Veterinary Assistant
About The Position
The Veterinary Assistant works with veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians, other veterinary assistants, staff, and volunteers to provide shelter medicine, surgery, treatment, and care for KHS shelter animals. The role supports surgical preparation, instrument handling and recovery, examinations of shelter and foster animals, medical treatments, laboratory work, and radiography. It requires effective time management and the ability to work in a high-volume, fast-paced environment with multiple priorities. The position includes at least one weekend day of work per week. The assistant provides direct animal care, assists with medication preparation and administration, supports treatment protocols, and communicates with clients, adopters, and foster parents about medical conditions, treatment plans, medication instructions, and follow-up care. The role also includes cross-training for customer service at the community clinic’s front office. Pay is $18.28–$20.00 per hour.
Requirements
- Interest in and willingness to support KHS’s mission, vision, and philosophy.
- Ability to work efficiently and tactfully in both team-based and self-directed environments.
- Ability to work under pressure, multitask efficiently, and meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
- Ability to safely work with animals of various temperaments in a high-volume environment.
- Willingness to educate clients and assist with examinations when clients are present.
- Ability to review treatment plans and estimates with clients.
- Professional appearance and ability to interact cheerfully and tactfully with the public, staff, and volunteers while maintaining a positive attitude.
- Conflict-resolution skills.
- Meticulous, methodical attention to record-keeping and reporting.
- Ability to maintain a flexible schedule to meet the medical needs of animals.
- Willingness to become certified in assisting with and performing humane euthanasia.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds or more.
Nice To Haves
- At least one year of previous experience in animal welfare or veterinary practice is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct care for animals under veterinary care and clean their kennels.
- Assist with preparation and administration of medications for shelter animals.
- Prepare for surgery and clean surgical instruments.
- Conduct preliminary examinations of shelter and foster animals requiring medical care.
- Implement treatment protocols for common diseases.
- Provide direct care to shelter animals, including examinations, medication, and treatment.
- Cross-train as a customer service representative for the community clinic’s front office.
- Support team members and volunteers in all aspects of veterinary care.
- Educate adopters and foster parents about medical conditions, medication instructions, and follow-up care.
- Assist with examinations when clients are present and review treatment plans and estimates with clients.
- Assist with surgical recovery, laboratory work, and radiography.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
