Foster Veterinary Assistant

About the role

The Foster Veterinary Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of animals in the AHS foster program. This position is responsible for providing direct medical care, identifying potential health concerns, and maintaining accurate medical records for animals in foster homes.

Responsibilities

• Provide basic veterinary assistant/technician care for foster animals, including physical exams, vaccinations, diagnostics, and treatments.
• Identify common medical concerns and follow established treatment protocols accordingly.
• Triage and manage medical concerns in foster animals, escalating cases as needed.
• Handle animals using low-stress techniques and perform basic diagnostics such as fecal exams, ear cytology, and urinalysis.
• Accurately calculate, prepare, and dispense medications; maintain up-to-date and thorough medical records.
• Work and communicate directly with volunteer foster caregivers in person, via phone, and email to provide support.
• Cookise with other teams such as operations, medical, surgery, external veterinary clinics, and veterinary technician training programs.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in all foster and medical workspaces.
• Assist with foster placement efforts during high-volume periods or in the absence of the Foster Placement Coordinator.
• Stay informed about animals in foster care and those awaiting placement; maintain open and consistent communication with the foster team.
• Support the Medical Department with animal care, treatments, and intake/processing as needed, especially during high-volume periods.
• Serve as a certified euthanasia technician (training provided).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous experience as a veterinary assistant or technician in a clinic or shelter environment required; shelter experience preferred.
• Basic computer literacy, including ability to use email and medical record systems.
• Willingness and eligibility to obtain North Carolina Euthanasia by Injection (EBI) certification (training provided).
• Willingness and eligibility to become a North Carolina State Certified Rabies Vaccinator (training provided).
• Must complete Fear Free Shelters certification within 90 days of hire (free online training provided).

Pay

The hourly compensation for the Foster Veterinary Assistant starts at $19.25.

Schedule

The Foster Veterinary Assistant is a full-time position (40 hours/week) based at the Animal Care Campus. The regular schedule is Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. During the initial training period (approximately 2 months), the schedule will typically be Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Benefits

AHS is pleased to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees that includes: medical, dental, and vision insurance, a Simple IRA plan with up to 3% company match, 18 days of PTO in the first year, paid holidays, pet prescription discounts, and more! Benefits are available after 60 days of employment.