Career Opportunities

Position Overview:
Help to develop and maintain a high quality; efficient and effective medical team, by fostering an environment of trust, teamwork and accountability. Work in tandem with the Hospital Manager and reports directly to the Regional Manager.

Essential Position Functions:

• Comprehensive Patient Work-Ups
  • Obtain a complete history in conjunction with the technician.
  • Perform thorough physical exams, including temperature, pulse, respiration, and body condition score for each patient.
  • Make notes on the master health form with any problems and diagnosis.
  • Recommend all appropriate comprehensive diagnostic screenings.
  • Correctly interpret diagnostic results.
• Client Communication and Education
  • Communicate medical findings, recommended diagnostics, prognosis, and the recommended plan to the pet owner. Make notes in the chart to record all such conversations.
  • Note any recommendations declined by the pet owner in the medical record.
  • Provide status reports to the client on hospitalized patients' condition in a timely manner.
  • Perform timely discharge appointments and ask the pet owner if they have any questions.
  • Respond to client phone calls in a timely manner.
• Diagnostic Procedures & Surgery
  • Perform appropriate pre-op exams and diagnostics.
  • Practice good surgical techniques.
  • Ability to use and delegate appropriate surgical prep techniques with the technician.
  • Call back clients with results of diagnostic tests and provide a copy with interpretation for the pet owner.
  • Review discharge instructions with the technician or pet owner.
• Medical Record Responsibilities
  • Record patient exams in medical records using SOAP format.
  • Follow AAHA guidelines for medical records.
  • Complete records by the end of the business day. No records are permitted to leave the hospital.
  • Fully document all patient care to ensure good case management.
  • Complete medical records in a legible and complete manner.
• Pharmacy Duties
  • Prescribe appropriate medication for patient conditions with appropriate dosing.
  • Approve prescriptions and review labels for accuracy.
  • Maintain the security of controlled drugs.
  • Monitor inventory levels of controlled substances.
  • Log controlled substances consistently.
• Promotes Teamwork & Staff Efficiency
  • Assist in keeping appointments running on time.
  • Clearly communicate instructions to staff in a respectful manner.
  • Willingness to assist staff with their duties when needed.
  • Communicate pertinent information to colleagues for efficient case management.
  • Promote a positive attitude throughout the practice.
  • Answer the persistent ringing phone when necessary.
  • Be available to colleagues and management when off duty for matters that cannot wait until the next business day.
• Financial Responsibilities
  • Correctly estimate client invoices.
  • Clearly communicate costs to clients.
  • Follow hospital guidelines for client payment and credit policies.
  • Appropriately use and conserve clinic resources.
• Continuing Education Responsibilities
  • Share information gathered at continuing education meetings with colleagues.
  • Assist in teaching at staff meetings.
  • Assist with mentoring and training staff members.
  • Attend at least 80% of on-site staff training and meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Management.

Additional Position Functions: Assignment to the areas listed below may include the following additional essential job functions:

• Strategic Focus
  • Work with Medical staff to build an understanding and an appreciation of how behaviors impact revenue.
  • Provide feedback to Medical staff on weekly/monthly production performance and coach for improvement.
  • Participate in marketing efforts where appropriate and provide suggestions for improvement.
  • Work with the PetVet Support Center on staff contract and compensation issues.
  • Provide stability and leadership within the Hospital.
  • Work with the Hospital Manager on weekly priorities and expectations.
  • Participate in weekly operational conference calls.
  • Work with the Hospital Manager on Medical Staff Scheduling.
  • Utilize a one-on-one process for ongoing direct communication with Medical staff and other Hospital support staff.
• Tactical Focus
  • Resolve client issues where appropriate (when attending Medical staff or Hospital Manager have not been effective).
  • Receive and evaluate new product information.
  • Evaluate and monitor protocols for the daily running of the hospital from intake to discharge.
  • Monitor cases in the hospital and attend daily rounds when possible to be sure the highest standards are being upheld.
  • Recommend fees for new products and services.
  • Meet regularly with the Hospital Manager to review controllable costs:
    • Medical staff and Support payroll
    • Inventory
    • Other Medical related expenses
  • Participate in assistant and technician reviews.
  • Maintain availability to answer questions with regards to all aspects of the hospital.
  • Participate in practice management updates and training at all levels.

Competencies:

• Clinical Knowledge and Skills: Demonstrate clinical knowledge and skill in examining and  assessing animals. Perform cardiovascular, respiratory, orthopedic, neurological and other  necessary examinations. Diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to develop solutions to challenges relating to the management of a high-quality veterinary hospital.
• Communication Skills: Demonstrate effective communication of diagnostic and therapeutic options to clients. Display effective communication with internal medical and hospital staff.
• Professionalism: Work as part of a high-quality, professional veterinary team with the ability to provide and receive appropriate constructive criticism, suggestions, and feedback.
• Business Acumen: Ability to understand the management and finances of the veterinary hospital practice.
• Ethics: Knowledge and understanding of ethical principles that guide decisions affecting patients.
• Commitment to Continuing Education: Commitment to utilize available resources of continuing education and to facilitate learning of others.

Qualifications:

• Veterinarian degree (DVM) from an accredited college or university.
• Current State Veterinary License.
• DEA registration must be obtained and maintained.
• Five plus years of experience in a veterinary practice.
• Experience overseeing Veterinary Technicians and Assistants as well as other hospital or practice staff.
• Must demonstrate a desire to continue learning in veterinary care and participate in leading staff training.

Position Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Excellent Communication Skills and the ability to communicate effectively, efficiently, and in a timely manner with all members of the Medical and Hospital staff.
• Client communication skills, must be able to elicit information, establish rapport, offer explanations with pet owners.
• Display confidence and reassurance when dealing with pets experiencing severe stress, illness, or pain.
• May include some climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Some tasks involve the periodic performance of moderately physically demanding work.
• Position does require the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Additional Information:

The list of essential functions and additional functions, as outlined in this job description, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this position. The omission of any job function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a required assignment for the position.

Position Overview:

A working supervisor who performs the duties of medical technical staff (e.g., technicians and assistants) as well as scheduling and supervising the staff of the assigned department. Expedites the care and efficiency of the department. In charge of patient care standards for the department. Must lead the team by example, demonstrating organizational skills, following company policies, and maintaining a professional attitude.

Essential Functions:

• Supervise technicians and other medical personnel in the assigned department, evaluating performance (introductory and annual), reviewing time reporting, enforcing company policies, and communicating new practices and policies regarding technical duties; participate in the selection and discipline of staff.
• Schedule staff according to departmental needs, monitoring and regulating overtime hours worked by staff, ensuring proper coverage in times of shortage.
• Administer the on-call schedule as well as the standard schedule for staff.
• Train new staff in their responsibilities; mentor all staff regarding performance and training needs.
• Perform the duties of a technician or assistant, as scheduled.
• Liaison with other departments and supervisors regarding patient care and hospital operations; resolve issues, as needed.
• Oversee cleaning, stocking, and inventory duties for the department.
• Exhibit confidentiality and professionalism in all regards for employee issues; be proactive in the approach to issue resolution.
• Keep hospital management informed of any issues or risks that might impact operations or employee relations; work with the management team to resolve.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or the equivalent.
• Veterinary Technician Registration or equivalent experience.
• High level of competence in the complete range of veterinary technician skills.
• Working in a team environment.
• Customer Service.
• Attention to detail.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Supervisory skills, including performance management, feedback, and communications.
• Staff scheduling skills.
• Professionalism and ability to properly handle confidential information.

Competencies:

• Leadership skills.
• Time management.
• Organization skills.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Multi-tasking and setting priorities.
• Empathy.

Additional Notes:

• Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), or the Licensed Veterinary Medical Technician (LVMT) preferred or equivalent experience.
• Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) or must possess or be eligible to be granted a Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substances Permit (VACSP) in California or equivalent as required by other states.

The list of essential functions, as outlined in this job description, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of any job function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

Position Overview: The Kennel Assistant supports and adds value to an efficient organization dedicated to quality care and exceptional service. This position supports veterinarians and technicians in their daily tasks by cleaning and maintaining equipment; feeding, exercising, and grooming pets; preparing and sanitizing surgery suites; restraining and handling pets; monitoring the well-being of boarding and day care patients; and performing basic clerical work.

Essential Functions:

• Provides compassionate care to pets
• Receives animals to be admitted, weighing them upon entry; ensures that they have proper identification and records their respective locations
• Examines patients for external parasites such as fleas and/or ticks
• Communicates in a positive manner with owners and ensures that they feel comfortable leaving their pet(s)
• Gives hospital and kennel tours; highlights key features that differentiate our kennel/hospital from others in the area
• Feeds animals as prescribed by the attending Veterinarian or as the owner has requested; records appetites; water intake, as well as fecal and urine production
• Recognizes and reports any unusual conditions or abnormal behaviors and monitors pets for signs of distress or disease.
• Gives baths to and brushes pets
• Assists Veterinarians and technicians with the administration of medications or with pet restraint
• Maintains the cleanliness of the hospital each day; cleans equipment and facilities using chemicals and supplies; ensures the safe use of chemicals
• Follows a regular schedule for cleaning and sanitizing all cages, runs, wards, and related areas; changes litter boxes and food/water bowls
• Completes the weekly and monthly chore list to maintain hospital cleanliness, equipment, and the overall appearance of the hospital
• Correctly prioritizes tasks
• Maintains laundry for the kennel, grooming, and hospital
• Provides patients with fresh, clean bedding when appropriate
• Walks or brings dogs into the yard for exercising
• Maintains the grounds of the property including waste disposal; responsible for light maintenance of landscape upkeep and general building maintenance
• Prepares pets for discharge; gathers toys, bedding, medications, and food; checks pets for cleanliness, and measures and records their exit weights for comparison against their entry weights
• Releases pets to their owners as directed; ensures that every animal released is clean and properly groomed prior to their release
• Understands and carries out oral and written directions
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Remain professional and courteous to clients and co-workers while handling multiple tasks at once with many interruptions.
• Learn and understand our services and health recommendations and be able to clearly communicate these to clients.
• Be able to deal with difficult and/or aggressive patients in an effective manner meanwhile keeping yourself, the pet, and co-workers safe
• Performs other duties as assigned by Manager.

Competencies:

• Organization
• Multitasking
• Communicating

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• Some experience working at a kennel or animal hospital preferred
• May consider an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience

Position Requirements:

• Ability to work with or around sick animals, potentially hazardous materials, cleaning chemicals, gas anesthetics, zoonotic diseases, and unpleasant odors
• Must be flexible with scheduling and able to work some weekends and holidays
• This is a strenuous job that requires a lot of lifting, cleaning, and constant motion
• Depending on functional area of assignment, tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station and/or extended periods of time standing and/or walking
• May involve some climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling
• Some tasks involve the periodic performance of moderately physically demanding work, usually involving lifting or carrying moderately heavy animals (up to 50 pounds)

Additional Information: The list of essential functions, as outlined in this job description, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of any job function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.