Veterinary Assistant

The Lost Dogs Home; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lost Dogs Home in Melbourne is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to support the Veterinary Team with animal handling, daily husbandry tasks, and preparation of exam rooms, surgical and treatment areas.

You will work alongside experienced vets and nurses to help improve animal welfare, handle intake, and contribute to a safe, organised hospital and shelter environment.

This role offers a hands-on opportunity to develop skills, with weekend/public holiday work as required.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of animal husbandry, behaviour, and handling.
• Experience handling animals in an animal shelter, kennel, or cattery environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to engage with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work 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.

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.

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.

If you're eager to expand your knowledge and take on a new challenge at the Lost Dogs’ Home, we encourage you to apply!

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.