Veterinary Assistant

$17.06 - $21.75

Starting salary based on qualifications and experience.

Job Description General Statement of Duties
Performs responsible work providing health care to animals. Assists Shelter Manager in overseeing shelter operations and staff.

Distinguishing Features of the Class
An employee in this class is responsible for monitoring, recording and providing health care to animals. Work generally requires the employee to administer tests, vaccinations and medication; and provide adoption counseling. Guides may include federal, state and local laws and regulations, local animal control and health ordinances and departmental policies and procedures. Work is performed under regular supervision of the Animal Shelter Manager.

Illustrative Examples of Work
- Examines, draw blood from and vaccinates animals and records health status and potential health problems.
- Monitors health status of animals daily.
- Obtains and implements veterinary advice on treatment of animals when needed.
- Administers medication to animals.
- Monitors disease management program and ensures compliance with standard operating procedures.
- Administers Rabies Vaccine
- Provides assistance to the Health Department with quarantine after an animal bite.
- Checks for current rabies vaccines and issues citation giving owners time to comply if needed.
- Determines which animals need to be euthanized in cooperation with the Animal Shelter Manager.
- Performs adoption counseling, explains adoption policies and procedures; schedules appointments for surgeries with veterinarians; baths and grooms animals prior to adoption; and determines which animals are healthy and friendly enough to be adopted.
- Completes paperwork for animals that have been adopted, reclaimed, and euthanized.
- Maintains logs on animals that are lost and/or found.
- Notifies citizens if their animals are received in shelter; advises of reclaim fee and asks for proof of rabies vaccine.
- Completes stray/owner releases on computer; prepares tickets to identify animals when they are received in shelter.
- Answers telephones and provides general information.
- Cleans, scrapes and disinfects kennels/cages in accordance with shelter procedures.
- Performs other related duties as required.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Thorough knowledge of disease management/recognition and general animal care.
- Thorough knowledge of and ability to perform laboratory tests.
- Thorough knowledge of vaccinations required and proper techniques.
- Thorough knowledge of animal care, animal handling and animal health.
- Thorough knowledge of cleaning techniques, sterilization procedures and basic sanitation rules.
- Thorough knowledge of shelter’s standard operating policies and procedures.
- Thorough knowledge of animal restraint, animal temperament and behavior modification.
- Skill in the use of a computer.
- Ability to keep accurate records.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, law enforcement officials, Health Department, vendors and the general public.

Physical Requirements
- Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational support functions of climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, talking, hearing and repetitive motions.
- Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
- Must possess visual acuity necessary to determine the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
- Must be able to work in environmental conditions that require both inside and outside work with no effective protection of weather.
- May be subject to noise.
- Must be able to work in conditions that are subject to hazards, including a variety of physical conditions such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current and high places, exposure to high heat, or exposure to chemicals.
- May be subject to atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory of the skin such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, or poor ventilation.
- Must be able to function in narrow aisles or passageways.
- Must be able to work in conditions that are subject to contact with potentially infectious bodily fluids.

Education and Experience
- Associate's degree preferred, but not required, supplemented by vocational/technical training in veterinary care and some experience providing health care to animals or related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses and Certifications
- Possession of a valid North Carolina Driver license.
- Certified Veterinary Technician preferred but not required.
- Certified in Rabies and Euthanasia preferred but not required.