Veterinary Assistant - Overnight Position

Lakefield Veterinary Group; Apple Valley (MN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Lakefield Veterinary Group is seeking an Overnight Veterinary Assistant to support veterinarians and technicians, keeping pets safe and comfortable during visits. You’ll prep exam rooms, assist during procedures, monitor patients, and educate clients under supervision.

Flexible evenings/weekends required and you’ll join a caring team dedicated to high-quality pet care. This role offers hands-on responsibilities, opportunities to grow in veterinary medicine, and a supportive environment that

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• NAVTA-Approved Veterinary Assistant program preferred.
• Minimum one year of pet care experience preferred.
• Broad knowledge of animal science.
• Basic pharmacology knowledge.
• Proficient in MS Outlook and Word.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organization.

Responsibilities

• Prepare exam rooms and equipment between appointments.
• Take initial patient information and update records.
• Calm and restrain pets during procedures.
• Provide owner education on pet care under veterinarian direction.
• Monitor vital signs after surgery and during boarding.
• Maintain clean cages and boarding areas.
• Assist veterinarians and technicians as needed.
• Respond to general client questions.
• Ensure compliance with practice policies.

Skills

Animal science

Pharmacology basics

MS Office

Communication skills

Math basics

Analytical thinking

Compassion

Client interaction

Attention to detail

Time management

Discretion

Calm under pressure

Education

High School Diploma or GED

NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant program

Tools

MS Outlook

MS Word

Industry websites

Job description

Veterinary Assistant - Overnight Position

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Veterinary Assistant supports and assists the Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians, ensuring the safety of pets and clients, and the continuity of quality veterinary care. They work to keep pets safe and comfortable during their visit.

We are currently hiring for Overnight shifts.

WHAT YOU’LL DO (Essential Functions):

• Foster a culture built on our values: Respect, Learning, Do the Right Thing, WOW Service, and Fun
• Clean, disinfect, and prepare exam rooms, medical equipment, and surgery between each appointment
• Obtain initial patient information, medical histories, vaccination records, and the reason for the pet’s visit. Document patient information, and update records
• Calm, soothe, comfort, and restrain pets before, during, and after procedures
• Take note on examination results and updates records as directed by veterinarians
• Provide the owners education, resources and information on how best to care for pets in general, at the Veterinarian’s direction, for specific conditions, and after various procedures
• Monitor and track pet’s physical status and vital signs following surgery
• Monitor, record, and report the physical condition and vital signs of the hospitalized and boarded pets
• Clean and disinfect cages, pens, runs, and boarding areas
• Feed, water, bathe, and exercise pets during their visit
• Respond to general questions from clients
• Perform and set up procedures that do not require Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician assistance
• Examine pets, performing basic health checks, looking for signs of disease, illness, or injury, and treat them under the direction of the Veterinarian
• May administer medication, perform routine laboratory tests, fill prescriptions, and educate client on use and side effects of medication under the direction of a Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician
• Provide professional, efficient, quality care and exceptional service to clients while maintaining maximum productivity
• Support a practice environment that promotes collaboration and teamwork and ensures the delivery of quality, compassionate, effective, and efficient health care to pets
• Comply with all practice policies, quality assurance guidelines, and minimum standards of care
• Perform other duties as requested

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR (Essential Qualifications):

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required
• Professional Licenses/Certifications: Certificate of completion from a NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant program preferred
• Experience: One year of experience in a pet care setting preferred
• Skills, Ability and Knowledge:
  • Broad knowledge of animal science
  • Basic knowledge of pharmacology
  • Proficiency with a variety of computer programs including Microsoft Outlook, Word and industry internet sites
  • Basic written, verbal, and active listening communication skills with a customer-oriented approach
  • Basic mathematical skills to ensure the administration of accurate drug and fluid doses
  • Basic analytical, critical thinking, judgement, and problem-solving skills
  • Compassion and empathy for both pets and pet owners
  • Interact with a variety of clients and employees in a professional, caring, compassionate, and tactful manner
  • Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy
  • Strong organizational and time management skills, including managing multiple priorities
  • Handle and maintain sensitive and confidential information with discretion
  • Maintain a calm demeanor in a work environment that fluctuates from orderly to fast paced and stressful

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to talk and hear. The team member must frequently use a computer for long periods of time. Specific vision abilities are required to do this job including close vision. This position requires walking, standing, and sitting for long periods of time. May be exposed to low to moderate noise levels as well as disinfectant/sanitation chemicals, pet dander, and excretions. May experience aggressive, frightened, abused or injured pets that bite and scratch. This position requires exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds frequently, and/or 10 pounds constantly in order to lift, carry, pull or move objects. Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities

Compensation Range

$18 - $22 USD