Veterinary Assistant

Job Objectives

This position is responsible for providing medical care to domestic animals at the Coronado Animal Care Facility (CACF). Duties include performing intake and wellness exams, administering medications and treatments, and providing general animal husbandry. In addition to medical responsibilities, this role will assist with front desk operations, including greeting visitors, answering phone calls, and supporting general guest relations. This position reports to the PAWS Medical Team and receives clinical direction from the PAWS Leadership Team and attending veterinarians.

Essential Job Functions

Veterinary Assistant Activities – 65%

• Serve as a Veterinary Assistant performing medical intake activities and other medical procedures at the direction of the PAWS Veterinary Services Manager or relief veterinarians.
• Evaluate health of animals at the shelter, including performing intake procedures for new animals to the shelter, and report any relevant findings to the veterinarian promptly.
• Assist in surgical preparation, monitoring, and post-surgical care of animals.
• Administer vaccinations and medications, including support for PAWS Community Vaccine Clinics. Ensure prescribed medications, supplements, and specialized food are properly documented, dispensed, and administered to animals in inventory.
• Collect laboratory samples from animals, including blood, stool, and urine.
• Consult as needed with external veterinary medical providers.
• Maintain good relationships with our outsourced veterinary partners.
• Assist staff with cleaning cages for cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, and other animals as required to maintain shelter operations.
• Maintain medical histories and other pertinent documentation in the shelter (ShelterLuv) and organizational (Google Docs, Microsoft Office, Google Calendar) software and files as required.
• Humanely and safely restrain various-sized animals using Fear Free techniques.
• Provide clear and accurate documentation of patient medical records.
• Support ordering of relevant medical supplies and medications as needed (in the most cost-effective manner).

Customer Service – 15%

• Treat every guest with dignity and respect, including acknowledging guests as they enter or call PAWS, thanking them for coming to PAWS, determining their needs, and answering questions related to our services and mission.
• Provide direct support for our guests at the front desk. This includes greeting guests in person and via telephone.
• Respond to inquiries received by the general e-mail as appropriate.
• Check guests in and out for relinquishment, euthanasia, and Community Spay and Neuter services.
• Check in stray animals brought in by the public and Coronado Police Department and gather detailed information as needed.
• Take