Position Overview
Veterinary assistants provide assistance to veterinary doctors in animal hospitals or other facilities that cater to the health needs of animals
. While the position of a veterinary assistant requires one to perform medical duties associated with animal care, he or she is also responsible for handling the front desk and clerical duties of the facility.
In some facilities, veterinary assistants perform only front desk duties and in some, they perform only medical assistant duties. However, mostly a veterinary assistant performs an amalgamation of both.
Position Requirements
The first and foremost requirement for the position of a veterinary assistant is a genuine love for animals.
Once this is established, employers look to hire people who have certifications from veterinary schools and are qualified to be veterinary assistants in more ways than one.
Let us have a look at the different duties that veterinary assistants perform in these roles.
Veterinary Assistant Medical Duties and Responsibilities
• Restrain pets so that technicians and veterinary doctors can examine them.
• Take and develop x-rays.
• Collect urine and fecal samples when instructed.
• Perform laboratory tests on samples collected.
• Monitor and report any changes in pets’ conditions.
• Record administered treatment and changes appropriately.
• Clean cages and ensure sanitization procedures are carried out.
• Prepare treatment rooms and assist in administering treatment.
• Arrange bedding, water, and litter pans for boarded pets.
• Feed pets as per the schedule and ensure that their food and water bowls are cleaned.
• Retrieve pets being discharged from their cages.
• Administer injections and medication under the supervision of the veterinary doctor.
• Provide surgical assistance by sterilizing instruments and handing out supplies.
• Manage pet emergency care services.
• Assist with euthanasia procedures.
• Assist in applying bandages and dressings.
Veterinary Assistant Administrative Duties and Responsibilities
• Receive pets and ask for information from owners regarding the purpose of the visit.
• Take telephone calls and provide information on veterinary services.
• Provide information to walk-in customers regarding admission procedures and guide pet owners through the admission process.
• Schedule appointments and provide call-back services to confirm appointments.
• Provide pet owners with information on advised medical procedures.
• Educate pet owners about ways to handle pets and their medication.
• Order supplies and equipment for the practice and maintain the inventory of both.
• Provide pet owners with information on retail pet products and perform up-sell activities.
• Take pet information and punch it into the office database.
• Ensure cleanliness of the front desk.