Veterinary Assistant I, (B272931-10), 204, Animal Control

City of Laredo • Laredo, TX

12h • Onsite

About The Position

The Veterinary Assistant I is responsible for the overall care and treatment of animals in the shelter. The role supports patient care, monitors animal health, maintains cleanliness, and follows established protocols under the direction of veterinarians and supervisors. The position requires documenting medical records in shelter software, performing basic medical tasks under supervision, assisting with procedures and emergency calls, and obtaining required certifications within the stated timeframes. The employee will drive a City vehicle for City business and perform other duties as assigned.

The work involves frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards, with most work performed outside or with exposure to risk. Physical demands include exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds constantly. The role requires working in outdoor and street environments, and may involve exposure to extreme temperatures, communicable diseases, fumes, toxic or caustic substances, and loud noise. Local travel may sometimes be required.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and at least one year of experience working with animals in a clinic or shelter setting. A valid Texas driver's license is required; applicants holding an out-of-state license must obtain a Texas license within six months of employment. Euthanasia and Veterinary Assistant certificates must each be completed within one year of employment. Continued employment depends on obtaining required certifications and licenses within the specified periods. Applicants offered employment must complete a background check and provide certified school transcripts; selected applicants must undergo pre-employment drug and alcohol testing, and safety-sensitive employees are subject to random testing.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least one year of experience working with animals in a clinic or shelter setting.
• Valid Texas driver's license; applicants with an out-of-state license must obtain a Texas license within six months of employment.
• Complete the Euthanasia Certificate within one year of employment.
• Complete the Veterinary Assistant Certificate within one year of employment.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing in English and orally in Spanish.
• Ability to maintain a good driving record.
• Ability to safely handle and restrain animals, follow veterinary and safety protocols, and work under supervision.
• Ability to recognize signs of illness, injury, distress, or pain in animals and report observations clearly.
• Ability to maintain accurate and detailed treatment records and follow documentation requirements.
• Ability to perform strenuous and repetitive work, including cleaning and disinfection tasks.
• Ability to work effectively with supervisors, veterinarians, and team members and communicate clearly.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to perform the duties of the position.
• Applicants with education completed outside the United States must provide a foreign credential evaluation from a NACES- or AICE-member agency verifying U.S. equivalency.
• Applicants offered employment must complete a background check and provide certified school transcripts.
• Selected applicants must undergo drug and alcohol testing before employment; employees in safety-sensitive functions are subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

Responsibilities

• Document medical records in the shelter's software.
• Perform basic medical tasks, including administering medications and vaccinations under supervision.
• Observe and report animal behavior and changes in health.
• Clean and disinfect kennels, cages, and equipment.
• Assist veterinarians with surgery and other procedures.
• Assist with emergency calls.
• Obtain euthanasia administration certification within the required timeframe.
• Drive a City vehicle for City business.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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