Veterinary Assistant
Saturday, March 30, 2024
Full Time Veterinary Assistant
Friends of Strays Animal Shelter is St. Petersburg’s oldest no kill animal shelter. Founded in 1978, our top priority is to connect animals in need of rescue with people who will love them. With thousands of cats and dogs entering our shelter every year, Friends of Strays’ staff and volunteers provide the utmost love and care for every animal that comes through our doors.
If you have a passion for animals, and want to be a part of a dedicated, hardworking team, a career at Friends of Strays could be right for you! You can make a real difference for homeless animals.
JOB SUMMARY
Responsible for caring for animals under the supervision of the Medical Director/Veterinarian and Medical Manager. Works as part of the Medical Team to perform daily care of all patients in isolation rooms, surgical patients, and adoptable animals throughout the shelter. Maintains the medical department through cleaning and organization to reduce spread of disease.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Works closely with Veterinary Technicians, Medial Manager, Veterinarian, Shelter Director, and the Animal Care and Enrichment team.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Know basic veterinary medical concepts
- Communicate in effective and professional manner with volunteers, co-workers, and all FOS staff members and leadership
- Represent FOS in a professional and courteous manner at all times
- Follow all written and verbally communicated departmental standard operating procedures
- Move trapped/TNVR cats in the morning to surgery shelves where they will remain pre- and post-surgery
- Responsible for maintaining clean kennels and feeding cats and kittens that are in the Cat Intake kennels. Responsible for disinfecting kennels and setting up each kennel when a cat has moved out.
- Assist with the movement of animals from intake kennels to surgery kennels. Keep patients clean, watered, and fed.
- Assist during surgery (high-volume spay/neuter performed from 10am to 1pm daily) by opening surgical packs, instruments, blades/suture, and gloves for the veterinarian. Clean instruments during surgery and break down/clean surgery suite after.
- Wrap surgical packs and pouches. Perform weekly and monthly maintenance of autoclave machine.
- Under supervision of Medical Manager and Vet Techs, perform treatments for sick patients including giving injectable or oral medications as well as eye medications or SQ fluids.
- Assist with cleaning and feeding cats and kittens in isolation wards and performing treatments in those areas (this includes lime sulfur dips of felines with ringworm).
- Provide support for veterinary technicians and veterinarian by handling and restraining animals for exams and procedures
- Perform regular cleaning and disinfecting tasks, including sweeping and mopping, cleaning anesthesia tubes and masks.
- Train new veterinary assistants, interns, and volunteers to utilize our patient care protocols
- Other duties as assigned
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Must speak fluent English
- Ability to meet the physical demands of the job. This job requires lifting, carrying and restraining cats and dogs, and moving trapped cats. Walking or standing for extended periods or time
- Experience in an animal shelter or veterinary clinic preferred but not required. Candidate should be motivated, enthusiastic self-starter with a professional attitude. Great opportunity for someone interested in starting their career in the animal sheltering or veterinary medicine field.
ANIMAL HANDLING
- Must be able to learn characteristics of animal behavior (for example: be able to identify aggressive or fearful behavior)
- Must be able to use appropriate safety equipment for fractious or feral animals (will train) – the use of safety equipment is mandatory
- Must possess excellent reflexes
- Should be able to identify own limitations and be willing to ask for help
- Must become proficient at animal restraint for various procedures
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $16.00 per hour
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift, Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. with an hour lunch (unpaid)
Ability to Relocate:
- Saint Petersburg, FL 33714: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
