Job Description
Job Description
Job Description
Every team member—regardless of position—plays an essential role in advancing our mission to deliver exceptional veterinary care, foster lasting client relationships, and contribute to the continued success of the practice. Our collective goal is to attract and retain clients, including pet owners, guardians, and referral veterinary partners, in alignment with the hospital’s philosophy and the strategic objectives established by the Owners.
Veterinary Assistants (VAs) provide essential support to veterinarians and Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) by performing tasks that do not require an RVT license or other legal credential. VAs enable veterinarians and RVTs to focus on diagnostic, medical, and surgical tasks that are legally restricted to licensed personnel, while also ensuring patients receive high-quality care and clients receive excellent service.
The primary role of the Veterinary Assistant is to provide support in patient care, client services, and hospital operations. VAs help maintain efficiency and quality of care, contribute to excellent client education, and ensure that all hospital operations run smoothly.
The Ideal Employee
- Demonstrates a commitment to quality pet healthcare and patient well-being.
- Exhibits enthusiasm and a positive attitude toward veterinary medicine.
- Provides compassionate, empathetic, and professional client and patient interactions.
- Supports veterinarians and RVTs by assisting with procedures, handling patients safely, and preparing equipment.
- Consistently follows through on tasks while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Approaches challenges with flexibility and a solution-oriented mindset.
- Demonstrates developing technical skills and a commitment to ongoing learning.
- Collaborates effectively with the veterinary team to ensure smooth workflow and excellent patient care.
- Upholds the practice Core Values and quality standards of Davies Animal Medical Hospital.
Primary Job Responsibilities
- Assist veterinarians and RVTs with patient care tasks that do not require an RVT license, including restraint, feeding, and basic nursing care.
- Assist in preparing patients, instruments, and equipment for examinations, diagnostics, and surgery (under RVT or veterinarian supervision).
- Safely restrain pets to minimize stress and ensure safety for patients and staff.
- Assist with collecting specimens and performing basic laboratory tasks as permitted under California law and hospital protocols.
- Provide excellent client service by answering questions, assisting with client education, and ensuring a positive client experience.
- Maintain accurate records and assist with data entry into practice management software.
- Assist with inventory management of pharmaceuticals, supplies, and equipment.
- Ensure proper cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance of instruments, equipment, and work areas.
- Assist with general hospital cleanliness, janitorial duties, laundry, and maintaining a safe and organized environment.
- Serve as a liaison between departments to ensure clear and accurate communication.
- Assist with appointment scheduling, phone communications, payment processing, and record management.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support the smooth operation of the hospital.
Legal Limitations:
- Veterinary Assistants cannot perform tasks that are legally restricted to RVTs or veterinarians. Veterinary Assistants may only perform tasks under the direct or indirect supervision of a licensed veterinarian or an RVT. The degree of supervision must align with the standards set by the California Veterinary Medical Board.
Tier System Clarification
The VA tier system at Davies Animal Medical Hospital reflects each employee’s proficiency and wage level and is used for performance tracking and career development. Assigned tiers do not limit a VA’s responsibilities. All VAs are expected to perform any task they are trained and competent to do, within their legal scope of practice, regardless of tier. No employee may refuse to perform a duty for which they are capable and legally permitted solely based on their assigned tier.
Essential Functions
- Observe and assess animals for general condition and obvious signs of illness or distress.
- Safely restrain animals for examinations, procedures, and treatments.
- Deliver excellent client service and provide thorough client education consistently.
- Maintain consistent attendance, punctuality, and professional demeanor.
- Stand and walk for extended periods, bend, stoop, and move between rooms frequently.
- Lift and handle animals up to 40 lbs. independently (heavier with assistance).
Skills and Knowledge Requirements
- Knowledge of hospital services and treated species.
- Familiarity with common breeds, coat colors, and basic medical terminology.
- Understanding of client service principles, including needs assessment, satisfaction evaluation, and client education.
- Proficiency in medical scheduling, inventory management, and basic laboratory protocols as allowed by law.
- Fluency in English (written and spoken); a second language is beneficial.
- Basic math skills for record-keeping and inventory management.
- Awareness of zoonotic diseases and prevention measures.
- Compliance with OSHA standards and ability to access Safety Data Sheets.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Work Direction
Veterinary Assistants work under the direction of Veterinarians, RVTs, Practice Manager, and/or Veterinary Technician Supervisor. Routine assignments are performed independently within established protocols, while tasks requiring specialized training or licensure are always delegated to licensed personnel. Work is evaluated for accuracy, compliance, and adherence to hospital policies and legal requirements.
Physical Demands
- Prolonged standing and walking.
- Frequent bending and stooping.
- Lifting, restraining, and handling animals of various sizes.
- Manual dexterity for patient care, equipment operation, and computer work.
- Adequate vision and hearing for clinical tasks and communication.
- Ability to work with a variety of species, including those with zoonotic diseases.
- Tolerance for odors, bodily fluids, and animal waste.
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this position, the employee may be exposed to:
- Aggressive or fearful animals.
- Infectious diseases and parasites.
- Controlled substances.
- Scatter radiation.
- Unpleasant odors and noises.
- Animal bites, scratches, and waste.
- Sharps and other medical hazards.
Strict adherence to safety protocols is required at all times.
Must be available to work weekends and afternoons and evenings regularly. Shifts end as late as 8:30pm.
40 scheduled hours per week