Veterinary Assistant - General Surgery

Classification Title:

Veterinary Assistant I

FLSA:

Non-Exempt

FTE:

1.00

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working in general surgery within an animal hospital environment.

Position Summary:

Assist veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians and clinical students with perioperative patient care, including surgical preparation, patient monitoring, medication administration/treatments. Provides essential support by delivering basic animal care, assisting with patient preparation, sedation support, monitoring, and recovery, and helping with diagnostic procedures. This role ensures a clean, organized, and well-stocked clinical environment, maintains accurate records, and supports workflow coordination. The assistant also contributes to the hospital’s teaching mission by guiding veterinary and veterinary technician students, demonstrating proper techniques, and fostering a collaborative, patient-focused learning environment. The role is essential to ensuring patient safety, comfort, and efficient workflow for both General, Emergency and Orthopedic surgery services.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Ability to safely and properly handle and restrain various species of animals.
• Basic understanding of animal health terminology and procedures.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills, including the ability to interact with learners at different levels.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and adhere to hospital protocols.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds (assisted as needed).
• Ability to sit, stand, stoop, bend, and walk for extended periods on hard floor surfaces.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to work with both small, delicate instruments and larger equipment.
• Ability to safely restrain animals of various sizes and temperaments.
• Required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including masks, gloves, gowns, hairnets, and eye protection.
• Frequent exposure to cleaning agents, disinfectants, anesthetic gases, and biological materials.
• Work involves assisting with wound care, infection control practices, and surgical procedures.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Patient Management:
This includes, but is not limited to:

• Physical examinations
• Phlebotomy and sample collection needs
• Medication and fluid administration
• Sedation administration/monitoring
• Perioperative care and preparation
• Crucial thinking for all aspects of case management
• Informing attending clinician on any needs, changes, or deterioration of the patient’s condition in an informed and timely manner
• Lifting up to 50 lbs. or above (assisted)

Percentage of time: 65

Duties/Responsibilities:

Maintains clinical records via written chart and recording and input of charges into proprietary software database
Percentage of time: 25

Duties/Responsibilities:

Stock supplies of cleaning products and patient care equipment.
Insure facility cleanliness with the use of mop, broom, and chemical cleaning supplies to sanitize cages and cleaning the floor.
Percentage of time: 10