Veterinary Assistant (Part-time)

At Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson, our team members all share the same passion for making and keeping animals healthy.

Our hospital truly is an excellent place to work, with a highly skilled team focused on 'best in practice' veterinary care.

We are very supportive of individuals looking to grow their veterinary careers and look forward to hearing from you.

Position Overview

• 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate care to all patients


• Greet patients and their owners as they arrive and show them to an examining room, taking the patient's weight and other vital signs upon arrival


• Triage patients, perform physical exams, treatments, and administer medication as directed by the licensed veterinary technicians (LVT's).


• Calm and soothe anxious patients


• Assist doctors and technicians with the administration of medications or with patient restraint


• Perform laboratory tests and take radiographs


• Operate and maintain hospital equipment, including EKG, fluid pump, syringe pump, scales, anesthetic monitors, and machines, etc.


• Fill prescriptions, calculate and administer medications, maintain proper documentation, logging, and security of controlled drugs.


• Feed patients as prescribed by the attending doctor or as the client has requested; record appetites; recognize and report any unusual conditions or abnormal behaviors


• Communicate in a positive manner with clients and ensure that they feel comfortable leaving their pet(s)


• Educate clients about insurance, wellness, and medicinal plans


• Maintain the cleanliness of the hospital each day; clean equipment, kennels, and facilities using chemicals and supplies; ensure the safe use of chemicals; complete laundry


• Bath and care for patients who stay overnight; ensure that every animal released is clean and properly groomed prior to their release


• Adhere to the hospital's safety and wellness regulations


• Understand and carry out oral and written directions


• Maintain accurate medical records


• Show up for work regularly; full-time presence at work is essential for every shift


• Promote hospital products and services and support the organization


• Respond respectfully with urgency to directions given by Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVT).


• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Manager; may have other assigned duties if working in a specialty area (i.e., dentistry, surgery, emergency, radiology, cardiology, neurology, internal medicine, etc.)

Qualifications (Required)

• High school diploma or equivalent


• Previous experience working with animals in a clinical, shelter, or veterinary setting


• Ability to safely handle, restrain, and transport animals of varying sizes and temperaments


• Basic understanding of animal behavior and safety principles


• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment


• Willingness to learn clinical skills and follow hospital protocols


• Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress or emotional situations (including emergency and euthanasia cases)


• Physical ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 40–50 lbs. and perform repetitive tasks


• Must be able to stand for long periods of time


• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with veterinarians, technicians, assistants, and support staff in a high-acuity emergency setting.

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• Veterinary Assistant certification


• CPR/First Aid certification


• Fear Free certification a plus (or willingness to complete after hire)


• Experience working with aggressive, fractious, or critical patients


• Experience running in-house laboratory samples (CBC, chemistry, blood gases)


• Experience filling medications and preparing prescriptions as directed by a veterinarian or technician

Schedule

• Availability to work weekends, holidays, overnights, and varied shifts in a 24-hour ER hospital


• Must be available to work some major holidays and weekends