Veterinary Assistant

PawDoc; Port Orchard (WA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

PawDoc Urgent Care in Port Orchard, WA seeks an experienced Veterinary Assistant to support veterinarians and technicians, ensuring pet safety and quality care. The role focuses on comforting pets, documenting medical histories, and delivering owner education during visits.

The ideal candidate has a High School Diploma or GED, NAVTA-approved certificate preferred, and at least one year in pet care. The position requires flexibility for evenings and weekends to meet client needs.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Foster a culture based on our values: Respect, Learning, WOW Service, Fun, Do the Right Thing.
• Obtain patient information, medical histories, vaccination records, and visit reason; document records.
• Calm, soothe, comfort, and restrain pets before, during, and after procedures.
• Take notes on examination results and update records as directed by veterinarians.
• Provide owners education and resources on pet care and post-procedure guidance.

Skills

Animal science

Pharmacology basics

Tech proficiency

Communication skills

Dosing math

Analytical thinking

Compassionate care

Customer service

Attention to detail

Time management

Discretion

Calm under pressure

Education

High School Diploma or GED

NAVTA-approved Vet Assistant program certificate

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Job description

Overview

PawDoc Urgent Care is a veterinary care provider in Port Orchard, Washington, focused on accessible, transparent, and stress-free service. We bridge general practice and emergency/overnight care with a client-centric approach and a reception-less, open lobby that welcomes every client and pet. We seek an experienced Veterinary Assistant who shares our core values: Respect, WOW Service, Learning, Fun, and Doing the Right Thing.

Position Summary

The Veterinary Assistant supports 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.

Responsibilities

• Foster a culture built on our values: Respect, Learning, Do the Right Thing, WOW Service, and Fun
• 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 notes on examination results and update records as directed by veterinarians
• Provide 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 a pet’s physical status and vital signs following surgery
• Monitor, record, and report the physical condition and vital signs of hospitalized pets
• Clean and disinfect cages, pens, runs, and boarding areas
• Clean, disinfect, and prepare exam rooms, medical equipment, and surgery between each appointment
• 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, look 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 clients 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

Qualifications

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, Abilities 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
• Ability to handle and maintain sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Maintain a calm demeanor in a work environment that can fluctuate from orderly to fast-paced and stressful

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Regularly required to talk and hear; frequently use a computer for long periods. Specific vision abilities are required. Walking, standing, and sitting for long periods. May be exposed to low to moderate noise levels, disinfectants, pet dander, and excretions. May encounter aggressive, frightened, abused or injured pets. May exert up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds frequently, and/or 10 pounds constantly to move objects. Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.