Veterinary Assistant

Description

Job Title: Veterinary Assistant I

Department: Spay and Neuter Clinic

Reports To: Spay Clinic Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Overview:

The Sacramento SPCA is a vibrant, well-established and respected non-profit animal welfare organization. Through our nationally-ranked high-volume spay and neuter clinic (we are ranked as one of the top 10 clinics in the country!), successful adoption program, behavior and training programs and commitment to excellent animal care, the Sacramento SPCA is giving more than shelter and saving animals one life at a time. 

General Summary:

The Veterinary Assistant I has the primary responsibility for the sterile, sanitary, and efficient operation of the SSPCA Spay and Neuter Clinic along with the general restraint, handling and overall husbandry of clinic patients. This position assists the staff veterinarians in the primary care and treatment of pre-operative and post-operative surgery animals and maintains all procedures and practices with the Spay Clinic to meet the highest standards possible. 

Essential Job Functions:

• Assists in the preparation of the Clinic for surgery and performs pre-op and post-op surgical duties surgical duties on animals selected for surgery.
• Provides support during surgery to the staff veterinarians.
• Under supervision of a RVT, administers pharmaceuticals such as medications and vaccines.
• Collects and prepares blood, urine, and feces samples.
• Performs various procedures under the direct supervision of a staff veterinarian or RVT such as intramuscular, intravenous and subcutaneous injections
• Maintains cleanliness of the surgery room and other related areas, to provide a safe, clean and sterile environment.
• Must be punctual and maintain regular, predictable attendance.
• Must be committed to a high standard of safety and be willing and able to comply with all safety laws and all of the employer’s safety policies and rules. Must be willing to report safety violations and potential safety violations to appropriate supervisory or management personnel.
• Must be able to obtain a Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substances Permit and maintain it throughout employment at SSPCA.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides accurate information and friendly professional service to the public and to co-workers in a responsive, positive, courteous, truthful and tactful manner.
• Completes appropriate paperwork for Spay Clinic related activities (i.e. filing, post-op line calls, correspondence, surgery reminders, telephone follow-ups).

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bilingual in English/Spanish highly preferred.
• Knowledge of domestic animals including breeds, behavior, appropriate care and housing, common health problems, disease symptoms and handling techniques.
• Knowledge of aseptic surgical techniques, animal care and husbandry.
• Knowledge of anesthesia techniques.
• Knowledge of sterilization and surgical pack preparation procedures.
• Knowledge of State and local codes, ordinances and regulations governing quarantine, impounding, care, and disposal of animals.
• Ability to identify normal and abnormal animal behavior and symptoms of rabies and other animal disorders.
• Ability to control and safely handle pharmaceuticals used in the care and handling of animals and disinfectants in the cleaning and disinfecting of animal habitats.
• Ability to get along and work effectively with the public, management, fellow employees, volunteers, and other agencies and groups.
• Must possess a valid California driver’s license and a clear driving record at least one year prior to application.

Education and Experience:

• High school graduate or GED equivalent.
• Preferred six months of experience assisting a licensed veterinarian in providing medical treatment to animals, including surgical procedures and medical examinations, in an animal shelter, hospital, or similar environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Any allergic condition that would be aggravated from exposure or through contact with animals or chemicals used to sanitize facilities, vehicles or equipment, may be a disqualification.
• Must stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit regularly to perform duties. Have the ability to perform strenuous physical activity, including lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds alone or up to 100 pounds with the help of fellow employees for short distances.

Working Conditions:

• May be exposed to hostile or abusive members of the public. Must be able to deal with an often times emotion-charged public and carry a fast-paced and changing work load which at times can be stressful.
• By nature of the industry, there may be occasional exposure to dead, injured, sick, unruly, vicious, and/or dangerous animals in addition to exposure to parasites and to infectious diseases. 
• Must be available and willing to work such weekends, holidays, overtime, and attend mandatory training and meetings as the employer determines are necessary or desirable to meet its business needs.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees, but are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Either employer or employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time with or without notice and with or without cause.