Senior Veterinary Assistant

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals • Miami, FL

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Veterinary Assistant (SVA) is a 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 cared for by the rescue community. The role supports the delivery of veterinary care through client communication, assistance to veterinarians and veterinary technicians, animal handling, surgical preparation, medical record entry, and monitoring patients under anesthesia. The SVA reports directly to the Medical Staff and Floor Manager and has no direct reports.

The position is onsite at an ASPCA Community Veterinary Clinic. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, five days a week, eight hours per day, with flexibility to work occasionally beyond the scheduled workday.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience.
• At least one year of animal-handling experience in a professional setting.
• Ability to lift and carry more than 40 pounds repeatedly throughout the day with assistance.
• Ability to stand for eight or more hours.
• 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 to remain open-minded about 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.
• Fear Free Shelter certification must be obtained within 60 days of hire.
• English proficiency is required.

Nice To Haves

• Veterinary medical experience.
• Spanish proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Provide medical 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, take medical histories, perform diagnostic testing, and prepare medications for clients and patients to take home.
• Follow direction from the clinic veterinarian or veterinary technician regarding medical protocols and animal care.
• Organize and maintain pre-operative areas and operating rooms 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.
• Work with coworkers to clean and disinfect animal areas and the facility while using appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Communicate with clients in a non-judgmental, effective, and professional manner.
• Greet clients and assist with intake, including completion of intake and service documents and flagging 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 the 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 medical coverage, employer-paid dental coverage, 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, and one week of paid personal time.
• 401(k) plan with dollar-for-dollar employer matching up to 4% and an additional 4% employer contribution each year.
• Professional development opportunities, including classes, on-the-job training, coaching, mentorship, internal mobility, and field-support opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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