Veterinary Assistant Jobs

Veterinary Assistant, Equine Hospital - College of Veterinary Medicine

The College of Veterinary Medicine invites applicants to apply for the position of Veterinary Assistant, located within the Large Animal Clinical Sciences Department’s Equine Hospital. The primary purpose of this position is to perform a variety of functions within the Equine Hospital such as general care, feeding, cleaning, restraint, and exercising of equine patients. Cleans and disinfects equipment, animal stalls and treatment areas according to IACUC, USDA and AALAC protocols. Records daily observations. Operates equipment. Assists with admittance and discharge of patients. May be asked to work weekends and holidays.

Depending on experience and qualifications of successful candidate, individual will be hired in as a Veterinary Assistant 1, Veterinary Assistant 2, Senior Veterinary Assistant 1, or Senior Veterinary Assistant 2.

Typical Responsibilities:

Performs restraint for physical exams and medical procedures, such as blood draws, urine collection, blood pressures, and injections. Prepares quarters with bedding, water, and other supplies. Feeds diets as prescribed to admitted patients. Exercises patients, using special care. Records daily observations. Reports any issues. Assists in the admittance and discharge of patients. Assists with transport of animals, both live and deceased. Learns to operate equipment such as forklift, tractor, skid steer loader sprayers, treadmill, hot walker, float tank, slings, sled cattle chutes, both standard and 360. Assists in teaching labs as needed. Assists clients with the loading and unloading of animals, maintaining equine and farm animal loading area. Prepares specialty stalls (sand-padded) after surgery for recovery.

Disinfects and maintains all areas of the Large Animal Hospital (including Isolation in accordance to the isolation and bio-security protocols) by cleaning stalls, sweeping hallways and exam rooms, washing and scrubbing hallways and exam rooms keeps loading area organized and clean. Cleans all equipment. Removes clutter and debris. Maintains and stocks supplies. Provides laundry collection and dispersement.

Completes daily census. Reports to the proper person if any abnormal concerns regarding patients. Maintains grain and hay storage area.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed:

• Ability to follow directions and work with a diverse population
• Ability to multi-task
• Ability to work with others in a respectful and cooperative manner
• Basic knowledge of large animal care and handling, including lifting and restraint
• Basic knowledge of and ability to use common hospital and farm equipment
• Strong observation skills

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent with 1 year of relevant experience working with large animals, including but not limited to horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, llamas, and alpacas.

Preferred Qualifications: