Senior Veterinary Assistant

ASPCA • Miami, FL

7d • $24 - $25 • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Veterinary Assistant (SVA) is a vital member of the ASPCA Community Medicine veterinary team, supporting spay/neuter surgery and primary pet care for cats and dogs living with their families in ASPCA service areas and animals in the rescue community. The role supports the delivery of veterinary care through the ASPCA’s stationary and mobile clinics, which serve underserved communities and provide basic and preventive care, with costs partially or fully subsidized as needed.

Reporting directly to the Medical Staff and Floor Manager, the SVA has no direct reports. Daily work includes communicating with clients, assisting veterinarians and veterinary technicians, handling animals, preparing animals for surgery, entering medical records, and monitoring patients under anesthesia. The role is based on-site at an ASPCA Community Veterinary Clinic and typically follows a Monday–Friday schedule of five eight-hour days, with occasional flexibility to work beyond the scheduled workday.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience.
• At least one year of animal-handling experience in a professional setting.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• 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 and maintain an open mind regarding changes.
• Excellent animal-handling skills with cats and dogs.
• Strong interest in animal welfare and serving underserved communities.
• Ability to exemplify ASPCA core values and behavioral competencies.
• Experience using a computer and navigating software applications.
• Ability to lift and carry more than 40 pounds repeatedly throughout the day with assistance.
• Ability to stand for eight or more hours.
• Fear Free® Shelter certification required within 60 days of hire.
• English proficiency required.

Nice To Haves

• Veterinary medical experience.
• Spanish language skills; highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Care for cats and dogs presenting for spay/neuter surgery, up to calculated clinic capacity.
• Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals, staff, and clients, using low-stress handling techniques during procedures such as exams, treatments, injections, venipuncture, and intubation.
• Monitor vital signs of sedated and anesthetized patients during pre-operative, operative, and post-operative phases.
• Assist with patient exams, collect medical histories, perform diagnostic testing, and prepare medications for clients to take home.
• Follow medical protocols and animal-care directions from the clinic veterinarian or veterinary technician.
• Organize and maintain pre-operative and operating-room areas for anesthesia, surgical preparation, and sterilization.
• Ensure anesthesia machines, pulse oximeters, scales, and other equipment are functional, and report equipment problems.
• Clean, sonicate, pack, and sterilize surgical instruments and endotracheal tubes.
• Clean and disinfect animal areas and the facility with coworkers while using appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Communicate with clients in a non-judgmental, effective, and professional manner.
• Greet clients and assist with intake, including helping complete intake and service documents and identifying relevant medical history.
• Explain basic veterinary medical concepts to clients, including vaccine protocols and anesthetic risks.
• Explain to clients information provided by the veterinarian about an animal’s condition.
• Enter medical information into digital databases.
• Represent ASPCA professionally and courteously and provide medical information and representation to other ASPCA departments.
• Follow OSHA protocols and written and verbal Community Medicine standard operating procedures.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with ASPCA colleagues.
• Participate in veterinary and medical training for Community Medicine staff, ASPCA staff, and veterinary and technical students through coaching, discussion, and demonstration.
• Attend staff meetings and training sessions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer-paid dental, and optional vision coverage.
• Employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance.
• Flexible time off, including vacation, sick and bereavement time.
• Paid parental leave.
• Company-paid holidays.
• One week of paid personal time.
• Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings.
• 401(k) plan with dollar-for-dollar employer matching up to 4%, plus an additional 4% employer contribution each year.
• Professional development opportunities, including classes, on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship, internal mobility, and opportunities to support field work.

What This Job Offers

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