VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

THE MAR VISTA ANIMAL MEDICAL CENTER VOLUNTEER PROGRAM 

This program is ideal for anyone interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine or veterinary technology. The beginning level volunteers should graduate the program with the following skills:

• Administration of subcutaneous injections including vaccinations
• Reliable blood collection from dogs and cats
• Setting up and reading a fecal flotation for parasites
• Safe restraint of dogs and cats for medical examination and treatment
• Tending cages and reliably monitoring patient comfort
• Monitoring intravenous fluid administration
• Performing and understanding the theory of CITE ELISA immunologic testing
• Performing “stat 4” in house blood testing  without supervision
• Cleaning and assembling a surgical instrument pack
• Cleaning and properly folding surgical drapes and gowns
• Administration of subcutaneous fluids and be able to teach others how to do so
• Reliably clean infected ears
• Reliably empty anal glands
• Reliably trim toenails
• Assemble an Elizabethan collar

Volunteers are frequently used to assist in complicated surgeries depending on the day of the week they have chosen to work.  There are also evening lectures sponsored by medical product manufacturers that volunteers are able (but not required) to attend.

Volunteers are expected to work a full shift on the days they have selected under the direct supervision of one of the hospital veterinary technicians. Our hospital is open seven days a week thus there are seven days available for volunteer positions and a volunteer may work up to five days a week. Volunteers may select a regular day or days to work each week; however, due to limited space, we can only support one volunteer per day. Volunteers are selected based on the merit of their applications and strength of their interview. Telephone interviews are available.  As we expect our volunteers to have extensive exposure to our pet owning clients, we are looking for people with out-going cheerful personalities in addition to a caring, gentle attitude towards animals. Experience in other hospitals is not necessary as we recognize often the first step towards a career in the veterinary field is a volunteer position.

Ideally, an applicant has allowed enough time for orientation materials to be studied prior to beginning his or her volunteer appointment. This includes time to review the OSHA required safety information as well as hospital policies and basic medical techniques.

Volunteers are expected to wear appropriate scrubs at their own expense and pay for their orientation materials.

If a volunteer is a minor, a special permission form must be signed by his or her parents.

An internet connection at home during the volunteer’s appointment is helpful as there may be reading assignments from the world wide web.

We highly encourage our volunteers (and anyone else considering a veterinary career) to purchase this book. It can be purchased online on:

Amazon.com

Resume and cover letter may be sent to the address below:

Richard Baltin, Office Manager
Mar Vista Animal Medical Center
3850 Grand View Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90066