Dustin Smith

Provide all aspects of care for shelter animals including cage cleaning, exercising, feeding, monitoring for illness, performing diagnostic tests, following strict disease prevention •protocols and administering all necessary medical care.

• Provide assistance with foster, recently adopted and shelter animals including helping during exams, animal restraint, grooming, administering vaccines and treatments, client education, prescription filling and medical record entry.
• Complete and record thorough medical examinations
• Read and interpret medical records to determine vaccination status and medical needs.
• Perform intake examinations, administer vaccinations and medical treatments for shelter animals (which includes fractious or fearful animals)
• Assist with training new Medical Nurses and Nurse Assistants when needed
• Working cooperatively with other staff members, perform general cleaning of all areas to maintain a clean, odor-free clinic and shelter. Maintain clinic and surgical equipment such as microscopes and packs; assist in maintaining healthy, safe, sanitary, pleasant and clean facilities for the animals under the care of the Animal Care and Control Team of Philadelphia at all times.
• Perform common laboratory tests, complete forms for out-of-house laboratory, file and scan lab test results, clean laboratory areas, perform related data entry
• Obtain certification in euthanasia and perform and assist with euthanasia
• Obtain certification in specimen preparation for rabies testing through the Health Department and perform and assist with specimen preparation
• Admit and release animals in a responsive, courteous and tactful manner and through managed recordkeeping, inform volunteers, staff and the public of any pertinent medical information regarding an animal’s care; assist staff and volunteers whenever necessary to assure smooth, courteous handling of the public and their pets.
• Work courteously and cooperatively with staff and volunteers to ensure that all established procedures and policies of the Animal Care and Control Team of Philadelphia are followed; follow established procedures governing safe work practices including but not limited to wearing protective clothing/equipment when necessary; perform duties in a manner which encourages attainment of goals, contributions and business set for the Animal Care and Control Team of Philadelphia and its programs
• Treat people and animals with respect; contribute to effective teamwork; foster public relations beneficial to the Animal Care and Control Team of Philadelphia and its programs; promote a humane and caring attitude towards all animals and treat all animals humanely, properly and with compassion at all times, regardless of circumstances and including those animals that are sick, wild, feral or aggressive
• Perform all other duties of the Veterinary Nurse Assistant position as required.

Assist customers with any questions or concerns about their pets.

Taken inventory, stock shelves, and set up displays.

Clean, feed, and keep safe enclosures for animals.

Maintain specific climates for animals .humidity, bedding, temperature.

Assist customers with their purchases.

Small animal specialist. Aquatics specialist. Exotic animal specialist, Cat and Dog specialist .

Provide customers with necessary husbandry information to povide the best care for their animals.

Perform water chemistry analysis daily,weekly,and monthly. Adjust water chemistry using chemicals,water changes, moving animals , and munipulating substrates. Approximate amount of water per system 500 gallon per freshwater system, 250 gallons per salt water system. Adjust lighting and all necessary equipment to maintain optimal living conditions for all live animals, invertebrates, corals, and plants.

Safely handle all animals while transferring from primary enclosure to temporary holding tank,cage,or kennels to preform necessary cleaning and maintenance.

Assist customers with any questions about animals,animal care,food or supplies .

Clean and maintain safe enclosures for all animals- Kittens,puppies, small mammals, reptiles,amphibians, fish, and invertebrates.

Assist customers with purchases.

Open and close registers.

Stock and rotate inventory .

provide customers with proper husbandry techniques and general knowledge for the pets well being.

schedule and check in animals for grooming appointments. Assist in bathing animals , safe handling and restraint techniques.

Provide exceptional customer service for continuous business.