The Veterinary Assistant supports the veterinarians and veterinary technicians in ensuring q uality veterinary care for all p ets, advocates for p ets, educates clients on all aspects of p et health, and ensures a safe and effective hospital environment. E SSENTIAL R ESPONSIBILITIES AND T ASKS  Live and exemplify the Five Principles of Mars, Inc. within self and team.  Act as the extra eyes, ears and hands for the veterinarian and veterinary technician to ensure the best quality p et care and to maximize the veterinarian's and veterinary technician’s produc tivity. C ommunicate with veterinarian, veterinary technicians and all other associate s to maintain the flow of patients.  Provide professional, efficient and exceptional service at all times. This includes performing or preparing procedures that do not req uire veterinarian or veterinary technician assistance, completing preparatory work for other procedures, ensuring that clients and p ets are comfortable in the hospital, and monitoring hospitalized or surgical p ets as allowed in the state practice acts .  Educate clients about Optimum Wellness Plans, preventive care, p et health needs, hospital services and other issues.  Obtain relevant information and history from clients and maintain proper and complete medical charts.  Ensure the safety of p ets, clients a nd associate s by utilizing safe restraining techniques, following standard protocols, and maintaining clean, sterile and organized treatment areas, exam rooms and labs.  Assist with surgery as applicable.  Utilize technical skills to the fullest, within stat e practice acts and as outlined in the NAVTA guidelines for veterinary assistant skills and duties.  Mentor other paraprofessionals in the hospital.  Other job duties as assigned.