In this article we will explore what does an animal care assistant do?
The role of support animal care assistant tends to significantly vary from one practice to another. In certain veterinarian practices where there are quite a large number of veterinary nurses registered and employed, an animal care assistant will be responsible for supporting them in whatever defined roles outlined for them.
In veterinary practices where there aren’t many veterinary nurses employed, the animal care assistant takes on a more wide-ranging role.
With the wide range of tasks capable of being carried out by an animal care assistant, it is important that whoever takes the role is an individual that has been sufficiently trained by a mentor, especially one that is currently active in the veterinary sector.
You have to be familiar with every practice protocol. It is imperative that an animal care assistant always ask questions when in doubt, as it is much better to ask and have the correct information than to make a mistake.
Animal Care
This particular role involves assisting with animal restraints, setting up kennels for patients. It could even involve conducting basic health checks in animals that are present in the veterinary practice. It is important that you are extremely familiar with the intricacies of every task before trying to attempt them. This is not just for your safety, but also for any staff present and the actual patient being worked on.
Below are a few tasks usually carried out by the animal care assistant:
Helping to restrain for injections, blood tests, claw clippings and more.
Monitoring vital signs of patients such as pulse, temperature, respiratory rates and other signs. Additionally, it could also be the job of an animal care assistant to check bandages, wounds, or intravenous fluids of the patients. This duty should, however, be under the supervision and direction of a veterinary nurse or surgeon.
Offering appropriate water and food to patients by strictly following the guidelines laid down by the veterinary nurse or veterinary surgeon
Providing suitable housing arrangements for any inpatients. legislation could include suitable kennel, stress management and bedding choices.
These are just a few of the responsibilities which animal care assistants have to carry out on a day to day basis.
Cleaning Duties
Cleaning is a common task carried out by an animal care assistant, and it is undoubtedly one of the tasks that you will have to get used to as an animal care assistant. Every veterinary practice is bound to have their very own protocols enacted in regards to the manner in which their kennels are set up and cleaned.
It will be your duty to ensure that you become familiar with every step used.
Additionally, you should ensure that you’re made aware of any imperative safety and health legislation, as well as other regulations, are connected to the involved procedure.
Handling Medications
Animal care assistants are in charge of the care and well-being of animals. They will be providing support and being engaged in the procedure of handling medication. Animal care assistants will also monitor the animal’s health and make sure that they are comfortable.
As an Animal care assistants you will also help with control of stock for medications.
Future Information
