Assistant, Veterinary Programs - Los Angeles, CA

Veterinary Programs Assistant

The Veterinary Programs Assistant supports high-quality medical care for animals in Best Friends' lifesaving and veterinary programs. This role is responsible for daily activities within the veterinary department, including providing basic medical care, supporting veterinary procedures, maintaining records, assisting foster caregivers and volunteers, and ensuring animals receive excellent daily care. Veterinary Assistants act with urgency to accomplish critical tasks and play a direct role in achieving Best Friends Animal Society's no-kill mission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform basic medical treatments under veterinary direction, including medicating, vaccinating, administering subcutaneous fluids, and microchipping.
• Assist with all aspects of spay/neuter surgery including, exam, induction, anesthesia monitoring and recover.
• Assist with daily care for animals receiving treatment or temporarily housed within the veterinary clinic or isolation.
• Maintain clean and properly disinfected workspaces and treatment areas.
• Accurately enter and maintain patient records, medical data, and controlled substance logs.
• Support volunteers and foster caregivers by providing medical guidance, aftercare instructions, and emergency support.
• Deliver exceptional customer service to adopters, visitors, volunteers, and community partners.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support organizational and lifesaving goals.
• Follow established policies, procedures, safety practices, and recordkeeping requirements.
• Promote a safe and positive workplace by modeling safe work practices and communicating concerns when needed.

Skills and Experience:

• At least one year of experience working with animals and providing basic veterinary care preferred.
• A strong interest in veterinary medicine and animal health.
• Experience handling cats and dogs of varying sizes, temperaments, and medical conditions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A customer-focused, compassionate, and non-judgmental approach when working with adopters, fosters, volunteers, and colleagues.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• A resourceful, proactive, "get-it-done" attitude.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Physical Requirements:

• Lift and carry up to 40 pounds regularly.
• Perform activities such as standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, squatting, and cleaning throughout the day.
• Complete repetitive tasks, including typing and data entry.
• Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Handle dogs and cats of different sizes, temperaments, and medical conditions.
• Availability to work weekends and holidays as needed.

Thank you for your interest in pursuing a career at Best Friends Animal Society. Best Friends Animal Society is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or domestic partner status.

Applicants for employment in the U.S. must have valid work authorization that does not now and/or will not in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S. by Best Friends Animal Society.