What are the duties of a veterinary assistant?

Answer 1

Be prepared for sick animals, surgery, cleaning surgery packs, cleaning cages, cleaning dogs & cats, dealing with dogs & cats that are ill and very afraid, so lots of biting, scratching, etc. going on, helping the Veterinarian in office calls, surgery, etc., drawing blood, doing some lab work ups, fecals, dealing with people in all aspects of animal care and that is just the tip of the iceburg. Lots of pressure & fast paced. You truly have to love what you are doing and have all the knowledge you can get by either working in this field or going to classes, etc.

Answer 2

Answer

Generally speaking, veterinary assistants may be required to perform the following duties: basic animal care (feed, water, exercise, give medication, monitor), basic animal grooming (baths, nail trims, brush outs, ear cleaning), cleaning (cages, exam tables, equipment, and general cleaning), animal restraint (for various procedures such as exams, vaccines, tests, x-rays, etc.), obtain samples for and perform basic laboratory tests (fecals, ear swabs, blood profiles, etc.), some clerical duties (recording information, storing charges, etc.), answer phones, put clients into exam rooms and take a history, talk to clients about basic animal care, get together prescriptions, and always assist the DVMs with whatever they may need. Veterinary assistants are usually required to work long hours, including weekends and holidays. Depending on the practice in which you work, you may be required to perform other duties, or may not be required to perform some of the duties listed here, this is just a general list of some things you should expect to do.

Answer 3

It can be stressful with long hours, having to deal with clients and unruly animals, among other things. You have to keep on your toes most of the time, especially when dealing with emergencies, and you have to know your stuff off by heart when working with and examining animals.

Answer 4

Many veterinary hospitals will train veterinary assistants themselves, so it is possible to get a job as a veterinary assistant without any experience. However it would help you get a job as a veterinary assistant if you have experience taking care of animals, cleaning and providing customer service since those are the main job responsibilities of inexperienced veterinary assistants.

Answer 5

There isn't a set list of benefits that veterinary assistants receive from their employers. Each veterinary practice determines its own employee benefits package. However, some of the common benefits for veterinary employees include paid vacation time and sick days, discounted veterinary care for their pets, discounted veterinary products and paid continuing education.