Senior Veterinary Assistant

Summary:

Brooklyn Community Veterinary Clinic provides expert veterinary care to support the welfare of animals and their people through stationary and mobile veterinary clinics in underserved communities. The Senior Veterinary Assistant (SVA) – Community Veterinary Clinic (CVC) is a vital member of the veterinary medical team, supporting spay/neuter surgery and primary pet care for cats and dogs living with their families and rescued animals in New York City.

What you’ll do

The SVA supports two program functions: spay/neuter surgery and primary pet care. Responsibilities include client communication, assisting the veterinarian and veterinary technician, animal handling, preparing animals for surgery, entering medical records, monitoring patients under anesthesia, and performing various medical and customer service tasks.

Benefits

• Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer‑paid dental, optional vision, life, and long‑term disability insurance.
• Flexible time off—vacation, sick, bereavement, paid parental leave, company holidays, and one week of paid personal time.
• Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings—including a 401(k) plan with dollar‑for‑dollar match up to 4% and an additional 4% contribution.
• Robust professional development opportunities—classes, on‑the‑job training, coaching, mentorship, internal mobility, and field support.

Work Schedule

Typical 8‑hour schedule with a paid 1‑hour lunch break; occasional work beyond the scheduled day. On‑site role at 464 New Lots Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11207.

Compensation

Target hiring range: $25.00 – $26.44 per hour, with potential increases for performance.

Responsibilities

• Care for up to 35–40 cats and dogs per day in spay/neuter surgery.
• Use low‑stress handling techniques during exams, treatments, injections, venipuncture, and intubation.
• Monitor vital signs of sedated and anesthetized patients in pre‑operative, operative, and post‑operative phases.
• Follow medical protocols and animal care instructions from the clinic veterinarian or veterinary technician.
• Organize and maintain pre‑operative area and operating room for patient anesthesia, surgical preparation, and sterilization.
• Ensure anesthesia machines, pulse oximeters, scales, and other equipment are functional and report issues.
• Clean, sonicate, pack, and sterilize surgical instruments and endotracheal tubes.
• Assist with cleaning and disinfecting animal areas and facility, using appropriate PPE.
• Assist with patient exams, take medical history, perform diagnostic testing, and prepare prescriptions.
• Provide support in special cases, including evaluation of animals living in hoarding situations.
• Communicate with clients professionally and non‑judgmentally.
• Assist clients with intake processes and flag relevant medical history.
• Explain veterinary medical concepts, vaccine protocols, and anesthetic risks to clients.
• Enter medical information into digital databases.
• Represent ASPCA professionally and courteously.
• Adhere to OSHA protocols and CM Standard Operating Procedures.
• Collaborate and communicate with ASPCA colleagues.
• Participate in veterinary/medical training and staff meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Core Values

• Commitment to improving the lives of animals.
• Ownership and accountability.
• Team collaboration.
• Elevate others and reimagine possibilities.
• Impact—making change for animals.

Qualifications

• Experience using a computer and navigating software applications.
• Ability to lift and carry 40+ pounds repeatedly with assistance.
• Ability to work standing for 8+ hours.
• Fear Free® Shelter certification required within 60 days of hire.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to remain efficient and calm under challenging conditions.
• Open mind toward learning, implementing, and teaching new protocols.
• Excellent animal handling skills (cats, dogs).
• Strong interest in animal welfare and serving underserved communities.

Education & Work Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 1 year of animal handling in a professional setting; veterinary medical experience preferred.

Language

• English (Required)
• Bilingual Spanish strongly preferred.

EEO Policy

The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state or local laws.

ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).

Location

464 New Lots Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11207.