Veterinary Assistant

The Equinest; Ocala, Northern (FL, KY); Hybrid; USD 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

The Equinest in Ocala, FL is seeking a vet assistant to support veterinarians during exams and on-site visits. The role involves feeding and caring for animals, handling varied temperaments, and assisting with surgeries or procedures as needed.

Ideal candidates will have patience, excellent communication, and the ability to follow instructions while learning quickly in a veterinary environment. On-site work is required, with some on-call responsibilities considered.

Qualifications

• Requires strong patience and tact for working with people and animals.
• Excellent listening and communication skills are essential.
• Ability to follow instructions and learn quickly in a veterinary setting.

Responsibilities

• Handling a variety of animal temperaments.
• Feeding and care for animals on-site.
• Preliminary examinations and assisting during exams.

Skills

Patience

Communication

Multitasking

Listening skills

Follow instructions

Education

Bachelor's degree in animal care or related field

Job description

Another important member of the equine world, often vet assistants are working their way through medical school and will someday become a veterinarian themselves. They handle the more basic tasks and often accompany the vet on stable visits.

What You Need

Working with both people and their sick animals requires a great deal of patience, tact and multi-tasking ability. This is a position which benefits from the ability to follow instructions, strong listening and communication skills and a through knowledge of the equine animal.

Calm under pressure, physical strength and the ability to learn on the fly are favored characteristics of a solid vet assistant and a vet-to-be.

Job Description

Responsible for assigned duties around the veterinarian’s office or on location, such as feeding and examining. The vet assistant works closely with the vet to help troubleshoot problems and mend accidental injury.

Responsibilities

• Handling a variety of animal temperaments
• Feeding & care for animals on-site
• Preliminary examinations & help during exams
• Pre- & post-op care for animals on-site
• Accompanying vet on stable calls
• Responding quickly for emergency calls
• Assisting vet in surgical procedures
• Application of medicine & preparation of lab samples
• Cleaning, restocking and preparing work areas, on-site & off

Requirements

Most veterinary offices will require more than a high school diploma in this instance, many will want a bachelor’s degree in animal care or a related field. Potential employers could require that their assistants have taken and passed a national veterinary exam, which will vary by country.

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