Vet Assistant

Vet Assistant 

POSITION DESCRIPTION 

The Alaska PAWS (formerly Alaska SPCA) is a nonprofit advocate for pets throughout Alaska. We believe that animals, as living creatures, are entitled to basic rights relating to their care, treatment, and protection. Our mission is to reduce the suffering of Alaska’s dogs and cats. 

This mission is achieved by:  

• Protecting animals from cruelty. 

• Advocating for the moral and ethical treatment of animals. 

• Providing animals with shelter and care when needed. 

• Educating the public about responsible animal ownership. 

• Providing an affordable spay and neuter program. 

• Offering affordable vaccinations. 

Job Summary: 

The Veterinary Assistant position is responsible for assisting the technicians and doctors with daily care of all Alaska PAWS patients. They assist technicians with pre- and post-operative care of patients, vaccinations, preparing and sterilizing surgery packs, pharmacy, lab procedures, cleaning of treatment and surgical areas. In addition, the Veterinary Assistant will help the surgical team with invoicing and handling and restraint. This position works closely with customers, clinic veterinarians, other veterinary technicians, and customer service staff.  

Essential Job Duties: 

• Create invoices for surgical patients and prepare medications to be sent home 

• Dispense medications per veterinarian's orders 

• Perform laboratory tests in house and prepare samples to send out to the lab  

• Communicate with clients/owners about status of patients as directed by the veterinarian  

• Participate in client education on the health of their pets  

• Knowledge and ability to intake and release patients, including delivering post-operative instructions in a competent and friendly manner 

• Knowledge of vaccine protocols, reconstitute, prepare and administer vaccinations 

• Clean and sterilize surgical instruments and supplies 

• Able to respond appropriately during an emergency, able to take directions from a veterinarian or technician and direct others during the event, and maintain competency during CPR procedures 

• Participate in all mandatory meetings 

• Duties may include but are not limited to answering client questions in person, on the telephone, and via email  

• Helping to keep the hospital clean, doing laundry, cleaning cages, sanitizing surgical areas etc. 

• Follow all written and verbally communicated departmental standard operating procedures  

• Communicate with clients and assist with rechecks as needed 

• Must exhibit professionalism in behavior and performance at all times by: 

• • Maintaining excellent interpersonal relationship skills in dealing with coworkers 

• • Communicating in effective and professional manner with customers and coworkers  

• • Represent the Alaska PAWS in a professional and courteous manner at all times  

Preferred Skills/Abilities:  

• Communicate in a clear, friendly, concise, understandable manner  

• Ability to relate with clients in a friendly and professional manner  

• Perform work with speed and accuracy while remaining calm in emergency situations  

• Exceptional organizational skills, an eye for detail and the ability to multitask  

• Work collaboratively and effectively with coworkers 
• Adaptable to changing schedules and occasional unexpected needs                                           

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Previous animal experience and confidence to handle cats & dogs
• Knowledge of companion animal welfare issues and sterilization  
• High school diploma or equivalent

Physical Requirements:  

• Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time 
• Physically able to lift/carry/bend all throughout the day

Job Status:  

• Non-exempt; Full time: 40 hours a week 

Compensation and Benefits 

• $18.50 -$20.09 an hour, depending on skills and experience 

• Education benefits to help you obtain your Veterinary Technician credential! 

• Paid vacation, sick, and holiday leave in addition to 3 paid personal days annually. 

• Medical and vision coverage 

• Discounted clinic services 

Disclaimer 

The Alaska PAWS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a work environment that values diversity and inclusiveness. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment of all individuals based on job-related qualifications and without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, marital status, change in marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law or local ordinance  

We are an at-will employer and conduct pre-employment background checks. This job description reflects the assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description is not a contract - management reserves the right to change its contents at any time.