Veterinary Assistant, ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals • Asheville, NC

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Veterinary Assistant supports all aspects of daily medical and surgical operations at the ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance (ASNA), a high-volume spay/neuter facility and training center in Asheville, North Carolina. The role provides compassionate care to surgery patients; assists veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and kennel assistants with perioperative duties; supports facility upkeep; and hosts clients and visiting trainees. It is a fast-paced, physically and mentally demanding position requiring excellent multitasking, communication, independent judgment, and teamwork. The position reports to the Manager, Medical Assistants and has no direct reports. The target start date is January 2027.

This is an on-site role with schedules rotating between two shifts. The first shift is Monday 7:30–4:30, Tuesday–Thursday 7–4, and Friday 7–11. The second shift is Monday–Thursday 8:30–5:30 and Friday 8:30–12:30. Schedules may change, and flexibility may be needed for varied daily shifts, weekends, evenings, and holidays. Travel of up to 5% may be required.

The expected hiring salary range is $22–$23.44 per hour. The role includes a comprehensive benefits package, including health coverage, flexible time off, retirement contributions, and professional development opportunities.

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 handle high stress in an environment where daily operational priorities change.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work in physically and mentally challenging conditions.
• Ability to understand that patient death can occur in the medical profession and to adopt healthy coping strategies.
• Valid driver's license upon hire and a safe driving history demonstrated by passing a motor vehicle history check.
• 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, and to stand, bend, lift, and climb throughout a regular shift.
• Ability to exemplify ASPCA core values and behavioral competencies.
• English language proficiency.

Nice To Haves

• One year of professional companion animal handling experience in a clinical setting.
• Fear Free Shelter certification within 60 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Support daily medical and surgical operations, including surgical patient preparation, anesthesia monitoring, patient recovery, emergency support, medication administration, surgical pack preparation, and equipment operation and maintenance.
• Provide impeccable, safe, compassionate care to animals and consistently use low-stress handling techniques that support their behavioral and mental health.
• Assist veterinarians, veterinary technicians, kennel assistants, and surgical teams with perioperative and other duties; perform kennel assistant duties as needed.
• Support the flow of daily operations and surgical teams so surgeries and training programs are completed safely and successfully.
• Maintain medical, surgical, and kennel areas, including cleaning, inventory control, stocking, organization, and facility upkeep.
• Drive transport vehicles as needed.
• Communicate and maintain relationships with veterinarians, professional associations, advisors, vendors, transport partners, public clients, trainees, and internal ASPCA colleagues.
• Follow ASNA and ASPCA protocols, procedures, standards of care, and policies related to operational and environmental safety.
• Participate in onboarding and training veterinary assistants and other staff, and mentor visiting trainees in veterinary and kennel assistant duties.
• Contribute to a positive, consistent learning environment and support ASNA policies, best practices, program goals, and compliance with applicable regulations.
• Participate in feedback, performance reviews, compliance training, goal setting, and individual development; maintain relevant licenses and credentials.
• Take part in assigned department and program projects, cross-departmental working groups, and 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% and an additional 4% employer contribution each year.
• 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