Veterinary Assistant

Ready to turn your passion for the welfare of animals looking for the forever home into a rewarding career? If so, the Palm Springs Animal Shelter is looking for a high-energy veterinary assistant to join our collaborative team. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, want to learn and grow your skills set, then the Palm Springs Animal Shelter is the place for you!  

Position Overview

Veterinary Assistants are responsible for ensuring the health of each animal at the shelter, maintains records on each animal and strives to ensure that each animal receives appropriate care.  Veterinary Assistant will administer vaccinations, parasite prevention and treatment, as well as assist veterinarian(s) with on-site surgeries when appropriate. 

Essential Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Ensure the safety and health of animals within the facility. 


• Observes and evaluates animals for signs of illness, injuries and parasites.


• Determines when an animal needs immediate veterinary care and will notify either the Veterinarian, Assistant Medical Director,  or Lead Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). 


• Prepares and administers medications (orally, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenously) and vaccinations according to instructions and direction from the veterinarian.


• Monitors inventory levels and maintains medical supply and drug inventory of assigned areas.


• Assists veterinarians in any on-site procedures, including surgery.  Monitors anesthesia, autoclaves surgical packs, monitors animals during recovery.   


• Runs and interprets diagnostic tests. 


• Collects and processes fecal samples, performs skin scrapings. Utilizes a microscope to interpret results and communicate the results to the veterinarian. 


• Performs basic bandaging and wound care for animals. 


• Cares for, cleans, and feeds animals in assigned medical quarantine areas. 


• Enters medical information into the computer system. 


• Maintains clinical logs and records as directed and assigned by the veterinarian, Assistant Medical  Director and/or Lead RVT.


• Work with adoption staff and the public to perform final medical checks for adopted animals.


• Maintains a sanitary environment in surgery and clinic areas.


• Attend meetings pertaining to your position when requested.


• Operate within compliance with state, federal, local, AVMA  laws and guidelines.


• Adhere to the organization’s policies and procedures as stated in the employee handbook and Standard Operating Procedures manual.
  

QUALIFICATIONS – To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• High School Graduate or G.E.D.


• AVA graduate preferred.


• Minimum 6-months of animal care work or volunteer experience in an animal clinic, kennel or animal shelter.

Required Technical / Other Skills and Abilities

• Must be well-organized and detail-oriented


• Proficient computer data entry skills


• Good interpersonal skills 


• Able to effectively communicate with staff, volunteers, and a diverse public population


• Ability to do simple math calculations without the aid of a calculator/computer


• Able to work in a fast-paced work environment, while balancing multiple priorities


• Must be flexible to work additional hours when workload requires


• Knowledge of animal behavior a plus


• A watch with a second hand is required


• A Stethoscope could be required

Required Licenses/Certifications

None

Physical Demands of the Job (Summary) 

Must be able to stand and/or walk for long periods of time to assist with medical procedures, clinics, intake appointments, etc. Must be able to restrain & handle animals safely. Frequent computer use is also necessary. Able to independently lift and carry up to 35 lbs.