Veterinary Support Specialist

Veterinary Support Specialist

The Veterinary Support Specialist plays a vital role in maintaining a clean, safe, and functional medical environment while providing hands-on support to the veterinary team. This position is responsible for the daily sanitation and upkeep of all medical and surgical spaces, including treatment kennels, isolation areas, exam rooms, prep areas, and surgical suites. In addition to cleaning and disinfection responsibilities, this role assists the medical team with animal restraint, basic handling, and surgical preparation support. This position is designed as an entry-level pathway into the medical team, offering opportunities for growth and skill development for individuals interested in advancing into veterinary assisting or technician roles. This role requires comfort working in a high-volume shelter environment that may include exposure to injured or ill animals.

Primary Responsibilities

• Medical & Surgical Area Sanitation
• Animal Handling & Medical Support
• Support to Medical Team

Qualifications & Essential Functions Required:

• Experience with kennel cleaning and sanitation in an animal care setting or willingness to learn
• Comfort working around animals of all sizes and temperaments
• Ability to follow detailed cleaning and disinfection protocols
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and remain on feet for extended periods
• Strong attention to detail and reliability
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work independently and as part of a team
• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this role

Preferred:

• Experience in a shelter, clinic, or veterinary environment
• Interest in pursuing a veterinary assistant or technician career path
• Basic knowledge of animal behavior and handling

Skills & Competencies

• Strong work ethic and initiative
• Ability to work in a fast-paced medical environment
• Willingness to learn medical procedures and animal handling techniques
• Team-oriented mindset
• Excellent time management and organization
• Commitment to cleanliness and infection control

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and reaching
• Ability to safely handle animals of varying size, strength, and temperament
• Exposure to cleaning chemicals, medical waste, and infectious disease areas
• Risk of animal bites or scratches
• Frequent repetitive motions
• Occasional exposure to loud noise and strong odors
• Fast-paced veterinary medical setting
• Regular, in-person interaction with animals, coworkers, and veterinary staff

Benefits:

• Medical and Dental: Employer pays 90% of employee coverage (full-time)
• Insurance includes wellness, dental, vision, life, mental health care, prescriptions, emergency & urgent care, chiropractic care, and physical therapy
• Telemedicine options, 24/7 access to virtual health & wellness care and virtual behavioral health care

PAID TIME OFF

• All part-time and full-time staff receive paid time off.
• Paid Holidays - 9 paid holidays per year (full-time)
• Vacation Time - 10 paid vacation days per year (full-time) with scheduled increases at milestone anniversaries of hire date
• Sick Time - 6.5 paid sick days per year (full-time)

FINANCIAL

• Healthcare: Flexible Spending Account
• 401k Plan
• Coastal Federal Credit Union Membership
• 20% discount on pet adoptions and in SPCA Wake retail store

OTHER

• Bereavement time off
• Federal & State Leave of Absence options

Disclaimer This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Responsibilities may change based on organizational needs.

Only the most qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews. No phone calls or emails, please we'll have our people call your people!