- Assist veterinarians, by performing more routine tasks, freeing them for specialized, complex tasks. .
- Assist veterinarians perform duties in the medical, surgical, and therapeutic treatment of animals.
- Under the direction of veterinarians, they assist with physical examinations that help determine the nature of the illness or injury.
- They assist with immunizations and administer medications, anesthesia and blood plasma to the animals as prescribed by the veterinarian.
- Technicians take and record temperature, pulse and respiration.
- They collect and label specimens for culture or microscopic examination.
- They dress and bandage wounds, apply splints and other protective devices, and clean and extract teeth.
- They also give enemas and perform catheterization, ear flushes, intravenous feedings, and gavage (the introduction of food into the stomach by means of a tube).
- Veterinary Technicians operate electro-cardio graphic and radiographic equipment and also expose and develop diagnostic radiographs.
- In surgery, they assist veterinarians by providing correct equipment and instruments and by ensuring that monitoring and support equipment such as anesthetic machines, cardiac monitors, scopes and breathing apparatus are in good working condition.
- Technicians must also maintain treatment records and inventory of all pharmaceuticals, equipment and supplies.
- They may give emergency resuscitation or do other life saving procedures. Observation of the behavior and condition of the animals being cared for is an important part of the job.
- Techs must be able to use the computer system for billing, training and general improvement of their skills.
- Techs must be multi-skilled and take on clinical as well as clerical roles as needed. In particular technicians must be able to complete transactions and act as a temporary receptionist should the receptionist be absent from the front desk.
- Techs should be able to advise clients on general pet care – healthy housing and feeding; vaccinations, taking animals abroad- and they must be able to recognize emergency situations.
- Techs should also have a basic understanding of cat, dog and rabbit anatomy and physiology, and be familiar with the common parasites and micro-organisms which cause disease in pets.
- All staff needs to understand the aims and objectives of the veterinary practice.
- All staff need to understand each other's roles so that they avoid conflict.
- All staff should embrace Team work and communication to achieve the practice and personal goals.
- All staff should have knowledge of common veterinary terminology.
- Should be aware of correct hygiene procedures, the categories of veterinary waste and how it is disposed of from the practice.
- All staff should ensure that bills are completed accurately.
- Personal characteristics necessary for success in the job include a keen interest in animals, the ability to communicate well, and aptitudes to learn and independently apply techniques and methods of examination and treatment of animals.
- Interpersonal and team building skills are considered essential for success in this position.
- The assistant at all times should be cordial and helpful to his/her colleagues, doctors and especially our clients. There should be no task that is too large or too small for an assistant to help with. Peer reviews will be used to measure assistant’s team building skills and desire to collaborate on tasks.
- All staff needs to understand the aims and objectives of the veterinary practice.
- All staff needs to understand each others roles so that they avoid conflict.
- All staff should embrace Team work and communication to achieve the practice and personal goals.
- All staff should have knowledge of common veterinary terminology. Should be aware of correct hygiene procedures, the categories of veterinary waste and how it is disposed of from the practice.