Veterinary Assistant

ASPCA • Pawling, NY

20h • Onsite

About The Position

Are you passionate about helping animals in need and eager to advance the field of animal welfare? Do you thrive in a dynamic, complex, highly collaborative environment? If so, the role of Veterinary Assistant at the ASPCA’s new Recovery & Rehabilitation Center (R&R Center) in Pawling, NY might be right for you! The R&R Center in Pawling, NY, is a unique program dedicated to providing integrated sheltering, behavioral, and medical care for canine victims of cruelty. The R&R Center team works closely with ASPCA teams in New York City to help animals rescued in partnership with the NYPD. The individual in this role is responsible for providing high quality veterinary care to canines recovering from the physical and behavioral impacts of animal cruelty at the R&R Center. The successful candidate for this role values teamwork, collaboration, and an integrated approach to recovery and rehabilitation that balances medical, behavioral, and environmental needs.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required
• A minimum of one year handling and restraining dogs in a veterinary or shelter setting
• Fear Free® Veterinary certification (approximately 9 hours) required within 60 days or hire
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating safe driving
• Fluent in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Able to regularly witness animals suffering medically and/or behaviorally
• Comfortable with humane euthanasia in theory and in practice
• Displays concern for the safety and well-being of self, animals and others, especially under stress
• Fosters collaboration by creating strong connections with colleagues at all levels and in all areas
• Builds strong work relationships based on trust, respect, and listening to understand
• Freely and generously shares knowledge, skills, and expertise with others
• Demonstrates genuine interest in the thoughts, ideas, and expertise of others
• Proactively problem-solves and takes appropriate initiative to implement solutions
• Flexible; can easily adapt to changes and help others do the same
• Resilient; bounces back from difficult and disappointing situations quickly
• Models transparency, integrity, honesty and strong ethical principles
• Unafraid of hard conversations and approaches them openly, quickly, and kindly
• Views conflict as generative, using disagreement to drive innovation, improve communication, clarify and articulate values, and build stronger relationships
• Values ongoing training and continuing education for self and team, ensuring ample access to learning opportunities
• Willing and able to work in a variety of environments including but not limited to: Indoor climate-controlled spaces, Outdoor natural climate spaces where extreme temperatures and/or precipitation are possible, On surfaces that are wet or uneven, In loud or continuously noisy areas
• Willing and able to work with chemical and biological hazards such as medications, cleaning products, urine, feces, blood, and sharp objects
• Able to work in a physically demanding environment that requires standing, walking, bending, squatting, and/or kneeling for extended periods of time
• Able to lift and carry animals (50 pounds unassisted, 100 pounds with assistance) and equipment, such as food bags, bedding, and cleaning supplies
• Able to comfortably handle and restrain animals safely and humanely, particularly in stressful situations
• Ability to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to disposable coveralls, respirators or face masks, and booties

Nice To Haves

• B.S. or B.A. preferred
• Veterinary Assistant experience preferred
• Familiarity with shelter software systems or Salesforce a plus

Responsibilities

• Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals in our care, our staff, and for our clients by using low-stress handling techniques
• Collaborate with behavior and sheltering colleagues to ensure holistic, balanced care for animals and a cohesive team culture for staff
• Communicate regularly with the behavior team using objective language and established communication systems to ensure information is shared in a timely fashion with relevant stakeholders
• Observe individual animals and the overall population for signs of illness, injury, and/or poor welfare, communicating any issues quickly and effectively
• Provide continuous hands-on support during exams, surgery, specimen collection, and humane euthanasia procedures
• Administer oral and topic medical for preventive or therapeutic purposes under the direction of a veterinarian and in accordance with all state and federal laws
• Monitor patients post-operatively to ensure safety and comfort and to identify possible post-operative or anesthesia-related complications
• Maintain active knowledge of all daily procedures and protocols
• Provide administrative support to the Veterinary Services team, accurately documenting findings, results, and other data in a timely fashion
• Follow all protocols to ensure chain of custody is maintained and appropriately documented, and for the disposition of forensic evidence
• Clean and disinfect kennels, equipment, and facility as needed, while donning appropriate PPE
• Assist with daily animal care including feeding and medicating, as directed
• Ensure medical areas are kept clean, organized, and ready for use
• Track inventory and ensure veterinary areas are well stocked at all times
• Identify and communicate inventory and ordering needs
• Participate in daily rounds alongside behavioral and sheltering staff, collaborating openly to provide excellent and integrated care
• Regularly attend all Veterinary Services, appropriate cross-functional, and all-staff meetings
• Accurately track and report time worked, time off, and work-related travel expenses
• Responsibly steward R&R Center assets
• Other responsibilities as assigned by manager

Benefits

• Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer-paid dental, and optional vision coverage.
• Flexible time off that includes vacation time, sick and bereavement time, paid parental leave, 10 company paid holidays, and paid personal time off that allows you even more flexibility to observe the days that mean the most to you.
• Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings including a 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions — we match dollar for dollar up to 4% and provide an additional 4% contribution toward your future each year.
• Robust professional development opportunities including classes, on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship with industry-leading peers, internal mobility, opportunities to support in the field, and so much more.
• We are also a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees