Veterinary Assistant

Uptown Animal Hospital is a growing General Practice and Urgent Care Hybrid facility in the beautiful city of Gig Harbor. We are open seven days a week and are an AAHA accredited facility.  Our team is a compassionate group of veterinary professionals that include Urgent Care and General Practice veterinarians, Licensed Veterinary Technicians, Veterinary Assistants, Kennel assistants and Customer Service representatives who work as a cohesive team, providing quality, compassionate care to the surrounding communities because they love what they do and have fun doing it.  Our clients are loyal, and we boast a high retention rate in our general practice as well as providing urgent care services, should the need arise. We are a full-service hospital providing in-house diagnostics, digital radiology (including dental), ultrasonography, an onsite pharmacy and a state-of-the-art surgical suite. We also provide a feline only waiting area and exam room to limit the stress to our feline patients.  Our lobby provides ample space for our human clients, making them as comfortable as possible during their visit.

In addition to providing a fun and rewarding workplace, we also offer a wonderful benefit package including 401K with company match, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, annual uniforms provided, competitive salary, CE opportunities, Paid time off and personal pet care discounts. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Veterinary Assistant plays a vital role in supporting our amazing Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians, ensuring the safety and comfort of both pets and clients while delivering top-notch veterinary care. Your efforts will help keep our furry friends safe and cozy during their visits!

WHAT YOU’LL DO (Essential Functions):

• Foster a culture built on our values: Respect, Learning, Doing the Right Thing, WOW Service, and Fun!
• Clean, disinfect, and prepare exam rooms, medical equipment, and surgery areas between each appointment.
• Gather initial patient information, medical histories, vaccination records, and the reason for the pet’s visit. Document patient information and keep records updated.
• Calm, soothe, comfort, and gently restrain pets before, during, and after procedures.
• Take notes on examination results and update records as directed by veterinarians.
• Provide pet owners with resources and information on how to care for their pets in general, for specific conditions, and after various procedures, following the Veterinarian’s guidance.
• Monitor and track pets’ physical status and vital signs following surgery.
• Monitor, record, and report the physical condition and vital signs of hospitalized and boarded pets.
• Assist the Veterinarian throughout the examination, diagnosis, procedures, and treatment phases by completing preparatory procedures.
• Obtain and prepare various samples, including blood, urine, and fecal samples for diagnostic testing. Perform laboratory tests on samples and update the patient’s medical chart unless restricted by the State Veterinary Board.
• Administer injections and medications under the direction of a Veterinarian.
• Clean and disinfect cages, pens, runs, and boarding areas to maintain a healthy environment.
• Feed, water, bathe, and exercise pets during their visit to ensure their well-being.
• Respond to general questions from clients with a friendly and informative approach.
• Perform and set up procedures that do not require Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician assistance.
• Examine pets, performing basic health checks, looking for signs of disease, illness, or injury, and treat them under the direction of the Veterinarian.
• Administer medication, perform routine laboratory tests, fill prescriptions, and educate clients on the use and side effects of medication under the guidance of a Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician.
• Provide professional, efficient, quality care and exceptional service to clients while maximizing productivity.
• Support a practice environment that promotes collaboration and teamwork, ensuring the delivery of quality, compassionate, effective, and efficient health care to pets.
• Comply with all practice policies, quality assurance guidelines, and minimum standards of care.
• Perform other duties or projects as requested with a positive attitude.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR (Essential Qualifications):

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.

Professional Licenses/Certifications:

• Certificate of completion from a NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant program preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience as a non-licensed technician in a veterinary practice.

Skills, Ability, and Knowledge:

• Broad knowledge of animal science.
• Basic knowledge of pharmacology.
• Proficiency with a variety of computer programs including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and industry-related internet sites.
• Basic written, verbal, and active listening communication skills with a customer-oriented approach.
• Basic mathematical skills to ensure accurate drug and fluid dosage administration.
• Analytical, critical thinking, judgment, and problem-solving skills.
• Compassion and empathy for both pets and pet owners.
• Ability to interact with a variety of clients and employees in a professional, caring, and tactful manner.
• Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to handle and maintain sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Maintain a calm demeanor in a work environment that can be fast-paced and stressful.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, team members are regularly required to talk and hear. Frequent use of a computer is necessary, and specific vision abilities are required, including close vision. This position involves walking, standing, and sitting for extended periods. You may be exposed to low to moderate noise levels, as well as disinfectant/sanitation chemicals, pet dander, and excretions. Occasionally, you may encounter aggressive, frightened, abused, or injured pets that may bite or scratch. This position requires the ability to exert up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds frequently, and/or 10 pounds constantly to lift, carry, pull, or move objects. Flexibility in working hours, including evenings and weekends, is required.

COMPENSATION:

$21 - 27 per hour, based on experience and schedule worked