Shelter Veterinary Assistant

Belleville Area Humane Society; Belleville (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/Dental/Vision

403b matching program

Consistent schedule

Tuition assistance program for RVT/CVT

Employee pet benefits

3 weeks paid time off

Adoption discount

Paid Bereavement Leave

Holiday pay

No nights

Job summary

The Belleville Area Humane Society is seeking a Vet Assistant to support intake, medical and enrichment care for animals in shelter and foster care. Responsibilities include assisting veterinarians, preparing animals for exams or surgeries, vaccines, medications, and data entry using shelter software.

The role offers a full or part-time schedule, with Sunday plus 2-3 weekdays, and a competitive hourly wage of $17–$20.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent animal care experience.
• Computer proficiency and ability to learn shelter software.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarian and medical team with surgery and preparation
• Draw blood and perform fecal testing
• Dispense medications/vaccinations and follow orders
• Maintain accurate log of medical procedures and medications
• Train staff and volunteers on medical protocols
• Educate customers about animal care, health, behavior and training
• Develop relationships with BAHS transfer partners
• Provide medical intake of animals
• Support medical needs of shelter, foster, and community animals
• Help develop cleaning protocols
• Follow BAHS protocols to clean kennels and facilities
• Use shelter software to update animal records

Skills

Communication

Organization

Prioritization

Teamwork

Judgment

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor's in Science/Biology/Animal Science/related field or equivalent paid animal care experience

Job description

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The BAHS Shelter Vet Assistant will assist with all intake, medical, and enrichment care for all of the animals housed and/or fostered at BAHS. The vet assistant will help assess animal behavior, prepare animals for exams or spays and neuter surgery, support the surgery schedule, give vaccines and medications, draw blood, intake animals and enter animal info into the database. This position will work full or part time, Sunday plus 2-3 weekdays.

SUPERVISOR: Executive Medical Director

Pay rate: $17 - 20 per hour, depending on experience. Candidates with animal care experience can expect to fall in the middle of this range.

Full Time Benefits

• Health/Dental/Vision


• 403b matching program


• Consistent schedule


• Tuition assistance program for RVT/CVT after 2 years


• Employee pet benefits (food, vaccinations, preventions)


• 3 weeks paid time off


• Adoption discount


• Paid Bereavement Leave


• Holiday pay


• No nights

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors in Science/Biology/Animal Science/or related field OR equivalent paid animal care/behavior experience


• Must be computer proficient and able to learn shelter software

JOB SKILLS

• Good written and verbal communication skills


• Highly organized, motivated, and detail-oriented


• Organized and able to set priorities


• Able to work well in a team environment with the public, co-workers, and volunteers


• Demonstrate emotional maturity and good judgment

REQUIREMENTS:

• Physical ability to clean kennels and cages required


• Must be able to be on your feet for large portions of the day and handle large animals


• Allergies that are aggravated by animals or cleaning supplies may be a disqualification


• Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions


• Must be able to stand, kneel, walk for up to 8 hours per day


• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES:

• Assist veterinarian and medical team with surgery and surgery preparation


• Draw blood and perform fecal testing


• Execute DVM orders/medical care, and dispense medications/vaccinations


• Assist DVM with maintaining an accurate log of all medical procedures and medications


• Help train staff and volunteers on proper medical protocols


• Educate customers and the public about animal care, health, behavior, and training


• Develop and grow relationships with BAHS transfer partners


• Provide medical intake of animals as they enter the shelter


• Assist with medical needs of shelter, foster, and community animals


• Help develop and train on proper cleaning protocols


• Follow BAHS protocols to clean the animal kennels, cages, and shelter facilities


• Use shelter software and database to add new animals and update animal records for reportable outcomes for all animal cases


• Provide quality customer service as assisting with animal welfare in shelter, foster, adoption, post-adoption, and community processes

This job description reflects the assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description does not establish a contract for employment. The Belleville Area Humane Society is an at-will employer.