Veterinary Assistant

3M HEALTHCARE; Columbus (GA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is seeking a Front Desk Veterinary Assistant to provide friendly reception, accurate EMR documentation, and customer service to clients and patients. The role supports veterinarians during routine and emergency visits and helps prepare patients for procedures.

The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, computer proficiency, and a calm demeanor in stressful situations. Previous experience in a veterinary setting is preferred.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Telephone and computer proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Greet clients and patients upon arrival, escort to exam rooms and document visits in the EMR.
• Assist veterinarians with routine and emergency appointments, surgeries, and dental procedures under supervision.
• Prepare patients for procedures, monitor during recovery, and update EMR and discharge instructions.

Job description

Position Purpose

Provide excellent medical care to Vetco Total Care full‑service hospital patients and phenomenal customer care to their owners. Represent the company’s mission and values to all clients, fostering cohesion and motivation within the practice.

Essential Job Functions

• Greet clients and patients upon arrival, escort them into exam rooms, weigh them, record vital signs (temperature, pulse, respirations), and document the visit in the electronic medical record.
• Collect thorough patient histories and maintain accurate EMR documentation.
• Assist veterinarians with routine and emergency appointments, surgery, dentistry, and euthanasia under supervision of the credentialed veterinary technician (HOM/HLOD).
• Perform patient restraint, obtain and process laboratory samples, handle and dispense medications at the veterinarian’s direction, and update the EMR.
• Schedule appointments, provide client education, relay test results to clients and the veterinarian, and maintain client/patient records.
• Prepare patients for surgical and dental procedures, assist with anesthesia, monitor vital parameters and patients during recovery, and prepare for discharge or transfer to overnight care.
• Administer in‑hospital treatments for sick patients, including injectable and oral medications, intravenous fluid therapy, and cleaning, watering, and feeding as directed.
• Assist with the training of new staff and disseminate knowledge as required.
• Maintain a clean and organized hospital environment according to a predetermined schedule.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform additional duties as assigned.
• Provide backup phone and front‑desk support as needed.

Planning and Problem Solving

Ensure efficient day‑to‑day hospital operations and optimal experiences for patients and clients.

Impact

Support the growth of a productive practice by contributing to a cohesive, well‑trained technical team, enhancing patient well‑being, and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Education / Experience

• Preferred: at least 1 year of experience in a veterinary practice or equivalent animal care experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Compassionate, professional, and calm demeanor in emotional and stressful situations.
• Telephone and computer proficiency.
• Team player with a willingness to learn new techniques, contribute creative ideas, and adapt to change.

Work Environment

Predominantly in the Veterinary Hospital, involving bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, and standing for extended periods. Frequent direct contact with clients and pets.

Contacts

Regular communication with clients, veterinary specialists, and product/service providers.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.