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Happy Tails Animal Rescue is seeking a compassionate Veterinary Assistant to support our on-site veterinarian. The role involves providing critical medical care, assisting with spay/neuter surgeries, and ensuring the overall health of our animals. Applicants should have experience with companion animals and demonstrate excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as a passion for animal welfare.
Reports to : Director
Position Description :
Primary Purpose : Work with the on-site veterinarian focus on herd health maintenance, oversee routine and critical medical care of all animals in Happy Tails Rescue (HTR). Assist with animal examinations, surgical, and non-surgical procedures.
Specific Duties : Medical Care :
Assist the on-site veterinarian to perform routine health
screenings, examinations, and individual treatment protocols for animals in rescue
Assist the on-site veterinarian to provide critical and emergency care or referral for HTR animals
Assist the on-site veterinarian with spay and neuter surgeries for all shelter dogs, cats, and various small animals, as well as owned animals as approved by the Director
Assist the on-site veterinarian to preventative and therapeutic surgical procedures on shelter animals
Establish and maintain standing orders
Assist with humane euthanasia of designated HTR animals
Administration / Consultation :
Help ensure standard operating procedures related to veterinary medicine and animal care are well documented, up-to-date, and implemented by staff and volunteers
Communicate with adopters, fosters, and owners regarding adoption, surrender, or foster care when veterinary assistance or guidance is warranted
Together with the Veterinary, ensure all relevant veterinary
pharmaceuticals are in-stock, stored properly in conjunction with state and
federal regulations, and that public health regulations are strictly adhered to
Actively participate and assist HTR in its efforts to achieve its strategic plan
and goals related to veterinary medicine
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications Required :
Experience, comfort, and skill handling and treating cats, dogs, and other
companion animals of all temperaments
Experience, training, or willingness and ability to become proficient in assisting veterinarian with pediatric and high-volume spay / neuter surgical procedures and anesthesia
Experience with assisting veterinarian triage, emergency procedures, shelter medicine, and small animal medicine preferred
Flexibility and ability to reorder priorities
Ability to handle emergency situations
Ability to withstand stress and concentrate with multiple distractions in a high paced dynamic environment
Ability to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and the public in a
professional, courteous, respectful, and compassionate manner
Discretion in confidential matters and professional demeanor in dealing with
situations which are frequently complex and / or emotional
Excellent organizational skills
Basic computer skills
Must have a passion for animals and support the HTR mission of
compassionately connecting people and pets
Ability to bend, stretch, lift 40 pounds, and sit or stand for extended periods of
time
Work Hours : There is flexibility based on the needs of the individual and will consider part-time or full-time.
Company Description
Happy Tails Rescue of Minnesota, founded in 2005, is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing homeless and abandoned animals. By working with committed volunteers, foster homes, local veterinarians, trainers and boarding facilities, we are able to rescue dogs and cats providing them with loving temporary care until a well-matched, carefully screened forever home can be found.
Company Description
Happy Tails Rescue of Minnesota, founded in 2005, is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing homeless and abandoned animals. By working with committed volunteers, foster homes, local veterinarians, trainers and boarding facilities, we are able to rescue dogs and cats providing them with loving temporary care until a well-matched, carefully screened forever home can be found.