Veterinary Assistant

County of DuPage; Wheaton (IL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Pension or retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

County of DuPage Animal Services is seeking a diligent Veterinary Assistant to provide daily medical care and monitoring for shelter animals. You will assist the veterinarian and staff with exams, treatments, and medications, while maintaining records and upholding biosecurity standards.

The role involves basic nursing tasks, specimen handling, and possible off-site transports. A high school diploma or GED is required, with preferred veterinary certification and a valid IL driver’s license.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 1 year of experience as a Veterinary Assistant or equivalent.
• Illinois Driver's License required.
• Pre-employment background check required.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily medical care, monitoring, and treatment for shelter animals.
• Assist the veterinarian and veterinary technician with examinations and procedures.
• Administer medications, vaccines, and other treatments as prescribed.
• Clean and disinfect clinic areas and equipment.
• Maintain accurate medical records and treatment notes.
• Transport animals to/from off-site veterinary facilities as needed.

Skills

Veterinary care

Medical records

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Veterinary Assistant Certification preferred

Tools

Autoclave

Lab equipment

Job description

We are pleased to offer the current job opportunity for a Veterinary Assistant position in the Animal Services Department. DuPage County Animal Services (DCAS) is an immediate open admission shelter caring for more than 2,300 animals of varying species annually. This position is eligible for our complete benefit package including medical, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, pension, deferred compensation plan, tuition reimbursement, pre-paid legal and credit union. As a team member at DuPage County, you will also have access to time off with pay on Designated Holidays or holiday pay if required to work, Vacation time, Sick time and Paid Leave. To learn more about the cost and coverage of the benefits plan, visit Employees Benefit Information.

For detailed information on paid time off, visit Employee Policy Manual, Section 5.

DuPage County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Responsibilities Include:

• Provides daily medical care, treatment, and monitoring for dogs, cats, and other animals in the shelter (including daily medication administration and supportive care to critical animals).
• Observes shelter animals and communicates medical and behavioral observations to the shelter veterinarian including monitoring Daily Observation logs for all animals.
• Assists the shelter veterinarian and veterinary technician with examinations, diagnostics, treatments, and medical procedures.
• Administers medications (e.g. as injections, oral medication, topical treatments, etc.), vaccinations, microchip implantation, and other treatments as prescribed.
• Cleans/Disinfects clinic areas, including cages, surgical equipment, animal transport devices, etc.
• Performs and assists with laboratory testing, including collection and processing of blood, urine, fecal, and other diagnostic samples. Prepares samples for outside laboratory analysis including accurate preparation and coordinating pickup.
• Assists with spay/neuter and all other surgical procedures, including anesthetic induction, aseptic patient preparation, and post-operative recovery.
• Monitors patients during anesthesia and surgical procedures and recognizes potential complications.
• Cleans instruments, wraps surgical packs, and operates autoclave to sanitize surgical equipment.
• Performs routine treatments such as wound care, bandage changes, ear cleaning, nail trims, and other veterinary procedures within the scope of practice.
• Monitors animals for signs of illness, injury, pain, behavioral changes, or other medical concerns and promptly communicates findings to the veterinarian.
• Assists with animal intake examinations, health assessments, vaccinations, and preparation for adoption.
• Maintains accurate and timely medical records, treatment notes, medication records, and surgical documentation.
• Follows established protocols for infectious-disease prevention, isolation, sanitation, and shelter biosecurity.
• Safely and humanely handles and restrains animals using appropriate, low-stress handling techniques.
• Maintains clean, organized, and sanitary treatment, surgical, isolation, clinic, and animal-care areas.
• Maintains stock of medical supplies in surgery room, prep room, clinic, and clinic support areas (Euthanasia room, Intake, Cat Holding, Flex Spaces, etc.)
• Provides basic medical-care guidance to shelter staff, volunteers, foster caregivers, and adopters as appropriate.
• Provides medical support for fosters including performing routine vaccinations/weight checks, maintaining foster surgical schedule, and advising fosters on medical concerns, treatments, and course of action.
• Collaborates with animal-care, behavior, foster, adoption, and administrative teams to support positive outcomes for shelter animals.
• Assists with emergency and urgent medical cases as needed. Including providing critical care such as fluid administration, CPR, etc. for critically ill or injured patients.
• Participates in continuing education and remains current with shelter medicine and veterinary-care practices.
• Maintains accurate records including Labeling Drugs/chemicals and SDS Binder, Controlled substance logs, etc.
• Places appropriate communicative signage when applicable- i.e. NPO, Caution, Special Diet, Contagious, etc.
• Participates in maintaining medical inventory by communicating inventory shortages/surplus’ with technician and veterinarian.
• Completes adoption packets for animals going up for adoption (rabies certificate, state medical disclosure, medical record, microchip info, booster info etc.)
• Transports animals to/from off-site veterinary hospitals/locations for diagnostics, medical, or surgical care.
• Maintains regular attendance and punctuality.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adjusts work assignments and schedules in the event of an emergency to participate in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery activities as assigned.
• Depending on assignment may maintain required emergency management training, licensure and/or certifications.
• Performs related duties as required or assigned within job classification.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Completion of a High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• One (1) year of experience as a Veterinary Assistant or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must possess and maintain in good standing a valid Illinois Driver’s License.

Veterinary Assistant Certification from an accredited program is preferred.

A pre-employment background check is required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Heavy Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Use of arm and /or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than for medium work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This is a hands‑on position in an animal shelter and veterinary‑care environment. The role involves working with animals with a wide range of medical and behavioral needs and may include exposure to animal waste, loud noises, unfavorable odors, infectious (including zoonotic) diseases, injured/distressed/fractious animals, and emotionally challenging situations. They may be subject to animal bites/scratches and sharp objects. Employees will be exposed to supplies commonly used in a veterinary setting including, but not limited to anesthetic gases, X-Ray Irradiation (within appropriate OSHA standards.).