This is highly skilled medical assistance work supporting a veterinarian in a countywide animal shelter program.

Employees in this class maintain a close working relationship with their supervising veterinarian and exercise considerable independent judgment and initiative in the care and treatment of animals within the shelter. Work involves a wide variety of laboratory activities as well as the inoculation of animals and other activities as assigned. Supervision is received from a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine who evaluates work in progress and upon completion.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Prepares animals for surgery and medication; performs laboratory tests and prepares laboratory reports as directed by a veterinarian.

Performs or assists in performance of euthanasia under direction of a veterinarian; selects and assembles those animals to be euthanized in accordance with law and shelter policy; advises information counter staff of animals euthanized.

Provides information counter staff with data on required rabies vaccinations and surgical sterilization schedules for response to public information requests.

Controls and safeguards all drugs and medicines as directed.

Sweeps, hoses, scrubs and disinfects floors, walls and tables in operating suite; cleans and disinfects or sterilizes equipment and instruments as directed by veterinarian on duty.

Participates and assists in public rabies clinics.

Assists in the holding, feeding and caring for all animals impounded.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Considerable knowledge of county and state animal control laws and regulations.

Considerable knowledge of methods and practices for the maintenance of clean and humane conditions for impounded animals.

Knowledge of basic veterinary medicine, laboratory practices, materials, equipment and instruments.

Knowledge of general aseptic and sterile techniques.

Knowledge of techniques of preparing surgical packs and the proper cleaning and sterilization of surgical instruments.

Ability to communicate effectively with superiors, shelter personnel, and the public with extreme tact and courtesy.

Ability to perform laboratory tests.

Ability to use medical equipment typical of veterinary medicine and assist a veterinarian performing surgery.

NEW 10-78