Veterinary Assistant

Lakefield Veterinary Group; Apple Valley (MN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Lakefield Veterinary Group in Apple Valley, MN seeks a compassionate Veterinary Assistant to support veterinarians and technicians, keep pets safe and comfortable, and assist during exams and procedures. This role includes patient intake, handling, restraint, basic health checks, and client education.

Day and swing shifts available. You will work in a fast-paced clinic, maintain clean rooms, monitor vitals, and assist with routine lab tests under vets' direction.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Certificate of completion from a NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant program preferred.
• One year of experience in a pet care setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Foster a culture built on our values: Respect, Learning, Do the Right Thing, WOW Service, and Fun.
• Clean, disinfect, and prepare exam rooms, medical equipment, and surgery between each appointment.
• Obtain initial patient information, medical histories, vaccination records, and the reason for the pet’s visit.
• Calm, soothe, comfort, and restrain pets before, during, and after procedures.
• Take note on examination results and updates records as directed by veterinarians.
• Provide owners education, resources and information on pet care under veterinarians' direction.
• Monitor and track pet’s physical status and vital signs following surgery.
• Monitor, record, and report the physical condition and vital signs of hospitalized and boarded pets.
• Clean and disinfect cages, pens, runs, and boarding areas.
• Feed, water, bathe, and exercise pets during their visit.
• Respond to general questions from clients.
• Perform and set up procedures that do not require Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician assistance.
• Examine pets, perform basic health checks, treat under direction of Veterinarian.
• May administer medication, perform routine lab tests, and educate client on use and side effects of medication.
• Provide professional, efficient, quality care and exceptional service to clients while maintaining productivity.
• Support a practice environment that promotes collaboration and teamwork and ensures delivery of quality care.
• Comply with all practice policies and standards of care.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Skills

Animal science

Pharmacology basics

Computer proficiency (Outlook, Word)

Customer service

Communication

Attention to detail

Time management

Discretion with information

Calm demeanor

Education

High School Diploma or GED

NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant program

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Industry websites

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Veterinary Assistant supports and assists the Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians, ensuring the
safety of pets and clients, and the continuity of quality veterinary care. They work to keep pets safe and
comfortable during their visit.

We are currently hiring for Day & Swing shifts.

WHAT YOU’LL DO (Essential Functions):

• Foster a culture built on our values: Respect, Learning, Do the Right Thing, WOW Service,
  and Fun
• Clean, disinfect, and prepare exam rooms, medical equipment, and surgery between each
  appointment
• Obtain initial patient information, medical histories, vaccination records, and the reason for the
  pet’s visit. Document patient information, and update records
• Calm, soothe, comfort, and restrain pets before, during, and after procedures
• Take note on examination results and updates records as directed by veterinarians
• Provide the owners education, resources and information on how best to care for pets in general, at
  the Veterinarian’s direction, for specific conditions, and after various procedures
• Monitor and track pet’s physical status and vital signs following surgery
• Monitor, record, and report the physical condition and vital signs of the hospitalized and boarded
  pets
• Clean and disinfect cages, pens, runs, and boarding areas
• Feed, water, bathe, and exercise pets during their visit
• Respond to general questions from clients
• 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
• May administer medication, perform routine laboratory tests, fill prescriptions, and educate client
  on use and side effects of medication under the direction of a Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician
• Provide professional, efficient, quality care and exceptional service to clients while maintaining
  maximum productivity
• Support a practice environment that promotes collaboration and teamwork and ensures 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 as requested

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:

• One year of experience in a pet care setting preferred

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 internet sites
• Basic written, verbal, and active listening communication skills with a customer-oriented approach
• Basic mathematical skills to ensure the administration of accurate drug and fluid doses
• Basic analytical, critical thinking, judgement, and problem-solving skills
• Compassion and empathy for both pets and pet owners
• Interact with a variety of clients and employees in a professional, caring, compassionate, and tactful manner
• Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy
• Strong organizational and time management skills, including managing multiple priorities
• Handle and maintain sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Maintain a calm demeanor in a work environment that fluctuates from orderly to fast paced and stressful

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to talk and hear. The
team member must frequently use a computer for long periods of time. Specific vision abilities are
required to do this job including close vision. This position requires walking, standing, and sitting for
long periods of time. May be exposed to low to moderate noise levels as well as
disinfectant/sanitation chemicals, pet dander, and excretions. May experience aggressive,
frightened, abused or injured pets that bite and scratch. This position requires exerting up to 30
pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds frequently, and/or 10 pounds constantly in order to
lift, carry, pull or move objects. Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities

Compensation Range

$18—$22 USD