Shelter Medicine Assistant Level Three

The Shelter Medicine Assistant Level Three performs a variety of animal health care duties and assists the veterinarian in examining and preparing animals for surgery and adoption. The Shelter Medicine Assistant Level 3 ensures high quality animal care in accordance with the AHS mission and goals and communicates effectively with peers, volunteers, and leadership.

Duties & Responsibilities

- Promote a culture of teamwork, positivity, compassion, and performance excellence

- Conduct physical exams and relay pertinent information to the Veterinarian

- Handle animals in a humane and gentle manner according to established safety policies and procedures and Fear Free methodologies

- Calculate drug dosages for individual animals

- Administer intravenous, subcutaneous, and intramuscular injections

- Perform induction and intubation of patients for surgical procedures

- Monitor anesthesia through recovery and understand basic anesthesia principles

- Preparation of surgical patients using aseptic technique

- Place intravenous catheters

- Accurately enters and maintains records in shelter medical database

- Sterilizes surgical instruments and keeps up with laundry

- Remain alert and aware of animal behavior and physical condition

- Report concerns to appropriate departments or managers

- Maintain safe and sanitary areas for animals to ensure they are clean, dry, and comfortable

- Properly cleans and disinfects animal holding facilities according to established protocols

- Collect samples for diagnostic testing, including blood draws, feces and urine collection, radiographs, etc.

- Accurately perform diagnostic tests as requested by the Veterinarians including but not limited to fecal flotation, ELISA tests (parvovirus, heartworm, FeLV/FIV), TiterChek tests, urinalyses, and Woods lamp evaluation

- Interacts with other departments to provide information and care

- Work cooperatively with other departments, volunteers, and locations to accomplish departmental and AHS goals

- Provides relief assistance to other locations

- Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

- High school diploma or GED equivalent

- Minimum of six months experience in a similar capacity in an animal shelter, veterinary hospital or clinic preferred

- Willingness to learn and acquire new skills and knowledge

- Willingness to complete GVMA Certified Veterinary Assistant Level 1 (employer paid)

- Willingness to complete AHS Medical Certification Level 1-3

- Computer literate in a Windows environment; PetPoint experience preferred

- Ability to utilize effective problem solving/decision making skills

- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and written

- Ability to multi-task and handle a high stress, emotional environment

- Ability to travel and provide program support to other AHS locations and departments

- General knowledge of animal welfare preferred

- Obtain certificate as certified euthanasia technician within 12 months of hire

- Must be able to work well with a diverse clientele; different races, ethnicities, faiths, sexual orientations, income levels, etc.

- Requires humane handling of animals and safe handling of cleaning supplies, chemicals and equipment in compliance with safety rules and according to SDS rules

- Works in high noise level areas

- Physical efforts require constant bending, lifting 50 lbs.+, stooping, and standing

- Exposure to dogs and cats of all sizes and varying degrees of behavior and/or medical conditions.

- Exposure to animal waste and common allergens