Student Veterinary Assistant - Small Animal

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 15,911 - 22,661; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking a Student Veterinary Assistant - Small Animal to assist senior veterinary technicians and staff at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, helping care for ill or injured client-owned animals and supporting the clinical team.

This part-time role runs 6pm–12am Monday–Friday with some weekends, pays $14 per hour, and requires hands-on animal care experience and rabies vaccination. It is non-exempt and 0.49 FTE.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in a general animal healthcare setting working with various species.
• Rabies vaccinated.

Responsibilities

• Provide intermediate animal care to small animal patients: water, feed, transport, restrain, groom; administer medication; monitor vital signs.
• Assist with the patient’s treatment and care, understand medical condition, inform attending clinician of changes promptly.
• Stock cleaning supplies and equipment; sanitize cages and floors.

Skills

Animal handling

Communication

Customer service

Confidentiality

Prioritization

Education

Hands-on animal healthcare experience

Rabies vaccinated

Job description

Student Veterinary Assistant - Small Animal

Posting Number: G/R33968P

Department: VetMed-VTH Sm Animal Intermed

Position Summary: This position will give assistance to the senior veterinary technicians and veterinary staff on the care of ill or injured client‑owned animals brought to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in the hopes of recovery.

Duties & Responsibilities

• 50% Provide intermediate animal care to small animal patients: water, feed, transport, restrain, groom; administer medication; monitor vital signs; take samples of bodily fluids; establish effective working relationships with senior veterinary staff and clinicians and assist senior veterinary staff with animal care.
• 30% Individual assists with all aspects of the patient’s treatment and care, has a clear knowledge of the patient’s medical condition, treatment, prognosis and plan; informs attending clinician on any change or deterioration of the patient’s condition in an informed and timely manner.
• 20% Stock supplies of cleaning products and patient care equipment; ensure facility cleanliness with the use of mop, broom, chemical cleaning supplies to sanitize cages and the floors.

Relevant / Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification

• Hands on experience within a general animal healthcare setting working with various species of animals.
• Rabies vaccinated.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

• Properly handle and restrain various species of small animals (dogs, cats, etc.).
• Effectively communicate.
• Work in a fast‑paced environment while demonstrating excellent customer service, high degree of confidentiality, openness to teaching and providing consultation to a variety of stakeholders.
• Proficient 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 to accurately work with small, delicate pieces of equipment or large heavy objects/containers/machinery.
• Wear all protective gear including mask, gloves, gown, hairnet, safety goggles, etc.
• Work for long periods of time with arms extended.
• Work within an environment that has high levels of animal sounds, bodily fluids that need disposal, and open wound management.

Employment Information

Employment Type: Employee

Schedule: 6pm‑12am Monday‑Friday with some weekends; general 6‑hour shifts on evenings, overnights, weekends and some holidays.

Salary: $14 per hour

Anticipated Start Date: 08/31/2026

FLSA: Non‑Exempt

FTE: .49

Equal Opportunity Statement

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, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

Contact

Recruitment Contact Name: Drew Clements

Recruitment Contact Email: [e-mail]

Recruitment Contact Phone: [phone]