Animal Care & Medical Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Animal Care & Medical Coordinator will work closely with the sanctuary owner and animal care team to oversee routine medical care for dogs and cats, maintain accurate medical records, coordinate veterinary appointments, and help ensure the overall health and wellbeing of sanctuary residents.

This role combines hands-on animal care, medical support, administrative coordination, and frequent interaction with both animals and people. The successful candidate will receive training and mentorship from experienced staff members and will gain valuable experience in shelter and rescue medicine.

This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals every day. You will work alongside a dedicated team of animal advocates while gaining hands-on experience in rescue and shelter medicine. For the right person, this role can serve as a valuable stepping stone toward a long-term career in animal health and welfare.

Key Responsibilities

Animal Health & Medical Care

• Administer routine preventative care, including vaccinations (excluding rabies), flea and tick treatments, deworming, and other prescribed treatments.
• Monitor animals for signs of illness, injury, or behavioral changes and report concerns.
• Conduct basic health assessments and follow established examination protocols.
• Assist with blood collection and diagnostic testing, including heartworm and disease screening.
• Prepare and organize medications for daily and weekly administration.
• Administer medications as directed.
• Assist with intake evaluations for new animals entering the sanctuary.

Medical Records & Coordination

• Maintain accurate and detailed electronic medical records.
• Track vaccinations, treatments, medications, and health histories.
• Order medications and medical supplies as needed.
• Schedule and coordinate veterinary appointments.
• Arrange and occasionally provide transportation for animals to and from veterinary visits.

Animal Care Support

• Assist with daily animal care routines as needed.
• Perform basic grooming and hygiene tasks such as dog bathing and ear cleaning.
• Support overall health and wellness initiatives for sanctuary animals.
• Collaborate closely with animal care staff, trainers, volunteers, and veterinary partners.

Qualifications

Required

• Genuine passion for animal welfare and rescue work.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to follow procedures and maintain accurate records.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Comfortable handling dogs and cats of varying sizes, ages, and temperaments.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to transport animals when needed.
• Ability to lift, restrain, and handle animals safely.

Preferred

• Previous experience working with animals in a shelter, rescue, veterinary clinic, boarding facility, kennel, farm, or similar environment.
• Experience administering medications or assisting with animal medical care.
• Interest in pursuing veterinary technician or animal health training.

Formal veterinary technician certification is not required.

Schedule

• Full-time position
• Typical hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Saturday availability required
• One weekday off plus Sunday off
• Occasional flexibility may be needed for veterinary appointments and animal transports

Compensation & Benefits

• $15-$18/hr. (contingent on experience and qualifications)
• Two weeks of PTO
• Mileage reimbursement for approved animal transportation
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Potential assistance with relevant veterinary technician or animal health coursework