Clinic Veterinary Assistant

Animal Rescue League Of Iowa • Des Moines, IA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is seeking a reliable and compassionate Clinic Veterinary Assistant to support the medical services and mission of our ARL Afford-a-Care Pet Clinics. This role helps provide hands-on patient care, animal handling, treatment support, client communication, and daily assistance to the clinic veterinary team. This is a great opportunity for someone with professional animal-handling experience who is interested in veterinary medicine and wants to make a meaningful difference for pets and the people who love them. Clinic Veterinary Assistants work closely with veterinarians, veterinary team members, and client relations team members to support high-quality, affordable care in a fast-paced clinic environment. Eligible new hires may receive a $250 sign-on bonus. Terms and conditions apply.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required, or ability to obtain one.
• At least one year of hands-on professional animal-handling experience required.
• Comfort safely handling and caring for dogs and cats with varying medical, behavioral, and emotional needs.
• Basic understanding of animal behavior and humane handling techniques, including a willingness to become Fear Free Handling certified.
• Strong communication, teamwork, customer service, and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow instructions accurately and adapt to changing priorities.
• Reliable, compassionate, and able to work in a fast-paced clinic environment.
• Basic computer skills required.
• No formal veterinary education or certification required; on-the-job training is provided, with potential educational support for employees pursuing an approved CVT program.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a veterinary clinic medical role, animal shelter veterinary team role, or similar professional animal-care environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians and veterinary team members with exams, treatments, procedures, and patient care.
• Safely handle, restrain, and care for dogs and cats of varying sizes, breeds, temperaments, and medical needs.
• Prepare exam rooms, treatment areas, supplies, equipment, and patient areas for medical care.
• Support patient comfort, recovery, and monitoring as directed by veterinary staff.
• Assist with basic laboratory preparation, supply stocking, and medical equipment maintenance.
• Clean and disinfect equipment, exam rooms, treatment areas, kennels, and medical workspaces.
• Provide friendly, professional support to clients and reinforce basic care instructions as directed by the veterinary team.
• Document information accurately and follow clinic medical, safety, sanitation, and animal handling procedures.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Potential reimbursement assistance for approved Veterinary Technician/CVT education programs
• Employer-paid long-term disability and basic life insurance
• Supplemental insurances, including short-term disability, supplemental life insurance, accident, and critical illness insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with an employer contribution
• Veterinary benefits
• Work-life balance through our expansive holiday and paid time off policies

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED