Veterinary Assistant Job Description

The job of a Veterinary Assistant involves helping veterinarians, technicians and receptionists complete tasks in animal hospitals or clinics. The tasks vary depending on the size of hospital, educational attainment, specialization or other factors.

Education/Experience Requirements for the job of a Veterinary Assistant: A successful candidate must possess certification from any six-month vocational training or an associate’s degree in veterinary technology, animal health, animal anatomy or a related field. Although this is an entry-level position and is usually given to those who need veterinary experience to become a licensed veterinarian, assistants must also obtain certification before applying for the position.

Skills of a Veterinary Assistant include but are not limited to: Excellent interpersonal skills, technical writing skills, effective communication skills, organizational and time management skills, basic computer skills and knowledge of veterinary equipments, sterilization techniques and veterinary procedures, among others. This job also requires assistants to be physically fit because he/she may handle large animals or pets.

Specific work elements of the job as a Veterinary Assistant include but are not limited to: Assisting with clinic appointments; administering medication to animals based on doctor prescription; performing research for veterinarians; cleaning exam room; maintaining supplies of clinic and taking drug inventory; assisting with patient discharges; checking for parasites from fecal or urine samples; administering anesthesia; prepping patients for surgery; helping veterinarians during surgery; cleaning surgical equipments; assisting in radiology; supervising cleanliness of clinic or hospital; assisting with cage cleaning or dog walking; and regularly checking conditions of animals in the hospital, among others.

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