Animal Care Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

  Benefits/Perks

• Competitive Compensation
• Great Work Environment
• Career Advancement Opportunities

Job Summary

We are seeking an Animal Care Assistant to join our team! As an Animal Care Assistant you will spend your days tending to the animals under our care, including following guidelines for feeding, refilling water bowls, and offering treats and companionship. You will also assist techs and doctors throughout the day. You will also be responsible for ensuring the environment is clean and safe for all the animals as well as walking or socializing animals as needed. The ideal candidate is comfortable working with all types of animals, can work on their feet for long periods of time, and can work well in a team environment. 

Responsibilities 

• Patient Feeding & Hydration: Administer specific diets and fresh water according to veterinary staff instructions and individual patient medical plans.
• Walking & Exercise: Safely walk canine patients using proper low-stress handling techniques to assess mobility and encourage elimination.
• Grooming & Hygiene: Bathe, dry, and groom patients as needed, ensuring animals remain clean, dry, and comfortable during their stay.
• Patient Monitoring: Observe and report changes in animal behavior, appetite, urination, defecation, or general condition immediately to veterinary technicians or doctors.
• Restraint Assistance: Safely restrain dogs and cats for physical exams, diagnostic tests, blood draws, and medical treatments using fear-free and low-stress handling principles.

Facility Operations & Sanitation

• Kennel Maintenance: Clean, sanitize, and disinfect runs, cages, and exercise yards using appropriate veterinary-grade protocols to prevent cross-contamination.
• Laundry & Supplies: Wash, fold, and restock towels, blankets, surgical drapes, and patient bedding throughout the shift.
• Facility Upkeep: Maintain a spotless, odorless environment in patient wards, exam rooms, treatment areas, and lobby spaces.
• Surgical Cleaning: Properly clean, package, autoclave, and organize surgical instruments and preparation materials under supervision.

Administrative & Technical Support

• Stock & Inventory: Monitor inventory levels of food, cleaning supplies, and patient care items, unpacking shipments and restocking work areas.
• Waste Disposal: Safely handle and dispose of medical waste, sharps, and hazardous materials following state and clinic safety guidelines.
• Record Keeping: Accurately document feeding, elimination, weight, and general care observations in patient medical charts or software.
• Client Interaction: Greet clients during patient drop-off and pickup, escort patients to wards, and assist with delivering patients to owners upon discharge.

Qualifications

• Must be comfortable working with dogs and cats.
• Must be comfortable working on your feet for long periods of time
• Familiarity with basic computer programs
• Must be comfortable communicating with clients and answering phones