Veterinary Clinic Assistant
Assist the Veterinary Clinic staff with preparation of surgical packs,
cleaning cages and various other duties.
This is the position for you if YOU:
- Are at least 16 years of age.
- Are mature and are willing to do menial tasks, such as cleaning cages and kennels.
- Follow instructions precisely and don’t mind “taking orders”.
- Can handle both slow and hectic work periods.
- Are comfortable in the presence of injured and ill animals, as well as varying surgical procedures, including disposing of removed body tissue, and occasional necropsy (after-death exams) and euthanasia.
- Are willing to learn our animal data base system, Chameleon.
What can you expect from your role as a Volunteer VETERINARY CLINIC ASSISTANT?
Duties include:
- Help with cleaning surgical instruments and laundry, and preparation of surgery packs. Assist with general stocking and cleaning. Clean cages and construct e-collars. Kennel animals after surgery. Occasionally, assist with animal restraint and post-op recovery.
Your benefits:
- Chance to observe activities and help in the Veterinary Clinic. Chance to observe, and sometimes help with basic animal exams and restraint as needed. Able to directly support and contribute to the flow of our high volume spay/neuter procedures.
Your value to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region:
- The support provided to the Veterinary Clinic staff allows for increased staffing to be focused strictly on surgeries and medical procedures, which increases the number of animals spayed/neutered and attended to by a veterinarian.
Emotional Considerations:
- The volunteer will be aware of euthanasia while working in the Veterinary Clinic. While the volunteer will not be asked to observe or participate in the euthanasia process, occasionally euthanasia occurs in the Veterinary Clinic as a result of a medical concern or a feral cat in the Trap-Neuter-Return program that is positive for feline leukemia or FIV. The Veterinary Clinic is also involved with evaluating animals involved with cruelty cases, which may involve necropsy (an after-death exam). Volunteers must be able to maintain composure and listen to instruction, which often involves simply staying out of the path of the staff, if an emergency should occur with a surgical patient or an animal brought in from the field.
I’m in! What’s next?
Training:
- Attend a Volunteer Orientation Class
- Attend Safe Animal Handling training.
- Complete hands-on training with designated staff or a volunteer trainer. *Volunteers who are contemplating this job are welcome to set up a time to go in and observe other volunteer Veterinary Clinic Assistants at work before they start their training classes.
Commitment: At least two hours per week, same day and time each week.
Supervision: Direct supervision by the Veterinary Services Supervisor and staff.
