Certified Veterinary Assistant

Star Valley Veterinary Clinic; Fresno (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Star Valley Veterinary Clinic is seeking a full-time Veterinary Assistant in Fresno, CA. Shifts are 9am-6pm, 11am-8pm, or 12pm-9pm with rotating Saturdays and occasional Sundays.

The role works directly with veterinarians and medical staff to deliver high-quality care. Responsibilities include assisting with exams, administering medications and vaccines, dental cleanings, anesthesia, radiographs, surgeries, and lab testing.

Qualifications

• 1 year of veterinary experience required.
• 1 year veterinary assistant experience preferred.
• Excellent communication and client service.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced clinic.
• Comfort with euthanasia and sensitive handling.

Responsibilities

• Assists the veterinarian during examinations and restrains animals as needed.
• Prepares and administers medications, vaccines, serums, and treatments as prescribed.
• Performs routine dental cleanings under supervision.
• Dries anesthesia and monitors patient responses during procedures.
• Obtains radiographs with proper positioning.
• Cares for animals recovering from surgery.
• Performs lab tests on blood, urine, and feces to aid diagnosis.
• Provides emergency first aid and life-saving procedures.
• Collects and labels samples for testing.
• Cleans and sterilizes instruments and rooms.
• Supports veterinarians with equipment and supplies.
• Fills prescriptions and labels containers.
• Prepares animals for surgery including shaving and IV catheters.
• Maintains clean examination and treatment areas.
• Works with veterinarians to ensure efficient patient flow.

Skills

Communication skills

Animal handling

Team collaboration

Time management

Physical stamina

Job description

VETERINARY ASSISTANT - Full time - Starting times vary.

Shifts are:

• 9am - 6pm,
• 11am - 8pm,
• 12pm - 9pm

Saturdays and Sundays are non negotiable (Assistants work rotating Saturdays and 4 -5 Sundays a year)

Job Summary

In addition to the responsibilities outlined below, the Veterinary Technician is an invaluable member of the hospital team who works directly with the Veterinarian and supporting medical staff to ensure productive and quality veterinary care at all times.

Job Responsibilities

• Assists the veterinarian during examination of animals, providing restraint as needed in order to work safely and effectively.
• Prepares and administer medications, vaccines, serums, and treatments, as prescribed by the veterinarian.
• Performs routine dental cleanings on animals under the direction of the veterinarian.
• Administers anesthesia to animals under the direction of the veterinarian and monitors animals’ responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.
• Obtains radiographs of animals with knowledge of proper positioning and techniques.
• Cares for and monitors the condition of animals recovering from surgery.
• Performs laboratory tests on blood, urine, and feces, such as urinalyses and blood counts, to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.
• Administers emergency first aid, such as performing emergency resuscitation or other life-saving procedures.
• Collects, prepares, and labels samples for laboratory testing, culture, or microscopic examination.
• Cleans and sterilizes instruments, equipment, and materials.
• Provides the veterinarian with the correct equipment and instruments, as needed.
• Fills prescriptions, measuring medications and labeling containers.
• Prepares animals for surgery, performing such tasks as shaving surgical areas and placing IV catheters.
• Maintains clean examination rooms and treatment areas.
• Works collaboratively with veterinarians to ensure that all animals are being cared for properly and moving through the system efficiently.

Skills and Basic Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively and efficiently in a fast paced environment.
• Ability to effectively handle and control aggressive animals.
• Must be able to handle the physical and emotional aspect of work in a veterinary clinic environment, including the use of euthanasia.
• Models a professional and courteous manner with staff and clients.
• Commitment to ongoing educational development and growth.
• Must have active listening, critical thinking, complex problem solving, time management, judgment and decision making skills.

Job Type: Full-time

Experience:

• Veterinary experience: 1 year (Required)
• Veterinary assistant: 1 year (Preferred)