Veterinary Assistant

Company Description

Compassionate Care Meets Cutting-Edge Veterinary Medicine at Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center

Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center, or OPVMC for short, has been a trusted name in veterinary care in the Western NY area for over 60 years. Our experienced veterinarians and medical staff are dedicated to providing exceptional care for every pet who works through our door.

Since OPVMC provides services 24 hours per day, we are always looking for highly motivated and dedicated professionals who may be interested in joining our team. We offer competitive benefits including flexible schedules, paid time off, quality benefits, continuing education opportunities, special rate employee pet care, and more! Shift differentials are applicable for certain positions and shifts.

Get to know us more by clicking here!

Job Description

Veterinary Assistants are team members who support Veterinarians, Licensed Veterinary Technicians, and other clinical staff by providing excellent care to patients and clients. Veterinary Assistants are responsible for performing general animal care and clinical support tasks while maintaining a safe, clean, and efficient patient care environment.

Job duties include, but are not limited, to:

• Provide general care for animals, including bathing, feeding, watering, and exercising.
• Assist with holding and restraining animals during examinations, surgical procedures, and emergency procedures.
• Clean and sterilize surgical instruments, equipment, and tools.
• Ensure examination and operating rooms are properly stocked and sterilized before and after surgical procedures.
• Change animal bedding and kennel materials, including vacuuming, mopping, and emptying garbage in patient care areas.
• Monitor and maintain appropriate stocking levels of floor supplies as directed.
• Administer oral and topical medications as directed.
• Assist with collecting samples, including blood and urine, for testing.
• Assist with patient treatments.
• Assist with euthanasia procedures and after-care instructions.
• Assist with training other Veterinary Assistants.
• Communicate with owners and families regarding surgery and recovery instructions.
• Perform administrative duties, including:
• Client communication related to admissions, discharges, hospitalizations, and medications.
• Enter client and patient information into ezyVet and SmartFlow, including TPRs, weights, and other required information.
• Perform additional duties and tasks assigned by management

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree or completed coursework in veterinary technology or animal science from an American Veterinary Medical Association-accredited program is preferred.
• One or more years of experience in animal care or a veterinary clinic is preferred.
• Basic understanding of animal behavior and veterinary health care.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians, Veterinary Assistants, and clients.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Dexterity, physical strength, and stamina necessary to perform job duties.
• Compassion and empathy for animals and their owners.
• Passion for working with animals.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including active listening.
• Ability to multitask and effectively refocus priorities based on organizational needs.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel.

Additional Information

Pay Range: $17.50 - $20.50/hr depending on level of experience, shift differential available for eligible shifts.

We offer our staff:

• Comprehensive Benefits (health, dental, vision, liability, 401k & 401K matching program, life & supplemental insurance, HSA, & FSA) 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time for ALL Employees 
• Paid Bereavement Program 
• Paid Parental Leave Program  
• Competitive Compensation  
• Continuing Education Allowance (applies to licensed/registered/certified roles)
• Tuition Reimbursement Program Available to any AVMA Accredited Veterinary Technology Program
• Career Development Opportunities 
• Referral Bonus Program for most positions! 
• Additional Benefits May Also Be Available (i.e. Personal Pet Discounts, Holiday Pay, Uniform Allowance, Bonuses etc.) 

Hiring eligibility may be contingent to a candidate authorizing and completing a satisfactory background check. 

*Note – some benefits may only be available to or vary slightly for full time employment status vs part time status.

For additional details including our full equal opportunity statement, texting/outreach communication authorization, physical requirements of the job and more, please visit: https://allianceanimal.com/additionaljobdescriptiondetails/