Veterinary Assistant

Love animals? Want to spend your day surrounded by wagging tails and soft purrs?

Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV), a privately funded, 501(c)(3) non-profit, has been serving people and pets in Silicon Valley since 1929. Having facilitated more than half a million animal adoptions, HSSV is a leader in animal welfare through our lifesaving efforts, community programs, and the many ways we are working to move the animal welfare industry forward. Our mission is to save lives, keep families together, and create a better future for pets and their people.

We are a passionate, high-performing team who believes that collaboration is key to our success. Our best work is achieved by leveraging each other’s strengths and creating opportunities for professional growth. Join a team that focuses on our key values of kindness, courage, and impact!

Overview

The Veterinary Assistant cares for and treats shelter and privately owned animals in our state-of-the art medical center, which cares for over 7,000 homeless pets and performs over 8,800 surgeries each year. This individual is scheduled for an alternative work week consisting of two to four 10-hour days. Schedule may include duties in onsite spay/neuter/vaccine clinic, in-house shelter medicine, or mobile spay/neuter and wellness clinics.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Be a member of a high performing team comprised of Veterinary Assistants, RVT’s, Veterinarians, and volunteers to provide the highest standard of care to animals.


• Under direct supervision of a DVM or RVT, assist with pre-op induction and surgical prep, monitor anesthesia, and provide excellent care to animals undergoing spay/neuter and other surgical procedures.


• Identify symptoms of common animal illnesses, administer prescribed medications, vaccinations, and preventative treatments to animals under pre-, peri-and post-operative stages; administer treatments to hospitalized patients; perform diagnostic tests; and triage new shelter intakes.


• Under direct supervision of a DVM, assist with dental x-rays and prophylaxis procedures.


• Complete standing orders for medical treatment per established protocols.


• Triage patients requiring medical attention, including the use of telehealth technology.


• Ensure surgical and treatment areas are clean and well-stocked; maintain a safe and sanitary environment at all times.


• Use Fear Free animal handling techniques, restrain animals for surgery and/or procedures.


• Discharge surgical patients and provide excellent customer care and client communications.


• Ensure prompt and accurate data entry and paperwork procedures are followed each day.


• Adhere to HSSV’s safety, disinfection, and animal care protocols.


• Maintain a professional and collaborative attitude when working with co-workers, or cross-functionally with staff in other departments.


• Other job duties may be assigned as needed.Other job duties may be assigned as need.

Requirements

• Must be able to acquire a Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit (VACSP) in compliance with the California Veterinary Medical Board: https://www.vmb.ca.gov/applicants/vacsp_faq.shtml.


• Experience caring for animals in a medical or animal shelter setting using Fear Free animal handling techniques.


• Ability to respond appropriately during an emergency and maintain competency in CPR procedures.


• Comfort and competence with handling all types of pet animals required.


• Excellent customer service skills and must enjoy a fast-paced work environment.


• Strong desire to participate in and contribute to onsite and mobile needs.


• A team player willing to jump in and help in any area.


• Motivated with a desire to learn and grow and dedicated and passionate about saving lives.


• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Work Days and Hours

Hours are flexible and based on organizational needs. Depending on staffing needs, overtime may be required. Shifts start as early as 6:30am and some end as late at 7:30pm – full-time schedule is 4-10 hour days. Because of the need to care for animals onsite 7 days a week, positions require working at least one weekend day.

Candidate Tip

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