Horse Handler - Hagyard Equine Medical Institute

Job Description

Job Description

PetVet Care Centers' Hagyard Equine Medical Institute  is currently seeking a Horse Handler to join their team!

At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage — for all the moments that matter.

Because life is better with pets.

We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.

With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide , we offer:

• Local autonomy with national support
• Career mobility and development opportunities
• A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.

Position Overview

Join our team as a Horse Handler who assists the patient with all aspects of surgical recovery.

Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, Kentucky, is an internationally recognized leader in equine medicine, combining cutting-edge technology with a collaborative team dedicated to advancing equine health and performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Admit patients
• Help keep barn and surgery area clean
• Hold horses for procedures
• Scrub clean and rinse and help bandage wounds
• Plus barn tech duties
• Monitoring bandaging
• Take patients outside when needed
• Feed patients as needed
• Communicate with Practice Manager, doctors
• Restrain patients as needed
• Model professionalism and ethical practices
• Promote cooperative working environment among staff members; understand the value of teamwork; show enthusiasm and willingness to perform as necessary to help the practice function as a unit
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Promotes continuous quality improvement
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications (Required)

• Demonstrated advanced understanding of equine veterinary practices
• Equine handling experience is required
• Ability to read horse body language and perform advanced handling of horses and foals
• Self-motivated lifelong learner
• Works well independently and as part of a team
• Feel and express a genuine liking for animals and for working in an animal-care environment.
• Work under the broad general administrative supervision of the owners and doctors, and use sound personal judgment in selecting methods, establishing priorities, and arriving at conclusions
• May be required to work uncommon hours, overtime, and be subject to recall in emergency situations
• Be flexible in attitude and work habits
• Lift and carry up to 25 pounds
• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this position

Schedule

• Day Shift, schedule is based on hospital needs
• Weekend availability may be needed

What We Offer
We care deeply about supporting our team members — professionally and personally. Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
• 401(k) with discretionary contribution
• Team Member Pet Discounts
• Emotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
• CE stipends and career development resources
• Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources

Pay Range

$16—$16 USD

At PetVet Care Centers, we're committed to a  Culture of Care — for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 400 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals , including 1700+ veterinarians , we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.

Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy , empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you're providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.

You care for pets. We care for you.

PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V

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