Veterinary Assistant I – Shelter Medicine

About the role

We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Veterinary Assistant with at least one year of veterinary experience, preferably in an animal shelter setting. This position is focused on providing hands-on medical care and support to shelter animals throughout their stay, from intake through adoption, foster placement, or transfer.

Responsibilities

• Uphold the PETS Work Culture Agreement through Praise, Engagement, Trust and Support.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with veterinarians, team members, clients, fosters, and other departments.
• Safely and compassionately handle and restrain cats, dogs, and other animals for examinations, treatments, diagnostic procedures, and sample collection.
• Provide hands-on medical care to shelter animals as directed by a veterinarian, including administering vaccines, medications, preventatives, fluids, and prescribed treatments.
• Perform physical examinations on shelter animals and accurately document findings in the medical record.
• Maintain accurate and timely medical records, including documentation of treatments, medications, diagnostic results, and physical examination findings.
• Assist with the organization, stocking, cleaning, and maintenance of medical treatment areas, supplies, and equipment.
• Work collaboratively with the veterinary and shelter teams to help ensure animals receive timely medical care and progress appropriately through the shelter.

Qualifications

• Intermediate knowledge of animal care, veterinary medical procedures, and common diseases and medical conditions encountered in a shelter environment.
• Proficiency in safe animal handling and restraint for medical examinations, treatments, and diagnostic procedures.
• Experience administering medications, vaccines, and routine medical treatments.
• Ability to collect and prepare samples for common veterinary diagnostic tests.
• Ability to recognize changes in an animal's medical condition or behavior and appropriately communicate concerns to veterinary staff.
• Ability to accurately follow written and verbal medical instructions and maintain complete medical records.
• Understanding of basic infectious-disease prevention and biosecurity practices in a shelter environment.
• Caregiving and empathetic approach to animal care, including handling animals that may be fearful, stressed, fractious, or exhibit behavioral challenges.
• Strong multitasking and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize patient needs in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changes in patient needs, protocols, priorities, and workflow.
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm, professional, and effective in potentially stressful or emotional situations.

Education/Experience

• A high school diploma or GED is required.
• One or more years of previous experience as a veterinary assistant are required; shelter medicine experience is preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work safely around companion animals.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and meet the physical demands of the role, including standing for extended periods and lifting up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work comfortably with cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish, wildlife, and other species that may enter the shelter.

Additional Requirements

• Available to work an extended schedule, including weekends, early mornings, evenings, and holidays according to the demands of the role and assigned tasks.