Veterinary Technician Assistant

Whipple Avenue Pet Hospital • Redwood City, CA

412d • $49,920 - $59,280

About The Position

The Veterinary Technician Assistant at Whipple Avenue Pet Hospital plays a crucial role in supporting veterinarians and ensuring high-quality patient care. This position involves a blend of technical responsibilities, client education, and maintaining a positive work environment. The assistant will engage in various tasks, including assisting in surgeries, performing lab tests, and providing compassionate care to animals, all while fostering strong relationships with both pets and their owners.

Requirements

• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments.
• Critical thinking skills to identify strengths, weaknesses, and alternative solutions to problems.
• Ability to assist veterinarians in the practice of medicine and surgery, including drawing blood efficiently and confidently monitoring/assisting with surgery cases.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and maintain a positive attitude.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective client interaction.
• Knowledge of procedures for receiving, treating, and scheduling patients, ordering medical supplies, and requesting laboratory tests.
• Knowledge of the use, care, and storage of veterinary instruments, materials, and equipment.
• Knowledge of sterilization techniques and standardized procedures for treatments.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a veterinary setting or related field.
• Certification as a veterinary technician or assistant.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians with veterinary medicine and surgery in any appropriate capacity.
• Obtain and record patient histories, vital signs, and weight.
• Perform in-hospital lab testing and prepare specimens for reference lab.
• Dispense and administer medications, vaccines, serums, and treatments as prescribed by veterinarians.
• Administer fluids and blood products as prescribed by the veterinarian; use and maintain IV pump.
• Administer and monitor anesthesia under the direction of a veterinarian.
• Provide specialized nursing care for injured or ill animals.
• Prepare patients, instruments, and equipment for surgery; clean, maintain, and sterilize instruments, equipment, and materials.
• Assure that monitoring and support equipment such as anesthetic machines, cardiac monitor, scopes, and breathing apparatus are in good working condition.
• Communicate with and educate owners in a compassionate, tactful, and professional manner.
• Take radiographs, process rads, and demonstrate proper positioning technique.
• Maintain knowledge of preventative healthcare recommendations to answer clients' questions and provide education on vaccines, flea and heartworm products.
• Perform client callbacks and maintain legally defensible medical records in cooperation with the veterinarian.
• Collect specimens and perform routine laboratory procedures and tests in hematology, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis, and serology.
• Assist in diagnostic, medical, and surgical procedures using high-tech diagnostic equipment.
• Report diagnostic testing to veterinarians and maintain quality controls on in-house lab equipment.
• Fill prescriptions per veterinarians' instructions and double-check for accuracy.
• Clean, scale, and polish teeth using dental equipment and hand instruments.
• Record dental problems and assist veterinarians with performing oral extractions or other dental procedures.
• Update medical records as needed and communicate effectively with doctors and technicians.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Continuing education credits
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Uniform allowance
• Vision insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: No Education Listed