Senior Veterinary Assistant

About the role

The Senior Veterinary Assistant (SVA) is a vital member of our veterinary medical team, supporting two program functions—spay/neuter surgery and primary pet care—for pet cats and dogs living with their families in ASPCA service areas and animals in the care of the rescue community.

The ASPCA’s Community Medicine (CM) team provides expert veterinary care to support the welfare of animals and their people through stationary and mobile veterinary clinics, serving underserved communities in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. We help pet owners overcome barriers to care by bringing quality services directly to the communities that need us most, partially or fully subsidizing the cost of basic and preventive care. CM treats people and pets with dignity and respect, assisting pet owners in making informed decisions about their pets’ health and wellbeing regardless of financial circumstances.

Responsibilities

• Drive the mobile clinic from the logistics center to each day’s clinic location to meet the rest of the medical team.
• Provide medical care for cats and dogs presenting for spay/neuter surgery, up to calculated clinic capacity.
• Ensure a safe and compassionate environment for animals, staff, and clients using 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.
• Assist with patient exams, take medical history, perform diagnostic testing, and prepare medications for clients.
• Take direction from the clinic veterinarian or veterinary technician regarding medical protocols and animal care.
• Organize and maintain the pre-operative area and operating room for patient anesthesia, surgical preparation, and sterilization.
• Ensure anesthesia machines, pulse oximeters, scales, and other equipment are functional; report malfunctioning equipment.
• Clean, sonicate, pack, and sterilize surgical instruments and endotracheal tubes.
• Clean and disinfect animal areas and facility using appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Provide support and medical services in special cases, including evaluation of animals in hoarding situations.
• Communicate with clients in a non-judgmental, professional manner, assisting with intake processes and explaining medical concepts (e.g., vaccine protocols, anesthetic risks).
• Safely drive and park mobile clinics to and from various locations, troubleshoot generators, and operate mobile clinic equipment.
• Enter medical information into digital databases and represent the ASPCA professionally.
• Adhere to OSHA and Department of Transportation (DOT) protocols, as well as CM Standard Operating Procedures.
• Collaborate with ASPCA colleagues and participate in veterinary/medical training for staff and students.
• Attend staff meetings and training sessions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Schedule

This is an on-site position based at ASPCA Mobile Clinics throughout the five boroughs of New York City. Occasional flexibility to report to other ASPCA locations in NYC may be required. The typical schedule is 10 hours per day (including driving time), 4 days a week, Monday through Friday, with occasional flexibility to work beyond scheduled hours.

Pay

Starting pay depends on education, training, experience, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands, or budgeted amount. The target hiring range for this role is $26.00 - $27.44 per hour. The maximum hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience.

Benefits

• Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer-paid dental, and optional vision coverage.
• Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability coverage.
• Flexible time off, including vacation, sick, bereavement, paid parental leave, company-paid holidays, and personal time off.
• 401(k) plan with dollar-for-dollar employer match up to 4% and an additional 4% annual contribution.
• Robust professional development opportunities, including classes, on-the-job training, coaching, mentorship, and internal mobility.

Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry 40-plus pounds repeatedly throughout the day with assistance.
• Ability to work standing for 10 or more hours.
• Excellent customer service skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work efficiently and calmly under challenging conditions.
• Willingness to learn, implement, and teach new protocols.
• Excellent animal handling skills (cats, dogs).
• Experience using a computer and navigating software applications.
• Fear Free® Shelter certification required within 60 days of hire.
• Strong interest in animal welfare and serving underserved communities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum 1 year of animal handling in a professional setting; veterinary medical experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating a safe driving record.
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or ability to obtain one within the first 6–12 months of hire.
• Ability to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) Medical Exam and required drug and alcohol testing.
• Willingness to provide documentation for a Driver Qualification File pursuant to DOT and FMCSA requirements.
• Comfort learning to drive mobile clinics (up to 37 feet long) through city street traffic (training provided).
• Language: English (required), Spanish (strongly preferred).