the presence of other staff members and clients
- Understand and execute oral and written directions
Maintenance
- Clean and maintain kennels, animal holding areas, surgery suites, and examination rooms to control the spread of disease
- Prepare examination and treatment rooms by stocking them with the appropriate supplies
- Perform required maintenance procedures on all medical and laboratory equipment to ensure proper working condition
- Clean, maintain, and sterilize surgical equipment
- Prepare surgical suite for surgery
Other
- Perform other duties as assigned
PHYSICAL
- Ability to communicate effectively to all audiences
- Good visual acuity
- Close vision for computer work
- Comfortable around unpleasant odors, noises and animal feces
- Comfortable with exposure to animals including their actions and ailments
- Ability to lift up to 50lbs
- Repetitive wrist movements on keyboard
- Ability to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time
- Ability to walk up and down stairs multiple times per day
