Foster Veterinary Assistant
About The Position
This position combines hands-on veterinary nursing skills with communication, problem-solving, and collaboration. You'll provide medical care for animals living in foster homes while supporting the foster caregivers who are helping them recover. Every day is different. You might examine a kitten with an upset stomach, prepare medications for a dog recovering from surgery, answer questions from a foster caregiver, or coordinate follow-up care with our veterinary team. If you enjoy shelter medicine, like building relationships with people as much as caring for animals, and thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days look the same, we'd love to meet you.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Previous experience working as a veterinary assistant or veterinary technician in a veterinary clinic or animal shelter.
- Experience safely handling dogs and cats of varying sizes, ages, and temperaments.
- Experience administering treatments, preparing medications, and maintaining accurate medical records.
- Basic computer skills, including email and electronic medical records.
- Willingness and eligibility to obtain North Carolina Euthanasia by Injection certification (training provided).
- Willingness and eligibility to become a North Carolina State Certified Rabies Vaccinator (training provided).
- Completion of Fear Free Shelters certification within 90 days of hire (free training provided).
Nice To Haves
- Animal shelter medicine experience.
- Experience working with foster programs, rescue organizations, or volunteer caregivers.
- Experience managing multiple medical cases in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities
- Perform physical exams, vaccinations, treatments, and other routine medical care for foster animals.
- Recognize common medical conditions, triage concerns, follow established treatment protocols, and consult veterinarians when additional medical guidance is needed.
- Perform basic diagnostics, including fecal examinations, ear cytology, and urinalysis.
- Accurately calculate, prepare, and dispense medications.
- Maintain complete, accurate medical records using electronic medical record systems (Shelterluv).
- Communicate with foster caregivers by phone, email, and in person to answer questions, provide medical instructions, and support successful foster placements.
- Coordinate care with other Asheville Humane Society departments, outside veterinary clinics, and veterinary technician training partners.
- Assist with foster placements and provide support throughout the foster experience when needed.
- Maintain clean, organized medical and foster workspaces and ensure supplies remain stocked.
- Support the Medical Department with treatments, animal care, and intake responsibilities during busy periods.
- Become certified to perform rabies vaccinations as well as humane euthanasia (training provided).
- Perform other duties that support the mission and daily operations of Asheville Humane Society as directed.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- SIMPLE IRA with up to a 3% employer match
- 18 days of paid time off during the first year
- Paid holidays
- Pet prescription discounts
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
