Veterinary Assistant

The Lost Dogs' Home; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lost Dogs' Home is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to support the veterinary team with animal handling, husbandry, and preparation of surgical and treatment areas. You will help maintain a clean, organized hospital and shelter environment and assist with a range of routine procedures, contributing to the welfare of animals in our care.

Working alongside experienced vets and nurses, you’ll gain hands-on experience, develop practical skills, and play a key role in daily operations.

Qualifications

• Passion for animal welfare and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Organized, proactive, and team-oriented with professionalism and compassion.
• Good problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist in moving animals between housing areas and treatment rooms.
• Undertake general husbandry tasks, including feeding, cleaning, and enrichment activities.
• Support veterinarians and nurses by preparing exam rooms, surgical and treatment areas.
• Perform basic grooming and hygiene tasks for animals, such as nail clipping and coat maintenance.
• Maintain the cleanliness and organisation of veterinary resources, stock, and equipment.
• Ensure accurate administrative documentation and records for veterinary procedures.
• Update Sheltermate records as directed by veterinary staff.
• Comply with workplace health and safety guidelines to ensure a safe environment for animals, staff, and visitors.
• Occasionally travel to other LDH shelter facilities as required.
• Work weekends and public holidays as required.

Skills

Animal husbandry

Communication

Problem solving

Initiative

Attention to detail

Job description

As a Veterinary Assistant, you will play a key role in supporting the team with animal handling, husbandry tasks, preparing surgical and treatment areas, and providing general veterinary support. Working alongside experienced vets and nurses, you’ll have the opportunity to broaden your skills, contribute to positive animal welfare outcomes, and potentially extend your time in the role.

About the role:

As a Veterinary Assistant, you will play a crucial role in supporting the Veterinary Team to ensure the smooth running of our veterinary hospital and shelter. You will be responsible for assisting with animal handling, daily husbandry tasks, maintaining a clean and organised veterinary environment, and providing essential support to veterinary staff in various procedures. This is a rewarding opportunity to work in an environment where your contribution directly impacts the wellbeing of animals in need.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in moving animals between housing areas and treatment rooms.
• Undertake general husbandry tasks, including feeding, cleaning, and enrichment activities.
• Support veterinarians and nurses by preparing exam rooms, surgical and treatment areas.
• Perform basic grooming and hygiene tasks for animals, such as nail clipping and coat maintenance.
• Maintain the cleanliness and organisation of veterinary resources, stock, and equipment.
• Ensure accurate administrative documentation and records for veterinary procedures.
• Update Sheltermate records as directed by veterinary staff.
• Comply with workplace health and safety guidelines to ensure a safe environment for animals, staff, and visitors.
• Occasionally travel to other LDH shelter facilities as required.
• Work weekends and public holidays as required.

About you:

To be successful in this role, you will have a passion for animal welfare and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. You will be highly organised, proactive, and work well within a team, all while maintaining professionalism and compassion in challenging situations.

You will also have:

• Basic knowledge of animal husbandry, behaviour, and handling.
• Experience handling animals in an animal shelter, kennel, or cattery environment (desirable).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to engage with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Capacity to remain resilient in a challenging environment, including exposure to behavioural euthanasia.
• Strong initiative and ability to anticipate the needs of the veterinary team.
• A structured approach to tasks, with strong attention to detail and adherence to processes.

If you have any further questions or queries regarding the role, please email [e-mail].