Description
Assist veterinarians in all phases of surgery by preparing patients, operating rooms, and equipment; inducing and monitoring anesthesia; maintaining aseptic technique; and managing perioperative diagnostics, records, and recovery. Responsible for instrument care and sterilization, surgical supply inventory, and client education for pre- and post-operative care.
- • Administer, induce, and monitor anesthesia under veterinary direction; adjust dosages as needed.
- • Care for and monitor animals through induction, intra-op, and post-anesthetic recovery.
- • Calculate, prepare, and administer premedications, anesthetics, analgesics, and other perioperative drugs as prescribed.
- • Perform pre-op lab tests (CBC, chemistry, urinalysis, clotting times) to evaluate anesthetic risk.
- • Provide emergency support and resuscitation per protocol during anesthesia or recovery.
- • Collect, label, and submit surgical samples for culture, biopsy, or histopathology.
- • Clean, package, and sterilize instruments; operate and maintain autoclaves.
- • Set up sterile fields and pass instruments, maintaining aseptic technique throughout procedures.
- • Fill and label discharge medications for surgical patients as directed.
- • Clip and aseptically prep surgical sites; place IV catheters; assist with endotracheal intubation.
- • Obtain and record TPR, weight, pain scores, and other baseline and trend data.
- • Take pre-/intraoperative radiographs and position patients safely.
- • Maintain anesthesia, surgery, and recovery records; track controlled substance use.
- • Place urinary catheters and perform ear flushes, enemas, or gavage as ordered for surgical cases.
- • Prepare, stock, and turn over operating and treatment rooms between surgeries.
- • Inspect, calibrate, and maintain anesthesia machines and monitoring equipment.
- • Assist with dental procedures under anesthesia, including dental radiographs and prophylaxis.
- • Clean and disinfect surgery suites, recovery areas, and transport equipment to prevent infection.
- • Educate clients on pre-op fasting, post-op care, bandage care, activity restriction, and nutrition.
- • Assist with humane euthanasia and handling of remains when indicated.
- • Apply bandages, splints, e-collars, and wound dressings; assist with suturing under supervision.
- • Manage front-desk tasks related to surgery, including estimates, consent forms, and billing.
- • Perform surgical counts of sponges and instruments and handle sharps safely.
- • Maintain surgical and anesthesia supply inventories and place orders when low.
- • Safely restrain and position animals for induction, imaging, and procedures.
- • Communicate patient status to veterinarians and relay post-op updates to owners as directed.
- • Schedule surgeries and coordinate patient flow, lab work, and discharge times.
- • Troubleshoot equipment alarms and respond to changes in patient parameters promptly.
- • Ensure compliance with aseptic technique, biosecurity, and workplace safety standards.
- • Prepare and label biopsy and cytology submissions; coordinate courier or lab pickup.
- • Perform pain assessments and implement multimodal analgesia plans as directed.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
