Veterinary Assistant

Summary:

Responsibilities:

Responsibility buckets are listed in general order of importance. They include, but are not limited to: 

Functional Duties 

• Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals in our care, our staff, and for our clients by using low-stress handling techniques  

• Collaborate with behavior and sheltering colleagues to ensure holistic, balanced care for animals and a cohesive team culture for staff 

• Communicate regularly with the behavior team using objective language and established communication systems to ensure information is shared in a timely fashion with relevant stakeholders 

• Observe individual animals and the overall population for signs of illness, injury, and/or poor welfare, communicating any issues quickly and effectively 

• Provide continuous hands-on support during exams, surgery, specimen collection, and humane euthanasia procedures  

• Administer oral and topic medical for preventive or therapeutic purposes under the direction of a veterinarian and in accordance with all state and federal laws 

• Monitor patients post-operatively to ensure safety and comfort and to identify possible post-operative or anesthesia-related complications 

• Maintain active knowledge of all daily procedures and protocols 

• Provide administrative support to the Veterinary Services team, accurately documenting findings, results, and other data in a timely fashion  

• Follow all protocols to ensure chain of custody is maintained and appropriately documented, and for the disposition of forensic evidence 

• Clean and disinfect kennels, equipment, and facility as needed, while donning appropriate PPE 

• Assist with daily animal care including feeding and medicating, as directed 

• Ensure medical areas are kept clean, organized, and ready for use 

• Track inventory and ensure veterinary areas are well stocked at all times  

• Identify and communicate inventory and ordering needs 

Administrative, Financial, and Operational Duties 

• Participate in daily rounds alongside behavioral and sheltering staff, collaborating openly to provide excellent and integrated care  

• Regularly attend all Veterinary Services, appropriate cross-functional, and all-staff meetings  

• Accurately track and report time worked, time off, and work-related travel expenses  

• Responsibly steward R&R Center assets 

Qualifications 

• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating safe driving 

• Fluent in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; familiarity with shelter software systems or Salesforce a plus  

• Excellent written and oral communication skills 

• Able to regularly witness animals suffering medically and/or behaviorally 

• Comfortable with humane euthanasia in theory and in practice  

• Displays concern for the safety and well-being of self, animals and others, especially under stress 

• Fosters collaboration by creating strong connections with colleagues at all levels and in all areas 

• Builds strong work relationships based on trust, respect, and listening to understand 

• Freely and generously shares knowledge, skills, and expertise with others  

• Demonstrates genuine interest in the thoughts, ideas, and expertise of others  

• Proactively problem-solves and takes appropriate initiative to implement solutions  

• Flexible; can easily adapt to changes and help others do the same  

• Resilient; bounces back from difficult and disappointing situations quickly 

• Models transparency, integrity, honesty and strong ethical principles 

• Unafraid of hard conversations and approaches them openly, quickly, and kindly  

• Views conflict as generative, using disagreement to drive innovation, improve communication, clarify and articulate values, and build stronger relationships  

• Values ongoing training and continuing education for self and team, ensuring ample access to learning opportunities 

• Willing and able to work in a variety of environments; Willing and able to work with chemical and biological hazards such as medications, cleaning products, urine, feces, blood, and sharp objects  

• Able to work in a physically demanding environment that requires standing, walking, bending, squatting, and/or kneeling for extended periods of time 

• Able to lift and carry animals (50 pounds unassisted, 100 pounds with assistance) and equipment, such as food bags, bedding, and cleaning supplies; Able to comfortably handle and restrain animals safely and humanely, particularly in stressful situations  

• Ability to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to disposable coveralls, respirators or face masks, and booties 

• Ability to exemplify ASPCA’s core values and behavioral competencies. 

Education and Work Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required, B.S. or B.A. preferred  

• A minimum of one year handling and restraining dogs in a veterinary or shelter setting is required

• Veterinary Assistant experience preferred 

• Fear Free® Veterinary certification (approximately 9 hours) required within 60 days or hire 

Language:

English (Required)

Education and Work Experience:

High School Diploma, GED, or Equivalent Experience (Required)