CHARLOTTESVILLE-ALBEMARLE SPCA
JOB DESCRIPTION
Postion: Surgery Assistant
Job Status: Non-Exempt
Reports to: Clinic Manager – Dogs, Clinic Manager - Cats
Summary
The CASPCA surgical team completes 20-30 surgeries per day. The majority of surgeries are routine spay/neuter of dogs
and cats, however, additional procedures such as amputations, enucleations, and dentals are also performed. Surgery
assistants are an essential part of this process and must have the ability to maintain a positive attitude, strong work ethic,
and be an effective team player in a fast-paced work environment.
Working Relationships
Works closely with members of the Surgery Team (veterinarians, LVTs, other surgery assistants). Communicates
frequently with the front desk staff, clinic staff, and Clinic Outpatient and Foster Coordinator.
Essential Duties and Functions
 Preparing surgery paperwork (patient charts and discharge instructions).
 Responsible for instrument cleaning, pack preparation and sterilization.
 Properly restraining patients for vet examinations and during induction for the LVTs.
 Checking-in surgery patients and aid in identifying any special needs, particularly in feral cats (URI symptoms,
wounds, hair loss)
 Preparing for and assisting the veterinarian in dental procedures.
 Responsible for ensuring the recovery areas are clean, appropriately stocked, and organized. Frequently sanitizing
the recovery cage banks.
 Maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the Wet Room, Prep Room, and Operating Room.
 Performing group discharges for routine spay/neuter patients and answer client questions about spay/neuter
recovery.
 Monitoring patients pre-, intra-, and post-operatively.
 Administering vaccinations and other treatments designated by the veterinarian post-operatively.
 Assisting the veterinarian as needed during walk-in appointments (Rabies vaccines/microchipping) and other
outpatient appointments.
 Transcribing surgery notes for the veterinarians as needed.
 Will work one Saturday/month as the veterinarian’s assistant.
 Other tasks as requested by the Clinic Managers.
AT WILL EMPLOYMENT:
There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an employment offer. It is the
policy of the Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA that employment for this position is at will, which means that
employment is for no specific term and that employment may be terminated by the employee or the CASPCA at any
time without cause.
MY SIGNATURE CERTIFIES THAT I HAVE RECEIVED A COPY OF MY JOB DESCRIPTION AND THAT
I AM ABLE TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND FUNCTINS AS OUTLINED ABOVE.
Employee Acknowledgement:
Signature of Employee _________________________________Date______________________________
Print Name: _______________________________________________________