Rock Star Veterinary Assistant Needed
Delavan Animal Clinic | Delavan, Wisconsin
Reports To: Practice Manager, Medical Director, Head Veterinary Technician
Status: Full-Time or Part-Time
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Position Summary
At Delavan Animal Clinic, we believe that sharing our lives with animals is a privilege. Pets may not speak our language, but they have an incredible way of touching our hearts and teaching us loyalty, trust, and unconditional love. As pet owners ourselves, we understand the special bond between people and their pets, and that understanding drives everything we do.
The Veterinary Assistant is an essential member of our healthcare team who supports veterinarians and veterinary technicians in providing exceptional medical care and outstanding client service. This position is responsible for assisting with patient care, hospital cleanliness, client communication, laboratory procedures, diagnostic imaging, and daily hospital operations.
The ideal candidate is compassionate, dependable, team-oriented, and committed to creating positive experiences for both pets and their families.
About Delavan Animal Clinic
At Delavan Animal Clinic, our mission is simple: provide high-quality veterinary medicine while treating every patient as if they were our own and every client like family.
We are committed to strengthening the human-animal bond through compassionate care, client education, teamwork, and excellence in medicine. Our team values kindness, professionalism, accountability, and continuous learning, creating an environment where both patients and employees can thrive.
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesPatient Care and Animal Handling
- Provide compassionate and respectful care to all patients.
- Safely and effectively restrain animals of various sizes and temperaments for examinations, treatments, and procedures.
- Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians during exams and treatments.
- Obtain and record patient weights, histories, and observations.
- Monitor hospitalized patients and report abnormalities to the veterinarian or technician.
- Assist with patient admissions and discharges according to hospital protocols.
- Ensure patients are clean, comfortable, and properly cared for during hospitalization.
- Assist with treatments, medication administration, and nursing care as directed.
Medical and Technical Support
- Prepare examination rooms, treatment areas, and surgical suites for patient care.
- Ensure all treatment and exam areas are clean, stocked, and organized.
- Prepare patients, instruments, and equipment for surgery and medical procedures.
- Assist with maintaining sterile surgical supplies and equipment.
- Set up and perform in-house laboratory procedures, including:
- Fecal flotation testing
- Heartworm testing
- Urinalysis preparation
- Ear cytology
- Skin scrapings
- Fungal culture preparation
- Ensure laboratory results are accurately recorded in patient medical records.
- Assist with diagnostic imaging, including proper patient positioning and radiograph safety procedures.
- Understand the operation and basic maintenance of hospital equipment, including IV pumps and monitoring devices.
Client Communication and Education
- Provide exceptional customer service to clients and visitors.
- Communicate professionally, compassionately, and confidently with pet owners.
- Educate clients on preventive care, wellness programs, parasite prevention, vaccination protocols, and hospital recommendations as directed by veterinarians.
- Review discharge instructions and home care recommendations with clients.
- Prepare estimates for medical procedures and discuss financial commitments in accordance with hospital policies.
- Support client compliance through clear communication and education.
Medical Records
- Maintain accurate, thorough, and legible medical records.
- Document patient observations, treatments, laboratory results, and communications according to hospital standards.
- Ensure timely and accurate entry of information into the practice management software system.
Hospital Maintenance and Safety
- Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized facility.
- Clean and disinfect examination rooms, treatment areas, kennels, cages, and equipment.
- Assist with laundry, inventory maintenance, and hospital organization.
- Follow all hospital safety protocols and infection-control procedures.
- Properly handle and dispose of medical waste and sharps.
- Help maintain adequate inventory levels and notify supervisors of supply needs.
Teamwork and Professionalism
- Maintain positive and cooperative working relationships with all team members.
- Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and accountability.
- Remain calm and effective in fast-paced or stressful situations.
- Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and continuing education opportunities.
- Assist in other areas of the hospital as needed.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications Required
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Basic computer proficiency and data-entry skills.
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
- Commitment to exceptional patient care and client service.
Preferred
- Previous veterinary, kennel, shelter, animal care, or customer service experience.
- Veterinary Assistant certification or completion of a veterinary assistant training program.
- Familiarity with veterinary software and electronic medical records.
- Knowledge of companion animal behavior and handling techniques.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and reach for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds independently and more with assistance.
- Ability to safely restrain animals of varying sizes and temperaments.
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced clinical environment.
- Sufficient visual, auditory, and manual dexterity to perform veterinary support duties.
Working Conditions
Veterinary Assistants regularly work in an environment that may include:
- Exposure to animal odors, hair, dander, and waste.
- Exposure to cleaning chemicals and disinfectants.
- Potential exposure to contagious diseases and zoonotic illnesses.
- Risk of animal bites, scratches, and other occupational hazards.
- Loud noises from animals, equipment, and hospital operations.
Appropriate training, personal protective equipment, and safety procedures will be provided.
Key Characteristics for Success
We are seeking team members who demonstrate:
- Compassion and empathy
- Positive attitude and professionalism
- Strong work ethic and dependability
- Excellent communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Commitment to teamwork
- Desire to learn and grow within the veterinary profession
Equal Opportunity Employer
Delavan Animal Clinic is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We believe our differences strengthen our team and enhance the care we provide to our patients, clients, and community.
At Delavan Animal Clinic, what's most important is you and your cherished companion. If you are passionate about animal care and want to make a difference in the lives of pets and their families every day, we encourage you to apply.
Pay: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Continuing education credits
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Relocation assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Uniform allowance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
