Student Veterinary Assistant - Large Animal

University of Georgia; Kentucky; On-site; USD 15,911 - 22,661; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia in Athens, GA, is seeking a Student Veterinary Assistant - Large Animal to support senior veterinary staff in caring for ill or injured large animals in the Large Animal Hospital. The role involves on-call opportunities with a salary of $14 per hour and an anticipated start date of 08/31/2026.

Responsibilities include assisting with treatment plans, monitoring patient condition, and maintaining clear documentation while upholding confidentiality and providing quality

Qualifications

• Comfortable working with large animals (horses, cows, sheep, etc.).
• Rabies vaccinated.
• Properly handle and restrain various species of large animals.
• Effective communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while demonstrating excellent customer service and confidentiality.
• Proficiency in prioritizing and completing treatments/patient-care duties in a timely fashion.

Responsibilities

• Provide intermediate animal care: water, feed, transport, restrain, groom.
• Administer medication, monitor vital signs, and collect bodily fluids (blood or urine).
• Assist with all aspects of the patient’s treatment and care, maintaining clear knowledge of medical condition, treatment, prognosis, and plan.
• Communicate promptly to attending clinicians regarding changes or deterioration in the patient’s condition.
• Stock supplies of cleaning products and patient-care equipment.
• Maintain facility cleanliness using mop, broom, and chemical cleaning supplies to sanitize cages and floors.

Skills

Large animal handling

Rabies vaccination

Communication skills

Time management

Job description

Student Veterinary Assistant - Large Animal

Position Details: Employee, FLSA Non‑Exempt, Full‑Time Equivalent (.49). Work Schedule varies with on‑call opportunities. Salary: $14 per hour. Anticipated Start Date: 08/31/2026. Location: Athens, GA.

Position Summary:

This role supports senior veterinary technicians and staff by providing intermediate animal care for ill or injured client‑owned large animals in the Large Animal Hospital. The goal is to promote recovery and efficient patient management.

Responsibilities:

• Provide intermediate animal care: water, feed, transport, restrain, groom.
• Administer medication, monitor vital signs, and collect bodily fluids (blood or urine).
• Assist with all aspects of the patient’s treatment and care, maintaining clear knowledge of medical condition, treatment, prognosis, and plan.
• Communicate promptly to attending clinicians regarding changes or deterioration in the patient’s condition.
• Stock supplies of cleaning products and patient‑care equipment.
• Maintain facility cleanliness using mop, broom, and chemical cleaning supplies to sanitize cages and floors.

Qualifications:

• Comfortable working with large animals (horses, cows, sheep, etc.).
• Rabies vaccinated.
• Properly handle and restrain various species of large animals.
• Effective communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment while demonstrating excellent customer service and confidentiality.
• Proficiency in prioritizing and completing treatments/patient‑care duties in a timely fashion.

Physical Demands:

• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Sit, stoop, bend intermittently during the day on hard floor surfaces.
• Manual dexterity sufficient for accurate handling of equipment and heavy objects.
• Wear protective gear including mask, gloves, gown, hairnet, safety goggles, etc.
• Work for long periods with arms extended.
• Operate in an environment with high animal sounds, bodily fluids, and open wound management.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or other protected status.

Background Check:

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check, verification of credentials, and, if applicable, a drug test. For additional information, visit the UGA Background Check website.