Veterinary Assistant

Communication/Interpersonal contact

Regular verbal communication with department and other operational staff, as well as written communication via written standard operating procedures, memos, emails, charts and signs. Regular verbal communication with adopters, volunteers and clients through direct contact, over the telephone, or written communication.

Licenses/Certification required: Ability to obtain Veterinary Med Clerk license (can be obtained on the job)

Knowledge/Experience/Education or training

• Familiar with characteristics of animal behavior and utilization low stress animal handling as related to a clinic/shelter environment Must be able to use appropriate safety equipment for fractious or feral animals Will be asked to handle large volumes of animals per day.
• Must be proficient at safe animal handling and restraint for various clinic procedures Must be able to read, write, listen and communicate effectively Must be able to perform basic mathematical operations Should be able to identify personal limitations and be willing to ask for help Ability to work independently or as part of a team Should be able to identify personal limitations and be willing to ask for help OTHER REQUIREMENTS: The ideal candidate for this role must possess certain physical and cognitive abilities.
• They must be able to work for extended periods, standing or sitting for 10 or more hours, and lift and carry up to 30 pounds repeatedly, with or without accommodation.
• Additionally, they must be able to bend, kneel, and work on hands and knees repeatedly, as well as use ladders and step stools.
• Fine motor skills are also essential, requiring an acceptable degree of dexterity in hands and fingers.
• Furthermore, the candidate must be able to work efficiently in stressful conditions including frequent interruptions, respond quickly to various medical situations, and rapidly process information with accuracy.
• Finally, they must be capable of working independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Working conditions

Primarily indoor working conditions in an office/clinic setting for nine to twelve hours per day. Some work may be done in kennels or outdoors. Exposures to potential hazards include waste anesthetic gases, radiation, cleaning chemicals and disinfectants, formalin, needles, scalpel blades and other sharp hazards, animal bites and scratches, zoonotic diseases, animal hair, dander and wastes, pharmaceutical and biological agents, euthanasia solution, eye hazards, steam (from autoclave), wet floors, potential electrical hazards, constant noise (vacuum, fan, barking) and interruptions, back strain, exposure to cold or other hazards with walk-in freezer.

Work hours

Full-time, non-exempt, hourly position. Scheduled for 40 hours per week, generally scheduled over four ten-hour shifts. The Shelter and Veterinary Clinic are open 7 days per week including holidays; schedule may vary depending on coverage, holidays or emergencies.

Seattle humane core values

• Candidate should be committed to
• Seattle
• Humane’s
• Core
• Values: Collaboration Compassion Accessibility Respect Adaptability

Who We Are

Seattle Humane is more than a shelter; we’re a community resource center. We're meeting the increasing need for pet owner support services so that families don't have to choose between an overdue bill and a beloved family member. We're training the next generation of veterinarians in our state-of-the-art medical center. We're building a community of animal advocates through our volunteer and youth education programs. The impact of Seattle Humane is life-changing, for the animals in our care and the people who love them. Our top priority is to connect animals in need of rescue with the people who will love them. Through our outreach, advocacy and services, we strive to ensure that animal companionship is accessible to all. Equal Opportunity Statement: As an equal opportunity employer, Seattle Humane is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.