Veterinary Assistant

KITSAP HUMANE SOCIETY; Silverdale (WA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Kitsap Humane Society is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to support shelter medicine, surgery, and patient care. You will collaborate with veterinarians, LVTs, and staff to handle examinations, treatments, and radiography in a high-volume setting.

The role requires dependable teamwork, good record-keeping, and the ability to educate clients; a minimum of 1 year in animal care is preferred, with weekend shifts and humane euthanasia training possible.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience in animal welfare or veterinary practice preferred.
• Ability to work in a high-volume, fast-paced environment with competing priorities.
• Willingness to educate clients and assist with exams with clients present.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs or more and handle animals safely.
• Willingness to become certified in humane euthanasia.

Responsibilities

• Direct care and cleaning of animals under veterinary care and kennels.
• Assist with administration and preparation of medications for shelter animals.
• Surgical preparation and cleaning of surgical instruments.
• Preliminary examinations of shelter and foster animals requiring medical care.
• Implementation of treatment protocols for common diseases.
• Direct interaction with adopters and foster parents; educate on medical conditions.
• Cross-training as a front-office representative for the community clinic.

Skills

Animal care

Teamwork

Multitasking

Record-keeping

Client education

Conflict resolution

Job description

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

KHS’s vet assistant will work in collaboration with our veterinarians, LVT, other veterinary assistants, staff, and volunteers to provide high-quality shelter medicine, surgery, treatment, and care for KHS shelter animals. Assistant responsibilities will include assisting with surgical preparation, instruments, and recovery; examinations of shelter and foster animals; medical treatments; laboratory work and radiography. Our veterinary assistants must be efficient at time management and able to thrive in a high-volume, fast-paced environment with multiple priorities. This position includes at least one weekend day of work per week.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• An interest in and willingness to support the mission, vision, and philosophy of KHS
• At least 1 year of previous experience in animal welfare or veterinary practice preferred
• Ability to efficiently and tactfully work in both a team and self-directed environment
• Ability to work well under pressure, efficient at multitasking, able to meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines
• Ability to safely work with animals of various temperaments in a high-volume environment
• Willingness to educate clients, assist with exams with clients present in the veterinary clinic
• Able to go over treatment plans and estimates with clients
• Must present a good appearance and have the ability to deal cheerfully and tactfully with the public, staff, and volunteers with a consistent positive mental attitude.
• Must be skilled and able to handle conflict resolution
• Meticulous and methodical attention to record-keeping and reporting
• Ability to have a flexible schedule to meet medical needs of the animals
• Willingness to become certified in assisting with and performing humane euthanasia
• Lift 50 lbs or more

Requirements

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE (but are not limited to):

• Direct care and cleaning of animals under veterinary care and their kennels
• Assist with administration and preparation of medications for shelter animals
• Surgical preparation and cleaning of surgical instruments
• Preliminary examinations of shelter and foster animals requiring medical care
• Implementation of treatment protocols for common diseases
• Direct care of shelter animals, including examinations, medication, and treatment
• Cross-training as customer service representatives for our community clinic’s front office
• Provide support for team members and volunteers in all aspects of veterinary care
• Direct interaction with adopters and foster parents includes educating them on medical conditions and instructions for medication and follow-up care

PAY RANGE: $18.28-$20.00/hour