Veterinary Assistant, ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance

ASPCA • Asheville, NC

1d • $22 - $23 • Onsite

About The Position

The Veterinary Assistant supports daily medical and surgical operations at the ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance (ASNA), a high-volume companion-animal sterilization and training facility in Asheville, North Carolina. The role provides care to surgery patients and assists veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and kennel assistants with perioperative duties, while also contributing to facility upkeep and welcoming clients and visiting trainees. It is a fast-paced, physically and mentally demanding position requiring strong communication, multitasking, independent judgment, and teamwork. The role reports to the Manager, Medical Assistants and has no direct reports.

This is an on-site position with rotating first- and second-shift schedules. Schedule flexibility is required to meet program needs, which may include varied daily shifts, weekends, evenings, and holidays. The role may require travel up to 5% of the time. The target start date is January 2027. The target hiring salary range is $22–$23.44 per hour.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• At least 1 year of experience working in a professional setting.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and work professionally under stress amid changing daily priorities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work in physically and mentally challenging conditions.
• Ability to adopt a healthy coping strategy for patient deaths, recognized as an inevitable part of the medical profession.
• Valid driver’s license upon hire and a satisfactory motor vehicle history check demonstrating a safe driving history.
• Working knowledge of basic computer and technology skills, including email and Microsoft Word.
• Ability to lift 35 pounds (16 kg) without assistance and heavier weights with assistance; ability to consistently stand, bend, lift, and climb during a regular work shift.
• Ability to exemplify ASPCA core values and behavioral competencies.
• English language proficiency required.
• Flexibility to accommodate varied shifts, weekends, evenings, and holidays as program needs require.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 5% of the time as needed.

Nice To Haves

• At least 1 year of professional companion-animal handling experience in a clinical setting is preferred.
• Fear Free Shelter certification must be obtained within 60 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Support the flow of daily operations and surgical teams.
• Prepare surgical patients and assist with anesthesia monitoring, patient recovery, and emergency support.
• Administer oral, topical, and injectable medications.
• Prepare surgical packs and operate and maintain equipment.
• Maintain inventory and clean, organize, and stock medical, surgical, and kennel areas and other facility spaces.
• Perform kennel assistant duties as needed.
• Use low-stress animal handling techniques consistently and support animals’ behavioral and mental health.
• Provide a safe and compassionate environment for staff, clients, and animals.
• Learn and follow ASNA/ASPCA protocols, procedures, standards of care, and operational and environmental safety policies.
• Participate in onboarding and training veterinary assistants and other staff, and mentor visiting trainees in veterinary and kennel assistant duties.
• Communicate and build working relationships with veterinarians, professional associations, advisors, vendors, transport partners, public clients, mentees, and ASPCA colleagues.
• Drive transport vehicles as needed.
• Support surgical, medical, and training programs and help complete daily surgeries and program goals safely and efficiently.
• Promote consistent application of program policies, best practices, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations, as well as a positive learning environment.
• Participate in department projects, cross-departmental working groups, organizational commitments, required training, performance reviews, feedback sessions, and goal setting.
• Maintain licenses and credentials relevant to the position and seek development opportunities.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Manager, Medical Assistants or ASNA Senior Leadership Team.

Benefits

• Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer-paid dental, and optional vision coverage.
• Flexible time off, including vacation, sick and bereavement time, paid parental leave, 10 company-paid holidays, and paid personal time off.
• 401(k) plan with dollar-for-dollar employer matching up to 4%, plus an additional 4% employer contribution.
• Professional development opportunities, including classes, on-the-job training, coaching, mentorship, internal mobility, and opportunities to support work in the field.

What This Job Offers

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