Veterinary Assistant Job Description

Job summary 1

The Veterinary Assistant is a key member of the hospital team who supports and assists the veterinarians and veterinary technicians, ensuring the safety of pets, clients, and other associates, and the continuity of quality veterinary care. The Veterinary Assistant provides professional, efficient, and exceptional service at all times, making sure that clients and pets are comfortable in the hospital. You will use your technical skills daily, within state practice acts, and as outlined in the NAVTA guidelines for veterinary assistant skills and duties.

Duties & Responsibilities 1

special offer
Download PDF with all 10 Veterinary Assistant Job Descriptions
Join our webinar: How to improve your recruitment strategy with 100Hires

Requirements & Skills 1

Job summary 2

Our hospital is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to help provide outstanding patient care and client service in a fast-paced, multi-doctor animal hospital.

Duties & Responsibilities 2

Requirements & Skills 2

Job summary 3

We are looking for a Veterinary Assistant to join our team.

Duties & Responsibilities 3

Requirements & Skills 3

Job summary 4

As our Veterinary Assistant, you will join an outstanding and supportive work family, all with the common goal of making sure our patients get the loving care they deserve.

Duties & Responsibilities 4

Requirements & Skills 4

Job summary 5

The Veterinary Assistant provides support to the veterinarians and technicians in their daily tasks by cleaning and maintaining equipment, feeding, exercising and grooming patients, preparing and sanitizing surgery suites, restraining and handling patients, and clerical and administrative work. They deliver quality care for all patients and provide exceptional service.

Duties & Responsibilities 5

Requirements & Skills 5

Job summary 6

Veterinary Assistants play an integral role in the care of patients, clients, and referring veterinarians. The assistants work directly with the cardiologist to provide medical support and help the doctor achieve greater efficiency by relieving technical work, record keeping, and communication tasks. They have a very significant role in communicating with and educating clients about their pet's health.

Duties & Responsibilities 6

Requirements & Skills 6

Job summary 7

We are hiring for the position of Veterinary Assistant to staff our new, full-service veterinary hospital. The Veterinary Assistant provides technical assistance to the Veterinarian; assists with the daily care of all hospital patients; handles maintenance of the hospital and patient records; and conducts medical procedures for hospital patients under the supervision of a Certified Veterinarian.

Duties & Responsibilities 7

Requirements & Skills 7

Job summary 8

The purpose of this position inherently involves providing excellent medical care to our full-service hospital patients and phenomenal customer care to their owners. The Veterinary Assistant represents the mission and values of all clients. Our Veterinary Assistant sets the tone within the technical and customer support staff in the hospital, and is responsible, like all team members, for fostering cohesion and motivation within the team.

Duties & Responsibilities 8

Requirements & Skills 8

Job summary 9

As a Veterinary Assistant, you will join a team of accomplished veterinary professionals providing exceptional pet health care services. We are looking for a compassionate Veterinary Assistant to join our practice. You will be working directly with pet owners, so you must have a passion to care for animals and provide excellent customer service.

Duties & Responsibilities 9

Requirements & Skills 9

Job summary 10

Veterinary Assistants work closely with our veterinarians and assist them throughout the day with patients and cases. Veterinary Assistants help educate clients on responsible pet care. Veterinary Assistants ensure each pet receives all service and treatment recommendations accurately and in an efficient and timely manner.

Duties & Responsibilities 10

Requirements & Skills 10

Frequently asked questions

What is the job description of a veterinary assistant?

A Veterinary Assistant is a professional who provides support to Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians in a clinical setting. Their role is to assist with routine tasks and direct animal care, which helps ensure that the clinic or hospital runs smoothly and that animals receive the best care possible.

Here's a general job description for a Veterinary Assistant:

Animal Handling: Veterinary Assistants are often responsible for restraining animals during examinations and procedures. They also help with moving animals between different areas of the clinic or hospital.

Feeding and Care: They provide basic care for animals, which can include feeding, grooming, and exercising. In a hospital setting, they may also monitor the condition of hospitalized animals and report any changes to the veterinary staff.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Veterinary Assistants clean and disinfect cages, kennels, and examination and operating rooms. They also maintain and sterilize surgical instruments and equipment.

Assisting with Procedures: Under the supervision of a Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician, a Veterinary Assistant may assist with routine procedures. This can include holding animals during vaccinations, taking temperature, or preparing animals for surgery.

Client Interaction: They often interact with pet owners. This can involve scheduling appointments, answering basic questions, and providing updates on a pet's condition.

Administration: Veterinary Assistants often help with administrative tasks, such as updating patient records, filling out forms, and maintaining inventory of medical supplies.

Laboratory Tasks: They may assist with basic laboratory tasks, such as preparing samples for analysis or running simple tests under the supervision of a Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician.

Pharmacy Duties: Some Veterinary Assistants help with pharmacy duties, including preparing medications and educating pet owners on how to administer them at home.

Educating Pet Owners: They may provide information and advice to pet owners on topics like nutrition, exercise, and basic care.

It's important to note that the specific duties of a Veterinary Assistant can vary depending on the size and type of the practice, and local regulations about what Veterinary Assistants are allowed to do. Also, this role often requires physical stamina, as Veterinary Assistants can be on their feet for long periods and may need to lift or move heavy animals.

What are the 5 most important skills and qualities of a veterinary assistant?

A Veterinary Assistant plays a crucial role in a veterinary practice, contributing to animal care and supporting the work of veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Here are the five most important skills and qualities a Veterinary Assistant should possess:

Compassion and Empathy: A Veterinary Assistant interacts with animals that may be injured, sick, or frightened, as well as with their concerned owners. Therefore, they need to have a high degree of compassion and empathy, both for animals and people. This helps them provide the best care possible and support owners during difficult times.

Attention to Detail: There are many tasks in a veterinary clinic that require careful attention to detail. Whether it's following precise instructions for preparing an animal for a procedure, maintaining accurate patient records, or noticing changes in an animal's behavior or condition, being detail-oriented is essential.

Physical Stamina and Dexterity: Veterinary Assistants often have to handle and restrain animals of various sizes, which requires physical strength. They may also be on their feet for extended periods and need to perform tasks that require fine motor skills, such as administering medication or assisting with procedures.

Communication Skills: Good communication is key in a veterinary clinic. Veterinary Assistants need to clearly and effectively communicate with veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and pet owners. This can involve explaining care instructions to owners, conveying information about an animal's condition to other staff members, or discussing treatment plans.

Patience and Calmness: Working with animals can be unpredictable, and situations may become stressful quickly. Veterinary Assistants need to remain patient and calm under pressure, whether they're dealing with a frightened animal, a complex procedure, or a distressed pet owner. Their ability to stay composed can help maintain a safe and effective work environment.

In addition to these skills and qualities, a genuine love for animals and a commitment to their welfare is the underlying driving force for most people in this profession. It's a role that can be emotionally challenging, but also extremely rewarding for those passionate about animal care.

We use cookies to offer you our service. By continuing to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies as described in our policy