Job Description
Job DescriptionBenefits:
- Competitive salary
- Employee discounts
MUST RESIDE WITHIN 10 MILES OF TAHOE VISTA AND HAVE A MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
Agate Bay Animal Hospital
Position Overview
The Veterinary Assistant at Agate Bay Animal Hospital supports the clinical team in delivering high-quality, compassionate care to animal patients. This role follows the hospital's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency, safety, and the well-being of both animals and staff. The assistant is responsible for a wide range of duties, from animal care and cleaning to supporting medical procedures and client communications.
Key Responsibilities
Animal Care & Handling
- Safely restrain and handle dogs and cats during exams, treatments, and procedures, using low-stress and humane techniques as outlined in the SOPs.
- Monitor animal health and behavior, immediately reporting any signs of illness, injury, or distress to the veterinarian on duty.
- Feed, water, and exercise animals according to individualized instructions, including administering medications as directed and monitoring for successful ingestion.
- Maintain accurate records of animal intake, feeding, medication, and health status in AviMark, the hospitals data management system.
Sanitation & Disease Control
- Clean and disinfect animal cabins, play yards, exam rooms, and all hospital areas according to established protocols to prevent disease transmission (including proper use of PPE and hand hygiene).
- Collect and dispose of animal waste promptly; perform regular poop scooping and yard cleaning throughout the day.
- Wash and sanitize dishes, laundry, and equipment, strictly separating human and animal items.
Medical & Technical Support
- Assist veterinarians and technicians with exams, treatments, surgeries, and diagnostic procedures, including animal restraint, preparing surgical areas, and monitoring anesthesia under supervision.
- Prepare and run laboratory tests (bloodwork, urinalysis, fecal tests) with appropriate sample handling and machine operation, following all safety and documentation protocols.
- Fill medications and vaccines as directed, double-checking dosages and labels, and ensuring proper recordkeeping and client communication.
Client Service & Communication
- Greet clients and patients, assist with check-in and weigh-ins, and gather relevant medical histories.
- Answer phones, schedule appointments, and respond to emails in a professional, courteous manner, following hospital telephone and confidentiality protocols.
- Document all client communications and medical updates in the patients chart.
Facility Operations
- Complete daily, weekly, and end-of-day cleaning and organizational tasks as assigned (including laundry, trash removal, sweeping, mopping, and restocking supplies)
- Participate in ongoing training and continuing education as required by the hospital, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of SOPs and best practices.
- Adhere to all safety, hazard communication, and controlled substance handling policies.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required; prior experience in animal care or veterinary settings preferred.
- MUST RESIDE WITHIN 10 MILES OF TAHOE VISTA AND HAVE A MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
- Ability to safely handle animals of varying sizes and temperaments, with a commitment to humane, low-stress techniques.
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and cleanliness.
- Basic computer skills and familiarity with data entry; experience with AviMark a plus.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Physical ability to lift up to 40 lbs, stand for extended periods, and perform repetitive tasks.
- Willingness to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.
Work Environment & Expectations
- Expected to contribute to a positive, respectful, and collaborative team environment.
- Commitment to the hospitals mission of providing consistent, compassionate, and high-quality care for all animals and their families.