Spay/Neuter Veterinary Assistant at Santa Fe Animal Shelter Inc – Santa Fe, New Mexico

Job Summary: Assist the veterinarians in the medical and surgical treatment of animals. Educate the public on animal health while demonstrating SFAS policies. Ensure the most humane care possible is provided to all animals brought to the Spay/neuter Promote the shelter whenever possible. Assist the veterinarians in the aspects of surgery, laboratory tests, vaccinations, client education, clinic asepsis, and the administration of prescribed medications. Maintain inventories of supplies and equipment necessary for daily operations.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Ensure all pertinent client and medical information is entered into the medical record accurately and following set protocols.

• Assist the veterinarians in examinations and treatment of client’s animals.

• Assist in all areas of surgery including but not limited to; surgical preparation following sterile procedures, intubating /extubating,

performing blood draws, implanting microchips, and administering necessary vaccines.

• Prepare surgical suite with correct bag and breathing tubes for each patient. Secure animal to surgery table, monitor anesthesia, while reporting any fluctuations/variations to the veterinarian immediately.

• Provide sterile surgical pack and assist veterinarian in preparing for surgery.

• Supervise animal recovery and perform extubating.

• Provide clear take-home instructions to clients.

• Assist all staff in cleaning kennels and restocking of supplies.

• Assist staff in cleaning all clinic areas including but not limited to; restroom, surgical suite, exam rooms and running laundry.

• Interact with fellow staff members, both in the medical and other departments, with respect and professionalism.

• Other duties as assigned by Lead Assistant

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers/staff/patrons

• Excellent computer proficiency

• Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary communication

• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices

• High school diploma or GED required

• Previous veterinary technician or assistant experience preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.

• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance.

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

• Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly on the telephone.

• Must be able to spend most of the day standing or walking with occasional periods of sitting. Must be able to stoop, bend and reach from time to time.

• Must be able to endure frequent interruptions and handle a great deal of flexibility in assignment of job duties.

• Must be able to talk loudly over animal noises from the kennels when necessary.

• Must have good manual dexterity for handling and examining animals as well as for entering data into the computer system.

• Must be able to handle exposure to large numbers of potentially dangerous, fast-moving animals and other working conditions such as poor ventilation, heat, cold, sudden temperature changes, wet quarters, noise, medical and surgical odors as well as animal odors and dander.