Veterinary Assistant I, (B272931-10), 204, Animal Control

City of Laredo; Laredo (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Laredo is seeking a Veterinary Assistant I to support shelter animal care under veterinarians and supervisors. You will document medical records, assist with basic medical tasks, and help with vaccinations under supervision, while monitoring animal health and behavior and maintaining clean kennels.

You will also support surgical procedures, assist with emergencies, and follow protocols. A City vehicle may be required for city business, and ev euthanasia procedures will be performed under

Qualifications

• Documents medical records and shelter data accurately.
• Administers medications and vaccines under supervision.
• Observes animal health, behavior, and reporting changes.
• Performs basic medical tasks and assists veterinarians during procedures.

Responsibilities

• Documenting all medical records in shelter’s software.
• Performs basic medical tasks (administering medications, vaccinations under supervision.)
• Observes and reports animal behavior and health changes.
• Cleans and disinfects kennels, cages, and equipment.
• Assisting veterinarians in surgery/ procedures.
• Assisting with emergency calls.
• Must obtain Euthanasia administration certification within the time established.
• Will be required to drive a City vehicle for City business use.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Recordkeeping

Medication handling

Animal restraint

Observation & reporting

Communication

Tools

PetPoint software

Job description

The Veterinary Assistant I is responsible for the overall care and treatment of animals in the shelter, assisting with patient care, monitoring animal health, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring adherence to protocols under the direction of veterinarians and supervisors.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job.

Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Documenting all medical records in shelter’s software.
• Performs basic medical tasks (administering medications, vaccinations under supervision.)
• Observes and reports animal behavior and health changes.
• Cleans and disinfects kennels, cages, and equipment.
• Assisting veterinarians in surgery/ procedures.
• Assisting with emergency calls.
• Must obtain Euthanasia administration certification within the time established.
• Will be required to drive a City vehicle for City business use.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of the recordkeeping software (e.g.,PetPoint).
• Knowledge of basic veterinary pharmacology (type of medications and vaccines).
• Knowledge of normal and abnormal animal behavior.
• Knowledge of sterile techniques and surgical preparation.
• Knowledge of animal handling and restraint techniques to ensure safety.
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology.
• Knowledge of protocols and legal requirements.
• Knowledge of basic computer and typing skills.
• Knowledge of basic computer skills for entering treatment records.
• Knowledge of dosage calculation and administration under supervision.
• Knowledge of documentation requirements for administered treatment.
• Knowledge of basic understanding of animal health and common conditions.
• Knowledge of documentation protocols for recording observations.
• Knowledge of shelter cleaning protocols and disease control measures.
• Knowledge of anesthesia monitoring and recovery.
• Knowledge of basic surgical instruments and their uses.
• Knowledge of post-operative care instructions.
• Knowledge of proper procedures for communicating critical information to supervisors and veterinarians.
• Knowledge of basic animal first aid procedures (stabilizing animals until the veterinarian arrives).
• Knowledge of documentation and communication requirements during emergencies.
• Knowledge of key contact procedures (who to notify in case of an emergency).
• Knowledge of euthanasia protocols under supervision.
• Knowledge of ethical standards and considerations associated with euthanasia practices.
• Knowledge of shelter procedures for euthanasia.
• Knowledge of emergency response protocols.

Skills and Abilities:

• Skill in entering accurate and detailed medical records.
• Skill in proper preparation and handling of medications.
• Skill in restraining animals safely during procedures.
• Skill in effective communication to clarify information with supervisors.
• Skill in reporting observations clearly and accurately.
• Skill in identifying