Veterinary assistants play an active role in any veterinary practice. With responsibilities ranging from animal care, office administration and client communication, veterinary assistants stay busy managing multiple responsibilities for the practice.
Animal Care
Veterinary assistants perform duties under the supervision of a veterinary technician or veterinarian. Providing most of the hands-on animal care in a veterinary facility, assistants give basic pet care including feeding, grooming, exercising and restraining animals brought in for regular checkups, treatment, boarding or cleaning and grooming service. For animals boarded at the facility, veterinary assistants perform many of the daily responsibilities for animals during their stay.
Facility Maintenance
An important part of animal care is hygiene. At the veterinary facility, assistants are responsible for the sanitizing and preparation of boarding facilities where animals are kept for short or long term stays. Assistants must clean and prepare holding areas where animals are kept while waiting for treatment. They maintain surgery suites and consultation areas for incoming pets arriving to be seen by the veterinarian.
Medical Treatment
Veterinary assistants, also known as veterinary technologists, in facilities such as private clinics and hospitals may administer medications to animals under veterinary supervision. Assistants record animal data including genealogy, diet and weight, and make note of any clinical signs of pain or distress. They might also prepare samples for laboratory examinations and prepare laboratory and surgical equipment. In some facilities, assistants may complete vaccinations or euthanize ill, injured or unwanted animals.
Clerical Duties
Veterinary assistants have clerical responsibilities associated with processing animals and their care. Assistants handle admission and discharge of animals, and file records after they have been updated for animal treatment. Assistants manage screening and processing of mail and generally handle payment for services. General accounting including bank deposits and payroll may also be required duties.
Interpersonal Communication
Assistants are primary communication channels for clients who bring pets in for care. After greeting clients they may also update clients on the status of pets during regular visits or update clients over the phone in cases when the pet requires additional care.
Tags: animal care, Veterinary assistants, animals kept, assistants perform, facility assistants, update clients