Shelter Veterinary Assistant II – Caring for Animals

City of Indianapolis; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Indianapolis Animal Care Services is seeking a veterinary assistant to support shelter health, triage medical needs, and assist with medical duties. The role requires strong animal health knowledge, experience in a clinic or shelter, and the ability to work with a diverse team.

Weekend/evening hours may be required, and handling of large or potentially aggressive animals is essential. Responsibilities include administering medications, assisting veterinarians, performing diagnostic

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years veterinary assistant experience in clinic or shelter.
• Strong knowledge of animal health and diseases.
• Ability to work with diverse staff and public; professional demeanor.
• Weekend and evening hours may be required.
• Ability to safely handle potentially aggressive animals over 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Administer medications to animals.
• Assess animal health in the shelter.
• Assist the veterinarian during rounds.
• Provide input on euthanasia decisions for medical reasons.
• Perform animal euthanasia.
• Perform diagnostic skin scrapes.
• Perform diagnostic fecal parasite tests.
• Use equipment for diagnostics including bloodwork and x-rays.
• Clip and clean wounds.
• Assess animals for pregnancy and parasites.
• Update medical records.
• Groom severely neglected animals.
• Monitor medical supply inventory.
• Transport animals to clinics for procedures.
• Prepare medications.
• Assist with procedures (ear/dental cleanings, IV, bandages).

Skills

Animal health knowledge

Diagnostics & exams

Communication

Animal handling

Team collaboration

Tools

Shelter management software

Medical equipment operation

Job description

City of Indianapolis Animal Care Services is seeking a veterinary assistant to support shelter health, triage medical needs, and assist with medical duties. The role requires strong animal health knowledge, experience in a clinic or shelter, and the ability to work with a diverse team.

Weekend/evening hours may be required, and handling of large or potentially aggressive animals is essential. Responsibilities include administering medications, assisting veterinarians, performing diagnostic