Veterinary Assistant (Full-Time)

Richmond SPCA • Richmond, VA

5h • Onsite

About The Position

The Richmond SPCA is a non-profit organization dedicated to animal welfare, aiming to create a no-kill community through education and resources. The Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital is a full-service, low-cost hospital providing accessible care. Veterinary assistants on the hospital team perform basic diagnostic and treatment tasks, interact with pet guardians, maintain clean workspaces, assist with surgical procedures, and support veterinarians and veterinary technicians. The role requires alignment with the organization's mission, strong customer service skills, and a commitment to animal and client well-being.

Requirements

• Comfort handling or learning to handle dogs and including fearful or fractious patients
• Weekday availability; early morning and evening availability required (no nights or holidays)
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Have reliable transportation, including during inclement weather
• Able to work with animals (including those who are sick or injured or who have behavior challenges) and around loud noises, cat litter, animal waste, allergens (pet dander, peanut butter), various chemicals, and disinfectants
• Able to routinely lift 50 pounds
• Able to push/pull a large cart
• Able to bend, kneel, stoop, use stairs and use your arms in a repetitive manner
• Able to physically restrain a dog weighing up to 50 pounds
• Able to be on your feet for a 10-hour shift
• Willing to work in all weather conditions
• Have physical strength to perform cleaning duties effectively and efficiently

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in the veterinary field preferred, but not required
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred, but not required
• Knowledge of DaySmart Vet a plus

Responsibilities

• Perform basic diagnostic and treatment tasks related to patient care after appropriate training period (ear cleaning, administration of vaccines, basic rapid testing, etc.)
• Communicate effectively and compassionately with pet guardians during appointments, include delivering education and counseling, and relay appropriate information to licensed staff
• Handling (leash-walking, lifting, and carrying) and medical restraint of dog and cat patients; placing and securing dogs and cats in carriers/kennels
• Provide support to licensed Doctors of Veterinary Medicine and Licensed Veterinary Technicians
• Assist with high-volume surgery via surgical prep and recovery of dogs and cats
• Perform clerical work, data entry into patient charts, and invoicing promptly and accurately, as needed
• Recognize abnormalities necessitating attention related to patient care (basic VITAL signs, triage protocols, etc.)
• Follow established operational protocols, patient care standards, safety guidelines, equipment handling procedures, and documentation requirements to ensure consistent, efficient, and compliant hospital operations
• Maintain client confidentiality
• Clean workspaces, exam rooms, kennels, and surgical areas, including sweeping, dusting, mopping, emptying trash, restocking supplies
• Participate in required trainings and meetings
• Other related duties as assigned

Benefits

• Access to an Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary (employee-paid) benefits including accident insurance, hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance (for employees averaging 15+ hours per week)
• 401(k) retirement plan (for employees averaging 20+ hours a week)
• Paid wellness leave (for employees averaging 20+ hours a week)
• Insurance benefits, including medical, dental, and vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and paid personal leave (for full-time employees)
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed