Experienced Veterinary Assistant

VETERINARY ASSISTANT
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Veterinary Assistant at Forest Hills Veterinary Care, you will support the veterinary medical team in providing high-quality, compassionate care to patients while assisting with the daily operations of the hospital. You will work under the direction and supervision of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and hospital leadership and will be expected to maintain a professional, safe, clean, and welcoming environment for patients, clients, and team members.

Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Patient Care & Veterinary Support

• Provide compassionate, attentive, and respectful care to all patients while maintaining patient safety and comfort.
• Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians with patient examinations, treatments, procedures, and other medical care as directed and within the scope of the position.
• Safely handle, restrain, and transport dogs, cats, and other patients as instructed by the veterinary medical team.
• Assist with patient intake and prepare patients for examinations, treatments, procedures, and diagnostic testing.
• Monitor patients for changes in behavior, comfort, or condition and promptly communicate observations or concerns to the appropriate veterinary medical team member.
• Assist with obtaining and recording patient weights and other basic information as directed.
• Prepare examination rooms, treatment areas, and equipment for patient appointments and procedures.
• Assist with basic patient care tasks, including feeding, walking, cleaning, and monitoring hospitalized or boarding patients as assigned.
• Assist with patient discharge procedures and provide clients with information and instructions as directed by the veterinarian or veterinary technician.
• Handle patients with appropriate care, compassion, and restraint techniques at all times.

Hospital Cleanliness & Sanitation

• Maintain clean, sanitary, organized, and safe examination rooms, treatment areas, kennels, cages, and other hospital spaces.
• Clean and disinfect kennels, examination tables, treatment areas, equipment, and other surfaces according to hospital protocols.
• Assist with laundry, waste disposal, cleaning, and general hospital maintenance as assigned.
• Properly clean, organize, and maintain veterinary equipment and supplies.
• Notify the appropriate team member when equipment, supplies, or facility areas require repair, replacement, or maintenance.
• Follow hospital protocols for infection control, sanitation, biosecurity, and safe handling of potentially infectious materials.

Veterinary Medical Support

• Prepare and organize supplies and equipment needed for examinations, treatments, procedures, and diagnostic services.
• Assist with laboratory sample collection, handling, labeling, preparation, and submission as directed and within the scope of the position.
• Assist with radiology and other diagnostic procedures as directed and appropriately trained.
• Maintain adequate supplies in treatment rooms, examination rooms, and other clinical areas and notify the appropriate team member when supplies need to be reordered.
• Assist with surgical and procedural preparation and recovery as directed by the veterinary medical team.
• Follow all hospital policies and procedures regarding medication handling and administration and perform only those duties permitted by applicable law, training, and hospital policy.
• Accurately document patient care and observations as required by hospital procedures and under the direction of the veterinary medical team.

Client Service, Service Excellence & Communication

• Greet clients and their pets warmly and professionally and help create a positive experience throughout their visit.
• Demonstrate empathy, respect, professionalism, patience, and compassion when communicating with clients and their pets.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with clients, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, assistants, reception staff, and other hospital team members.
• Answer routine questions regarding hospital procedures and services when appropriate and direct medical, diagnostic, treatment, or medication-related questions to the veterinarian or appropriate veterinary medical team member.
• Assist clients with patient movement, check-in, check-out, and other hospital needs as directed.
• Provide clients with appropriate information and instructions as directed by the veterinarian or veterinary technician.
• Help explain and apologize for delays or extended wait times when appropriate and communicate concerns to the appropriate hospital team member.
• Maintain client confidentiality and handle patient and client information in accordance with hospital policies and applicable laws.

Safety & Professional Standards

• Follow all hospital safety protocols, including proper patient handling, restraint, sanitation, infection control, and workplace safety procedures.
• Recognize and promptly report patient emergencies, injuries, abnormal behaviors, or changes in patient condition to the veterinarian or veterinary technician.
• Assist with emergency patients by promptly notifying and supporting the appropriate veterinary medical team.
• Maintain awareness of potential safety risks involving patients, clients, equipment, medications, sharps, and biohazardous materials.
• Maintain a professional appearance and comply with Forest Hills Veterinary Care's dress and uniform requirements.
• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, a strong work ethic, willingness to learn, and an eager-to-assist attitude.
• Work cooperatively with all hospital departments and team members to support efficient hospital operations and excellent patient care.
• Participate in training and continuing education opportunities as directed by hospital leadership.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Hospital Manager, veterinarian, veterinary technician, or other authorized hospital leadership.

Duties will be performed in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, hospital policies and training.

Pay: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Uniform allowance
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• What do you love about working in a Veterinary Hospital?

Work Location: In person