Veterinary Assistant I - Shelter Medicine

JOB TITLE: Veterinary Assistant I – Shelter Medicine
DEPARTMENT: Clinic
REPORTS TO: Clinic Manager
STATUS: Non-Exempt

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Veterinary Assistant with at least one year of veterinary experience, preferably in an animal shelter setting. This position is focused on providing hands-on medical care and support to shelter animals throughout their stay, from intake through adoption, foster placement, or transfer.

The Veterinary Assistant I works closely with veterinarians and other members of the medical team to provide preventive care, perform treatments and diagnostic testing, assist with the management of illness and injury, and help ensure timely and consistent medical care in a fast-paced shelter environment. This role requires strong animal handling skills, attention to detail, adaptability, and an understanding of diseases and medical conditions commonly encountered in shelter medicine.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Uphold the PETS Work Culture Agreement through Praise, Engagement, Trust and Support.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with veterinarians, team members, clients, fosters, and other departments.
• Safely and compassionately handle and restrain cats, dogs, and other animals for examinations, treatments, diagnostic procedures, and sample collection.
• Provide hands-on medical care to shelter animals as directed by a veterinarian, including administering vaccines, medications, preventatives, fluids, and prescribed treatments.
• Perform physical examinations on shelter animals and accurately document findings in the medical record.
• Monitor animals for changes in health or behavior and promptly communicate concerns to the veterinary team.
• Collect and prepare diagnostic samples, including blood, fecal, urine, skin, and other specimens as appropriate.
• Perform or assist with in-house diagnostic testing, including but not limited to FeLV/FIV testing, heartworm testing, parvovirus testing, fecal flotation, skin scrapes, cytology, and other point-of-care testing.
• Assist Veterinary Assistant II and/or Veterinary Technician staff with diagnostic radiographs and other medical procedures as needed.
• Provide care and treatments for animals with common shelter-related illnesses, including animals housed in isolation or specialized medical areas.
• Follow established infectious-disease prevention, sanitation, isolation, and personal protective equipment protocols.
• Perform routine preventive and supportive care, including nail trims, ear cleaning, gland expression, wound care, and other treatments as directed.
• Maintain accurate and timely medical records, including documentation of treatments, medications, diagnostic results, and physical examination findings.
• Assist with the organization, stocking, cleaning, and maintenance of medical treatment areas, supplies, and equipment.
• Provide general animal husbandry as needed, including feeding, cleaning, and maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for animals in care.
• Work collaboratively with the veterinary and shelter teams to help ensure animals receive timely medical care and progress appropriately through the shelter.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Intermediate knowledge of animal care, veterinary medical procedures, and common diseases and medical conditions encountered in a shelter environment.
• Proficiency in safe animal handling and restraint for medical examinations, treatments, and diagnostic procedures.
• Experience administering medications, vaccines, and routine medical treatments.
• Ability to collect and prepare samples for common veterinary diagnostic tests.
• Ability to recognize changes in an animal's medical condition or behavior and appropriately communicate concerns to veterinary staff.
• Ability to accurately follow written and verbal medical instructions and maintain complete medical records.
• Understanding of basic infectious-disease prevention and biosecurity practices in a shelter environment.
• Compassionate and empathetic approach to animal care, including handling animals that may be fearful, stressed, fractious, or exhibit behavioral challenges.
• Strong multitasking and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize patient needs in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changes in patient needs, protocols, priorities, and workflow.
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm, professional, and effective in potentially stressful or emotional situations.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED required.
• One or more years of previous experience as a veterinary assistant required; shelter medicine experience preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work safely around companion animals.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and meet the physical demands of the role, including standing for extended periods and lifting up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work comfortably with cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish, wildlife, and other species that may enter the shelter.
• Due to the nature of shelter work, may be exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; hostile or irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, or sights; and extreme temperatures.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Available to work an extended schedule, including weekends, early mornings, evenings, and holidays according to the demands of the role and assigned tasks.

The job description is a guide to the essential functions of the job, not an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, qualifications, physical demands, and work environment conditions. Job descriptions are reviewed and revised to meet the changing needs of the organization at the sole discretion of management.

Anti-Cruelty is an equal opportunity employer.

 

Employment Type: Full Time
Years Experience: 1 - 3 years
Salary: $19 - $20 Hourly
Bonus/Commission: No