Shelter Veterinary Assistant: Hands-On Animal Care

Animal Emergency & Specialty Center - Knoxville; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Animal Emergency & Specialty Center - Knoxville is seeking a Veterinary Assistant I to support veterinarians and the medical team in a fast-paced shelter setting. The role focuses on hands-on care, documentation, and providing preventive and diagnostic support for shelter animals from intake to adoption or transfer.

Ideal candidates have at least one year of veterinary experience, strong animal handling skills, and the ability to work as part of a collaborative team under pressure.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1+ year veterinary assistant experience preferred, shelter experience a plus.
• Familiarity with basic veterinary procedures and infection control.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians with examinations, treatments, and diagnostic procedures.
• Provide hands-on medical care and monitor patients for changes in health.
• Handle and restrain cats, dogs, and other animals safely and compassionately.
• Collect and prepare diagnostic samples for testing.
• Document findings and treatments accurately in medical records.
• Maintain clean and organized treatment areas and equipment.

Skills

Animal care

Animal handling

Medical procedures

Documentation & record-keeping

Education

High school diploma or GED

1+ year veterinary assistant experience

Job description

Animal Emergency & Specialty Center - Knoxville is seeking a Veterinary Assistant I to support veterinarians and the medical team in a fast-paced shelter setting. The role focuses on hands-on care, documentation, and providing preventive and diagnostic support for shelter animals from intake to adoption or transfer.

Ideal candidates have at least one year of veterinary experience, strong animal handling skills, and the ability to work as part of a collaborative team under pressure.