Veterinary Assistant
About the job
- A valid driver’s license and the ability to pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating safe driving are required.
- Fluency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required; familiarity with shelter software systems or Salesforce is a plus.
- The candidate must be able to regularly witness animals suffering medically or behaviorally and be comfortable with humane euthanasia in theory and practice.
- The candidate must be willing and able to work in varied environments and with chemical and biological hazards, including medications, cleaning products, urine, feces, blood, and sharp objects.
- The candidate must be able to stand, walk, bend, squat, or kneel for extended periods in a physically demanding environment.
- The candidate must be able to lift and carry animals weighing 50 pounds unassisted and 100 pounds with assistance, as well as equipment such as food bags, bedding, and cleaning supplies.
- The candidate must be able to safely and humanely handle and restrain animals, particularly in stressful situations.
- The candidate must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including disposable coveralls, respirators or face masks, and booties.
- A high school diploma or GED is required.
- At least one year of experience handling and restraining dogs in a veterinary or shelter setting is required.
- Fear Free Veterinary certification, which takes approximately nine hours, must be obtained within 60 days of hire.
- The candidate must exemplify ASPCA core values and behavioral competencies.
- Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals, staff, and clients by using low-stress handling techniques.
- Collaborate with behavior and sheltering colleagues to ensure holistic, balanced animal care and a cohesive team culture.
- Communicate regularly with the behavior team using objective language and established communication systems so relevant stakeholders receive timely information.
- Observe individual animals and the overall population for signs of illness, injury, or poor welfare, and communicate concerns quickly and effectively.
- Provide continuous hands-on support during examinations, surgery, specimen collection, and humane euthanasia procedures.
- Administer oral and topical medication for preventive or therapeutic purposes under a veterinarian’s direction and in accordance with state and federal laws.
- Monitor patients post-operatively for safety, comfort, and possible post-operative or anesthesia-related complications.
- Maintain active knowledge of daily procedures and protocols.
- Provide administrative support to the Veterinary Services team by accurately and promptly documenting findings, results, and other data.
- Follow protocols to maintain and document chain of custody and the disposition of forensic evidence.
- Clean and disinfect kennels, equipment, and facilities as needed while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Assist with daily animal care, including feeding and medicating animals as directed.
- Keep medical areas clean, organized, and ready for use.
- Track inventory, ensure veterinary areas remain stocked, and identify and communicate inventory and ordering needs.
- Participate in daily rounds with behavioral and sheltering staff, collaborating to provide integrated care.
- Attend Veterinary Services, appropriate cross-functional, and all-staff meetings.
- Accurately track and report time worked, time off, and work-related travel expenses.
- Steward Recovery & Rehabilitation Center assets responsibly.
- Veterinary Assistant experience is preferred.
- A Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree is preferred.
About the company
ASPCA is a non-profit organization that works to prevent cruelty to animals. It operates through programs and activities aimed at helping pets and their caregivers, improving outcomes for animals at risk, and assisting victims of abuse. The group holds the unique ability to investigate crimes against animals and to make arrests, using nonviolent methods to fulfill its mission. It focuses on education, rescue and care, shelter support, advocacy, and public policy to reduce animal cruelty. Founded in 1866 and based in New York City, its goal is to stop animal cruelty and improve animal welfare across communities.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
Grant
Total Funding
$200K
Headquarters
New York City, New York
Founded
1866
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- ASPCA opened Carson clinic July 29, 2026, serving tens of thousands yearly.
- July 15, 2026 Rescue Effect offers $2 million grants across 450 shelters.
- August 19, 2026 Screwworm outbreak response reinforces ASPCA's disaster-response relevance.
What critics are saying
- Former CFO Gordon Lavalette sued ASPCA in May 2025 over retaliation and donor spending.
- Watchdog criticism over 2024 finances and $1.1 million CEO pay threatens donor trust.
- If governance headlines persist into 2027, major donors and corporate partners will defect.
What makes ASPCA unique
- ASPCA combines clinics, disaster response, and legal advocacy under one national brand.
- Its 2026 Carson clinic extends affordable care to underserved Los Angeles pet owners.
- ShopKind and Rescue Effect turn consumer behavior into shelter adoptions and welfare reform.
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Benefits
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Continuing Education Stipend
Paid Holidays
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k) Company Match
Life Insurance
Long-term Disability Insurance
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
11%1 year growth
11%2 year growth
11%Darrell Waltrip Subaru, ASPCA team up for Williamson County pet adoptions. October 7, 2026 Williamson County Animal Center is teaming up with Darrell Waltrip Subaru, the ASPCA and Friends of WCAC throughout October to promote pet adoptions and veterinary care. As part of the annual partnership, approved adopters will have the chance to have their adoption sponsored through a fish bowl-style drawing during the month. For those who do not win, regular adoption fees are $50 for kittens, adult cats and adult dogs, and $85 for puppies. Darrell Waltrip Subaru will also cover the cost of the first 50 rabies vaccinations and 15 microchips at WCAC's monthly clinic on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. The vaccinations are normally valued at $10, while microchips are valued at $15. Pre-registration is required for the clinic and is available through the Williamson County Animal Center website. "Supporting ASPCA and Friends of WCAC means so much to me and my team because every animal deserves safety, care, and love," Darrell Waltrip Subaru General Manager Jimmy Harris said. "I'm grateful for the incredible work these organizations do that gives animals a second chance and brings hope to our communities." WCAC Director Ondrea Johnson said the partnership allows the animal center to expand beyond its typical shelter services. "Life is better for the animals and people living in Williamson County because of Darrell Waltrip Subaru and ASPCA," Johnson said. "We are able to engage community members and care for animals in ways that are only possible because of their generosity." Williamson County Animal Center is located at 1006 Grigsby Hayes Court in Franklin. The center is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is closed Sundays, and hours may vary due to holidays.
Gavin Rossdale joins the ASPCA's Rescue Effect campaign to promote pet adoption nationwide. Aug 27, 2026, 13:25 ET Bush frontman, actor, and lifelong dog owner who adopted his dog Kaya from a shelter helps spotlight the millions of animals across the country waiting for loving homes NEW YORK, Aug. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Today, the ASPCA(R)(The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(R) announced the addition of Bush frontman and actor Gavin Rossdale as an ambassador for The Rescue Effect, the ASPCA's national campaign helping more animals find homes. The Rescue Effect showcases the lifesaving impact pet adoption and fostering can have on shelters by freeing up space and resources to help more animals in need. Gavin and his rescue dog Kaya debuted their participation with an editorial-style portrait series and accompanying video featured across the ASPCA's website and social media throughout the three-month campaign to inspire more people to adopt and foster. Many shelters across the country are at capacity with nearly six million dogs and cats entering shelters and rescues in 2025, and animals, especially dogs, are often staying longer in care before being adopted. Choosing adoption, like Gavin, helps the animal you take home while also freeing up space and resources so that shelters can help other animals in need. Animal shelters have pets of all sizes, ages, and an array of wonderful personalities, and if you can't adopt, temporarily fostering also provides lifesaving support. Best known as the lead singer and guitarist of the rock band Bush, Gavin has also built an acting career with roles in films including "Constantine," "Zoolander," "Little Black Book" and "How To Rob a Bank," and television series such as "Criminal Minds" and "Burn Notice." A lifelong dog owner who also currently cares for two pet snakes, Gavin most recently adopted Kaya in 2025, a 2-year-old, Belgian Malinois-husky mix from Los Angeles Animal Services, a participant in the ASPCA's Rescue Effect campaign. Kaya often accompanies Gavin on tour and reflects his commitment to supporting shelter animals and pet adoption. "I've been lucky to have some incredible dogs over the years, including Kaya, and every one of them has made my life better," said Gavin Rossdale. "That's what I love about The Rescue Effect - the idea that one choice to help an animal can have an impact that reaches so much further. There are so many animals out there waiting for someone to give them a chance, and I hope the ASPCA's campaign inspires more people to adopt one and save many more." Gavin credits his first dog, Winston, a Hungarian sheep dog who was by his side for more than 16 years with helping him develop the discipline and focus that shaped his early music career in London. He later shared a close bond with his adopted Pomeranian, Chewy McGregor, who remained a constant companion until his passing in 2024. "Gavin Rossdale is helping shine a spotlight on the transformative power of pet adoption through The Rescue Effect," said Christa Chadwick, senior vice president of shelter services for the ASPCA. "Gavin's lifelong connection with dogs makes him a powerful advocate for pet adoption, raising awareness for the millions of animals who are ready to meet their match. When one dog is adopted, it not only changes that pet's life, but also creates space and resources to help another animal in need." Launched this month and continuing through Adopt a Shelter Dog Month in October, hundreds of shelters and rescues nationwide are participating in this year's Rescue Effect campaign to engage more adopters and reduce the time animals spend waiting for loving homes. As part of this year's campaign, the ASPCA is once again providing $2 million in grant funding to help 200 participating shelters waive adoption fees and support their operating costs, giving more animals the chance to find loving homes. About the ASPCA(R) The ASPCA(R)(The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(R) believes every animal deserves to live free from suffering. For 160 years, we've been on the frontlines to save, transform and protect millions of lives in the fight against animal cruelty. As the nation's first and leading animal welfare organization, we assist animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal relocation and placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary communities through research, training and resources. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than 2 million supporters nationwide, our commitment to eliminating animal cruelty is unwavering. For more information, visit aspca.org, and follow the ASPCA on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok. SOURCE ASPCA(R)
Rochester Animal Services joins the ASPCA's Rescue Effect. Adoption events continue during ongoing renovations. Rochester Animal Services (RAS) is joining the ASPCA's Rescue Effect campaign, a nationwide effort to help more shelter animals find loving homes. As part of the campaign, RAS will offer fee-waived adoptions for eligible pets on select dates from August through October, giving the community more opportunities to welcome a new family member while helping create space for animals in need during ongoing shelter renovations. In addition to adoption opportunities at the shelter, RAS will bring adoptable dogs into the community through a series of special adoption events designed to help more pets find loving homes. Fee-waived adoption events currently include: * Aug. 16 - CountryMax, 2-4 p.m., 4658 W. Ridge Rd., Spencerport * Sept. 9 - Red Wings Game, 4-6 p.m., 1 Morrie Silver Way, Rochester * Sept. 26 - Rochester Animal Services, 12-4 p.m., 184 Verona St., Rochester * Oct. 11 - East Rochester Farmers' Market, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., 317 Main St., East Rochester * Oct. 31 - RAS Halloween Adoption Event, 12-4 p.m., 184 Verona St., Rochester All animals available for adoption are included in the fee-waived promotion on the dates listed above, including animals currently at the shelter and those in foster care. For foster animals, the waived adoption fee will be honored for applications submitted at www.CityofRochester.gov/PetAdoption on a fee-waived adoption day, regardless of the date scheduled for the meet-and-greet. Rochester Animal Services, 184 Verona St., is open 12-6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 12-4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Animals available for adoption at the shelter will also be available for free on fee-waived event days. The ASPCA(R)(American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(R) believes every animal deserves to live free from suffering. As the nation's first and leading animal welfare organization, they assist animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal relocation and placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary communities through research, training and resources. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than 2 million supporters nationwide, their commitment to eliminating animal cruelty is unwavering. For more information, visit aspca.org.
ABVT welcomes eight new Diplomates after 2026 certification exam. Published on 8/6/2026 The American Board of Veterinary Toxicology has announced its newest class of Diplomates, recognizing eight veterinarians who passed the 2026 board certification examination. Read more about them here! The new Diplomates bring a wide range of backgrounds spanning emergency medicine, poison control, academia, industry, and wildlife health. They include Dr. Kerri Wells, who moved from emergency practice and ASPCA Poison Control into nutrition and toxicology consulting for the pet food industry; Dr. Vanessa Cowan, a faculty member at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine whose research has focused on mycotoxins in cattle; and Dr. Catherine Dzienisiewski, who joined the ASPCA Poison Control Center in 2019 after a career in emergency and critical care. Also joining are Dr. Amin Nozari, medical director and co-founder of a specialty and emergency hospital in Ottawa with a PhD in molecular toxicology; Dr. Suzanne Khalafalla, who moved from small animal emergency medicine to the ASPCA Poison Control in 2020; and Dr. Caroline Moore, the first toxicologist at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, where she supports disease investigations and ecotoxicology monitoring. Rounding out the class are Dr. Rachel Sheffler and Dr. Lisa Farzidayeri. The ABVT congratulates all eight new Diplomates on this significant professional achievement and welcomes them to the organization.
Bay Area Pet Adoptions selected by ASPCA to participate in The Rescue Effect campaign. Bay Area Pet Adoptions is proud to announce Bay Area Pet Adoptions is partnering with the ASPCA through The Rescue Effect, a national campaign that helps shelters and rescues increase adoptions, engage their communities, and connect more animals with loving homes. Bay Area Pet Adoptions is honored to be selected as both a grant recipient and campaign partner. The campaign shows how community support can create lasting, positive change for animal welfare organizations and the pets they serve. When you adopt one pet, you help many by opening space and resources for shelters and rescues to care for more animals. Looking for your new family member? Be sure to come to its upcoming adoption event: BAPAdoptapalooza Dates: August 8-9. All adoption fees are WAIVED pending approved application!. Presented by ASPCA's The Rescue Effect Visit www.bayareapetadoptions.org to meet adoptable pets and learn more ways to support its work. Plan ahead by completing your adoption application in advance at: https://bayareapetadoptions.org/adoption-application/ #aspca #bayareapetadoptionstexas #AdoptOneSaveOneMany #TheRescueEffect