Shelter Vet Assistant: Hands-On Animal Care

Animal Rescue League Of Iowa; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Plan

Veterinary Benefits

Paid Time Off

Job summary

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is seeking a reliable Shelter Veterinary Assistant to support the medical care of shelter animals. This role provides hands-on patient care, animal handling, treatment support, medical monitoring, and daily assistance to the shelter veterinary team.

We offer both full-time and part-time options with shifts between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., and opportunities for growth including support for CVT education.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required, or ability to obtain one.
• At least one year of hands‑on professional animal‑handling experience.
• Experience in an animal shelter veterinary team role, veterinary clinic medical role, or similar environment preferred.
• Comfort handling and caring for animals with varying medical, behavioral, and emotional needs.
• Willingness to become Fear Free Handling certified.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and attention to detail.
• Basic computer skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians and veterinary team members with exams, treatments, procedures, and shelter animal medical care.
• Safely handle, restrain, and care for animals of varying sizes, breeds, temperaments, and medical needs.
• Support daily medical rounds, treatment plans, medication administration, as directed.
• Prepare treatment areas, supplies, equipment, and animal housing areas for medical care.
• Monitor animals for changes in health, behavior, comfort, or recovery and communicate concerns promptly.
• Clean and disinfect equipment, kennels, treatment areas, and medical workspaces.
• Assist with basic laboratory preparation, supply stocking, and medical equipment maintenance.
• Document information accurately and follow shelter medical, safety, sanitation, and animal handling procedures.

Skills

Animal handling

Communication

Reliability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Basic computer skills

Job description

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is seeking a reliable Shelter Veterinary Assistant to support the medical care of shelter animals. This role provides hands-on patient care, animal handling, treatment support, medical monitoring, and daily assistance to the shelter veterinary team.

We offer both full-time and part-time options with shifts between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., and opportunities for growth including support for CVT education.