Veterinary Assistant: Anesthesia & Surgical Prep Pro

Animal Humane Society; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

401K with match

Adoption benefits

Job summary

Animal Humane Society is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to work closely with veterinarians and technicians to care for animals and support clinic operations. The role emphasizes anesthesia monitoring, surgical preparation, and compassionate client interactions in a busy veterinary setting.

Applicants should have 3+ years of experience, strong multitasking and communication skills, and the ability to handle a range of clinical duties including restraining animals and assisting with diagnostics.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience as a veterinary assistant, including anesthesia monitoring and surgical prep.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail, multitasking, and time-management skills.
• Comfort using computers and Microsoft products.
• The ability to communicate professionally and compassionately with clients, coworkers, and volunteers.
• Comfort working with animals with a wide range of behavioral and medical needs, including humane euthanasia.
• Emotional resilience and comfort with the emotional aspects of veterinary work.
• Reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Handle and safely restrain animals during examinations and medical procedures.
• Assist with laboratory testing, including urinalysis, ear cytology, fecal analysis, blood analysis, and preparation of send-out tests.
• Support x-rays, ultrasounds, and other diagnostic procedures.
• Assist with filling prescriptions and administering medications, vaccinations, fluids, and injections as directed.
• Obtain patient weights and temperatures, trim nails, clean ears, and perform other routine procedures.
• Prepare for surgical procedures by setting up surgical tables, opening sterile packs, and maintaining a sterile field.
• Monitor patients and vital signs during recovery from anesthesia.
• Clean, assemble, wrap, and sterilize surgical instruments and packs.
• Maintain clean, organized exam rooms, treatment areas, surgical spaces, kennels, and other clinical areas.
• Greet clients, assist with check-in and payment, and accurately enter charges and maintain patient records.
• Provide clients with basic after-care instructions and medication guidance.
• Support client phone calls and emails regarding their pets' care.
• Monitor and replenish medical and cleaning supplies throughout the clinic.

Skills

Animal care

Customer service

Communication

Detail oriented

Multitasking

Time management

Computer skills

Empathy

Job description

Animal Humane Society is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to work closely with veterinarians and technicians to care for animals and support clinic operations. The role emphasizes anesthesia monitoring, surgical preparation, and compassionate client interactions in a busy veterinary setting.

Applicants should have 3+ years of experience, strong multitasking and communication skills, and the ability to handle a range of clinical duties including restraining animals and assisting with diagnostics.