Medical (Veterinary) Care Assistant

Animal Protection Society of Durham•Durham, NC

About The Position

The Medical Animal Care Assistant joins the Animal Wellbeing team and supports injured, sick, and recovering shelter animals in a fast-paced medical setting. The position provides daily animal care, supports veterinarians and veterinary technicians with examinations and treatments, helps maintain clean and safe medical spaces, and contributes to accurate medical records and supply inventory. The role offers experience for someone interested in veterinary medicine, shelter medicine, animal care, or animal welfare. The position is based in the medical department and involves working with animals of varied sizes, breeds, temperaments, and medical conditions. The work includes frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and animal handling, as well as exposure to cleaning chemicals, biological hazards, and zoonotic diseases. Employees may occasionally work holidays or need schedule flexibility based on shelter needs. The role is approximately 36–40 hours per week and requires availability for one of the posted weekend schedules.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to safely handle animals of varying sizes and temperaments.
Ability to work one of the posted weekend schedules.
Compassion toward animals and people.
Dependability and willingness to learn.
Comfort working in a fast-paced environment.
Attention to detail and organizational skills.
Ability to work as part of a team and remain calm under pressure.
Commitment to providing excellent animal care.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with animals.
Experience in an animal shelter, veterinary clinic, boarding facility, or similar setting.
Experience in a medical or clinical environment.
Interest in veterinary medicine, shelter medicine, or animal welfare.

Responsibilities

Feed, clean, and monitor animals receiving medical care; observe changes in behavior or health and promptly report concerns.
Provide enrichment and compassionate daily care to animals.
Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians during examinations and treatments.
Help administer medications, vaccines, and treatments under supervision.
Support patient recovery following surgery and other medical procedures.
Clean and disinfect kennels, treatment rooms, and medical equipment.
Follow biosecurity and disease prevention protocols and help keep treatment and surgical areas organized.
Enter treatment information into shelter software and assist with medical documentation and inventory tracking.
Restock medications, supplies, and equipment; monitor inventory and notify leadership when supplies are running low.
Ensure medical supplies are stored and handled properly.
Collaborate with veterinary, animal care, and other shelter teams; communicate professionally with coworkers.
Support shelter operations as needed.