Vet Assistant

City of Midland, TX; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Midland, TX is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to support veterinarians and technicians in examinations, treatments, and shelter animal care. You will assist with medical exams, vaccinations, microchips, record-keeping, and safe animal handling in a fast-paced shelter setting.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or GED and at least 1 year in animal care; lifting up to 50 pounds; strong teamwork and communication; and basic computer skills with shelter management software.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least 1 year of experience in animal care preferred.
• Ability to safely restrain and handle animals of varying sizes.
• Willingness to work weekends and adapt to a fast-paced shelter environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians during medical exams, surgeries, and treatments.
• Safely restrain animals for medical care.
• Administer medications, vaccines, and preventive care under supervision.
• Monitor animals recovering from anesthesia or procedures and report changes.
• Maintain accurate medical records in shelter software.
• Assist with intake exams, vaccinations, and microchipping.
• Perform basic diagnostic procedures and sample collection.
• Maintain cleanliness of medical areas and equipment.
• Store and dispose of controlled substances per laws.
• Provide customer service to staff, adopters, and the public with medical questions.
• Assist with humane euthanasia as directed.

Skills

Animal handling

Veterinary terminology

Illness/injury recognition

Communication & teamwork

Computer literacy

Adaptability in fast-paced env

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Shelter management software

Job description

Reports To: Supervising Veterinarian and/or Veterinary Technician

The Veterinary Assistant supports the medical team in providing compassionate, efficient, and high-quality care to shelter animals. This role assists veterinarians and veterinary technicians with examinations, treatments, procedures, animal handling, record-keeping, and maintaining a clean and safe medical environment.

• Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians during medical exams, surgeries, and treatments.
• Safely restrain animals for medical care, including dogs, cats, and other species as needed.
• Administer oral medications, topical treatments, vaccines, and preventive care under the supervision of a veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician.
• Monitor animals recovering from anesthesia or medical procedures and promptly report changes in condition.
• Maintain accurate medical records, including updating shelter management software.
• Assist with intake exams, microchipping, deworming, and vaccinations of shelter animals.
• Perform basic diagnostic procedures such as fecal preparation, skin scrapings, and sample collection.
• Clean, disinfect, and maintain medical areas, surgical equipment, kennels, and supplies.
• Ensure proper storage, labeling, and disposal of controlled substances and medical supplies in compliance with state and federal law.
• Provide excellent customer service to staff, fosters, adopters, and the public when assisting with medical questions or animal care guidance.
• Assist with humane euthanasia procedures as directed by the veterinarian or licensed technician.
• Transport animals safely within the shelter or to outside veterinary facilities when needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of animal handling, behavior, and restraint techniques.
• Basic understanding of veterinary medical terminology and procedures.
• Ability to recognize signs of illness, stress, or injury in animals.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills. Ability to work in a fast-paced, emotionally challenging environment.
• Competence in using computers and shelter management software (training provided).

• Knowledge of animal handling, behavior, and restraint techniques.
• Basic understanding of veterinary medical terminology and procedures.
• Ability to recognize signs of illness, stress, or injury in animals.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, emotionally challenging environment.
• Competence in using computers and shelter management software (training provided).

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least one (1) year of experience in animal care, veterinary, or shelter setting preferred.
• Must be able to safely handle animals of varying sizes and temperaments.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and work on feet for extended periods.
• Valid Texas driver’s license and insurable driving record preferred.

Work Environment:

• Exposure to animals, including potential bites, scratches, and zoonotic diseases.
• May be required to work weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings.
• Fast-paced environment requiring multitasking and emotional resilience.