Veterinary assistants are employed by veterinarians, and work in animal clinics and hospitals. Veterinary assistants may also work at humane societies under the direction of a licensed veterinarian or veterinary technician, completing various duties similar to what is performed in a veterinarian office, such as clerical work, post-surgery care and assisting during exams and surgeries.
Facility Cleaning
Veterinary assistants are responsible for keeping the facilities clean. This includes cleaning examination tables, floors, equipment, kennels and, in some cases, the grounds around the building. Equipment is sterilized, and kennels are flushed out and dried before being used again.
Pet Care
Animal clinics, animal hospitals and humane societies have kennels for dogs and cats. During the pet's stay at a facility, the needs of each animal must be met. Assistants are responsible for follow-up checks on animals after surgical procedures, as well as feeding and medicating animals under the instruction of the licensed veterinarian.
Clerical Work
Veterinary assistants work the front desk, checking in animals for appointments, entering data, taking payments and answering phones. Front desk assistants may take stool samples for examination, dispense medication prescribed by the vet and sell special foods and supplies for animals.
Assist Veterinarian
Assistants will assist vets in surgery, prepare animals for surgeries and transport animals to and from the surgical room. Assistants help with examinations, vaccinations and wellness checks. The assistant may need to hold animals down during examinations, or help lift them onto examination tables. Assistants draw blood, perform laboratory tasks and monitor heart rates during and after surgeries. Some assistants may aid in euthanasia.
Educating Pet Owners and Public
Veterinary assistants help educate pet owners on pet safety and proper pet health care. Some assistants perform home visits after a pet has received surgery. Assistants can visit organizations and schools, educating others about animal care and the impact of strays and puppy mills on society. They may give lectures and present films.
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