JOB TITLE

Community Veterinary Assistant

DEPARTMENT

Veterinary Services

ACCOUNTABILITY

Community Veterinary Hospital Manager

FUNCTION

The Community Veterinary Assistant supports patient care, client service, and clinical operations in a community veterinary clinic setting. This role assists veterinarians and Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) with patient preparation, Fear Free handling, recovery monitoring, basic nursing support, and maintaining a clean and organized clinical environment.

This position contributes to a respectful, collaborative, Fear Free, and spectrum-of-care practice culture focused on patient comfort, client support, and learning. It is ideal for individuals to develop foundational clinical skills and pursue growth in veterinary medicine.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Handling & Clinical Support

• Safely transport and handle animals using Fear Free techniques. *
• Assist veterinarians and RVTs with patient preparation, exams, and treatments. *
• Support low-stress restraint and positioning for exams, imaging, and procedures. *
• Assist with sample collection processes (holding, labeling, documentation). *
• Maintain clean and organized exam and treatment areas. *
• Support surgical and dental patient flow and recovery. *
  

Surgical Support (Assisting RVT/DVM)

• Prepare surgical instruments, packs, drapes, equipment, and warming devices. *
• Assist with patient clipping and initial surgical site prep under supervision. *
• Perform full surgical site prep once trained, and competency verified. *
• Support anesthesia monitoring by recording parameters as directed (no independent adjustments). *
• Assist with patient positioning, induction support tasks, transport, and recovery. *
• Place IV catheters only after formal training and competency sign-off; otherwise support restraint and setup. *
• Assist with surgical suite setup, turnover, and sterilization. *
  

Dental Support (Assisting RVT/DVM)

• Set up dental instruments, packs, equipment, and treatment area. *
• Assist with patient positioning and radiograph setup under direct supervision. *
• Record anesthesia monitoring parameters as directed. *
• Clean, pack, and sterilize dental instruments and equipment. *
• May assist with dental radiograph positioning and image capture only after training and competency sign-off, under direct RVT/DVM supervision. *
  

Patient Monitoring & Basic Care

• Monitor animals for pre-operative, post-operative, and short-stay care. *
• Provide comfort care: hydration support, feeding per instruction, bedding changes, hygiene assistance, elimination support. *
• Take and document vitals when trained and delegated. *
• Administer oral medications and SQ/IM injections under veterinary supervision and administer IV medications and controlled substances only after formal training, VACSP credential (as applicable), and documented competency sign-off. *
• Promptly report changes in patient condition. *
  

 Medication Support & Controlled Substances

• Draw up, manage, and administer medications including controlled substances under DVM/RVT supervision when holding a valid VACSP. *
• Assist with medication preparation and documentation while awaiting VACSP. *
• Follow DEA, state, and organizational controlled-substances procedures. *
  

Client Services

• Assist with patient intake and discharge. *
• Provide calm, empathetic communication with clients. *
• Review go-home information as directed by RVT/DVM. *
• Support client access to resources respectfully and compassionately. *
  

Sanitation, Inventory & Safety

• Maintain clean animal housing, exam rooms, treatment areas, laundry, and equipment. *
• Clean, pack, and sterilize instruments and equipment. *
• Follow OSHA, infection control, IIPP, and Fear Free protocols. *
  

Euthanasia Support

• Support euthanasia workflows with compassion and professionalism. *
• May perform humane euthanasia with appropriate training and delegation, in accordance with state law and organizational protocol. *
• For client-present euthanasia assists RVT/DVM team only. *

* Essential functions of the job

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 21 years of age to meet legal requirements associated with the duties of this role.
• High school diploma or GED required; two years of college coursework preferred.
• Minimum two years of experience in an animal shelter, veterinary hospital, or related environment.
• Familiarity with OSHA, IIPP, and workplace safety practices preferred.
• Valid California Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit (VACSP) required or obtained within 60 days of hire.
• Fear Free Certification or obtained within 90 days of hire.
• Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and shelter/veterinary database systems (e.g., PetPoint and IDEXX Neo), with the ability to learn new applications as needed.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to accurately document and maintain operational records and compliance logs.
• Required to operate a motor vehicle to travel between facilities, attend meetings and special events, run errands, etc. as needed.
• Must possess a valid California driver’s license and maintain a driving record that meets the standards of our insurance provider.
• Must be able to safely lift and carry supplies or animals weighing up to fifty pounds with assistance.
• Must pass a background check and be eligible for a Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit.
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Position classification: Non-exempt, Full-time
• Starting salary range: $18.04 – $19.13/hour, based on experience and demonstrated skills.
• Position salary range: $18.04-$20.30 with merit-based adjustments in accordance with organizational policy.
• Work Schedule: 40-hour work week; includes a weekend day, some holidays and evenings, and occasional overtime.
• Regular exposure to animals that may be sick, injured, aggressive, unruly, or deceased.
• Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, parasites, cleaning chemicals, and facility maintenance substances.
• Frequent interaction with the public in a dynamic, fast-paced, and at times stressful environment.
• Work is performed in an emotionally charged setting that requires resilience, adaptability, and sound judgment.
• Position requires willingness to attend training programs to maintain and enhance skills as identified and needed.
• Compliance with PSPCA Employee Policy Manual required.