Veterinary Assistant

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

Job summary

Lakefield Veterinary Group seeks a Veterinary Assistant to support veterinarians and technicians, ensuring patient safety and quality veterinary care. This role covers exam room prep, patient intake, calming pets, client education, and basic in-clinic duties on day and swing shifts. Strong communication and compassion are essential.

Education: HS diploma; NAVTA program preferred; 1 year pet-care experience preferred. On-site position in Apple Valley, CA.

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED required.
• NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant program certificate preferred.
• One year of pet-care experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare exam rooms, equipment and surgery areas, ensuring cleanliness and sterilization.
• Obtain patient information, histories, vaccination records and visit reason; document records.
• Calm and restrain pets during procedures and examinations as directed by veterinarians.
• Provide client education and resources on pet care and aftercare.
• Monitor vital signs post-surgery and during hospitalization and boarding.
• Perform basic health checks and assist with routine lab tests under supervision.

Skills

Animal science

Pharmacology

Communication

Dose calculation

Attention to detail

De-escalation/calming pets

Education

High School Diploma or GED

NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant program certificate

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Industry internet sites

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