Veterinary Assistant

Uptown Animal Hospital is a growing General Practice and Urgent Care Hybrid facility in the beautiful city of Gig Harbor. We are open seven days a week and are an AAHA accredited facility.  Our team is a compassionate group of veterinary professionals that include Urgent Care and General Practice veterinarians, Licensed Veterinary Technicians, Veterinary Assistants, Kennel assistants and Customer Service representatives who work as a cohesive team, providing quality, compassionate care to the surrounding communities because they love what they do and have fun doing it.  Our clients are loyal, and we boast a high retention rate in our general practice as well as providing urgent care services, should the need arise. We are a full-service hospital providing in-house diagnostics, digital radiology (including dental), ultrasonography, an onsite pharmacy and a state-of-the-art surgical suite. We also provide a feline only waiting area and exam room to limit the stress to our feline patients.  Our lobby provides ample space for our human clients, making them as comfortable as possible during their visit.

In addition to providing a fun and rewarding workplace, we also offer a wonderful benefit package including 401K with company match, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, annual uniforms provided, competitive salary, CE opportunities, Paid time off and personal pet care discounts. 

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.

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 required
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