Veterinary Assistant

Animal Health Services - WellHaven Pet Health; Washington; On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

WellHaven Pet Health in Washington state seeks a Veterinary Assistant to support veterinarians and technicians, educate clients, and uphold high care standards. This onsite role involves assisting with surgery, dentistry, labs, venipuncture, and reception tasks, while ensuring accurate medical records.

Preferred NAVTA-approved veterinary assistant program or equivalent and a High School Diploma. Growth opportunities exist within a collaborative team focused on pet health and client service.

Qualifications

• Strong communication with clients and team members.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced veterinary environment.
• Attention to detail in medical records and patient care.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new software and protocols.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate proficiency in surgical assistance, dentistry, and lab procedures.
• Contribute to daily hospital operations and patient flow.
• Educate clients about Wellness Plans and pet care.
• Assist with reception duties including calls, appointments, and intake/discharge.
• Maintain accurate medical charts and hospital records.
• Assist in managing hospital supplies and inventory.
• Adhere to OSHA standards and company policies.

Skills

Communication skills

Multi-tasking

Detail-oriented

Client education

Education

NAVTA-approved veterinary assistant program or equivalent

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

EMR software

Scheduling systems

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

WellHaven Pet Health is built on a foundation of "Well People, Well Pets, Well Practice, and Well Community" it's the heart of everything we do. With over 40 hospitals and growing, we are committed to supporting our teams with a positive culture, strong mentorship, and opportunities for growth. Our collaborative, team-centered approach ensures that both pets and people receive the care and support they deserve. Join us in shaping the future of veterinary medicine - Come Grow with Us!

Job Summary

The Veterinary Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting veterinarians and veterinary technicians, ensuring the well-being of pets, educating clients, and maintaining the highest standards of veterinary care.

Key Responsibilities

Main Accountabilities:

• Demonstrate proficiency in applying technical skills acquired through education and experience, which includes expertise in surgery, dentistry, laboratory procedures, venipuncture, proper restraint techniques, and strict adherence to established protocols for maintaining a sterile and safe environment
• Contribute to the day-to-day efficiency and smooth operation of the hospital
• Utilize exceptional communication skills to engage with team members and clients effectively
• Maintain thorough and accurate medical charting for all patients, consistently meeting hospital quality control standards
• Educate clients about Wellness Plans, offering guidance on pet care and overall health as appropriate
• Assume responsibility for select reception duties such as answering phone calls, scheduling appointments, and facilitating patient intake and discharge
• Obtain pertinent medical history and patient information
• Assist in managing hospital supplies, including inventory tracking and restocking as necessary
• Ensure the completion of all assigned hospital duties before the end of each shift
• Act as an advocate for the overall success and performance of the hospital

Customer Service Delivery:

• Consistently provide professional, efficient, and exceptional service
• Demonstrate excellent communication and organizational skills when interacting with the veterinary team and clients
• Effectively adapt to individual clients and their needs
• Effectively resolve customer complaints as appropriate

Other:

• Adhere to OSHA standards and regulations as outlined in company policies
• Ability to perform other job duties as assigned

Required Skills and Knowledge

Ability to:

• Enhance and acquire new veterinary technical skills such as proficiency in anesthesia, surgical assistance, and dentistry
• Work independently and exercise good judgment
• Multi-task effectively
• Remain action-oriented and effectively set priorities
• Work well in an extremely fast-paced work environment, remaining calm and resilient
• Exhibit proactive initiative in addressing tasks and challenges as they arise
• Complete work, maintaining a high level of accuracy while managing constant interruptions
• Learn new computer software systems (EMR, Scheduling, etc.)
• Provide a high level of accountability

Experience/Knowledge in:

• Handling dogs, cats, and exotic animals
• Providing basic animal care, such as feeding, bathing, grooming, and monitoring for signs of distress or illness
• Common medical procedures, including administering medications, wound care, and assisting with diagnostic tests

Demonstrates:

• Strong customer service focus while effectively adapting to individual clients and their needs
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to manage a variety of emotional situations – remaining empathetic, compassionate, and approachable

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 6+ months of experience in the veterinary industry
• Completion of an NAVTA-approved veterinary assistant program or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities (preferred)

Work Location, Environment, and Physical Requirements

• The Vet Assistant position is performed onsite at our hospital or at an approved offsite event location. Remote work is not available for this position
• Hospital environment includes limited space, smells from pet waste, and noise (barking, etc.)
• Schedules may include 10+ hour shifts, Saturdays, evenings, and holidays
• Good hand-eye coordination, arm-hand-finger dexterity with the ability to reach and grasp, and visual acuit