Job Description

Vet Assistant

The Alaska SPCA is a nonprofit advocate for pets throughout Alaska. We believe that animals, as living creatures, are entitled to basic rights relating to their care, treatment, and protection. Our mission is to reduce the suffering of Alaska's dogs and cats.

This mission is achieved by:

• Protecting animals from cruelty.
• Advocating for the moral and ethical treatment of animals.
• Providing animals with shelter and care when in need.
• Educating the public about responsible animal ownership.
• Providing an affordable spay and neuter program.
• Offering affordable vaccinations.

Job Summary:

The Veterinary Assistant position is responsible for assisting the technicians and doctors with daily care of all Alaska SPCA patients. They assist technicians with pre- and post-operative care of patients, vaccinations, preparing and sterilizing surgery packs, pharmacy, lab procedures, cleaning of treatment and surgical areas. In addition, the Veterinary Assistant will help the surgical team with invoicing and handling and restraint. This position works closely with customers, clinic veterinarians, other veterinary technicians, and customer service staff. This position is eligible for a $500 signing bonus*.

Essential Job Duties:

• Create invoices for surgical patients and prepare medications to be sent home
• Dispense medications per veterinarian's order
• Perform laboratory tests in house and prepare samples to send out to the lab
• Communicate with clients/owners about status of patients as directed by the veterinarian
• Assisting in the recovery of animals after surgery
• Knowledge and ability to intake and release patients, including delivering post-operative instructions in a competent and friendly manner
• Knowledge of vaccine protocols, and how to reconstitute, prepare and administer vaccinations along with microchips
• Clean and sterilize surgical instruments/supplies and securely wrap each surgical pack
• Recognize and respond appropriately during an emergency, taking directions from a veterinarian or technician along with maintaining competency during CPR procedures
• Participate in all mandatory meetings
• Collecting deposits and payments, answering client questions in person, on the telephone, and via email
• Helping to keep the hospital clean and prevent the spread of diseases by doing laundry, cleaning kennels, sanitizing surgical areas etc.
• Follow all written and verbally communicated departmental standard operating procedures
• Communicate with clients and assist with rechecks as needed
• Restrain cats/dogs properly to ensure the safety of the veterinarian, tech and myself while performing a service
• Must exhibit professionalism in behavior and performance at all times by:
• Maintaining excellent interpersonal relationship skills in dealing with coworkers
• Communicating in effective and professional manner with customers and coworkers
• Represent the Alaska SPCA in a professional and courteous manner at all times
• Availability: Monday - Saturday 7am-6pm

Preferred Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to communicate with clients in a clear, friendly, concise, understandable and professional manner
• Ability to be a team player and assist coworkers when they are in need
• Perform work with speed and accuracy while remaining calm in high stress and emergency situations
• Exceptional organizational skills, an eye for detail and the ability to multitask
• Work collaboratively and effectively with coworkers
• Adaptable to changing schedules and occasional unexpected needs
• Computer skills/knowledge
• High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous animal handling experience
• Knowledge of veterinary clinic procedures and terminologies as directed
• Knowledge of companion animal welfare issues and sterilization

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time
• Must be able to move/lift up to 50 pounds at time
• Frequent bending and standing throughout the day

Job Status:

• Non-exempt; Full-Time 40hrs/wk

Compensation and Benefits:

• $18.50-$20 an hour, depending on skills and experience
• Discounted clinic services
• Paid time-off

Disclaimer:

The Alaska SPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a work environment that values diversity and inclusiveness. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment of all individuals based on job-related qualifications and without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, marital status, change in marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law or local ordinance. We are an at-will employer and conduct pre-employment background checks. This job description reflects the assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description is not a contract - management reserves the right to change its contents at any time.

*Signing bonuses are paid upon successful completion of the employee's 90-day probation period.

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