Veterinary Assistant

Cincinnati Animal CARE; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 16,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Job summary

Cincinnati Animal CARE is seeking a Veterinary Assistant in Cincinnati, Ohio. This role is vital to providing compassionate care for sick and injured animals. You will assist the Veterinary staff and maintain accurate medical records.

The successful candidate will exhibit strong communication skills, a commitment to animal welfare, and an ability to thrive in a dynamic environment. Competitive compensation starting at $16.00/hour and supportive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Experience in animal care preferred but not required.
• Strong oral and listening skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with examinations and treatments of animals.
• Administer medications as directed.
• Maintain medical records accurately.

Skills

Communication Skills

Animal Care

Customer Service

Compassion

Job description

Veterinary Assistant

Reports to Medical Manager

Join the Team at Cincinnati Animal CARE

At Cincinnati Animal CARE (CAC), we do work that matters.

Every day, our team protects animals, supports our community, and helps save thousands of lives each year through compassionate care, advocacy, and education.

This work is meaningful, fast‑paced, and can be challenging, but for the right person, it’s incredibly rewarding.

We are a team built for impact, made of people who care deeply, work hard, support one another, and show up every day committed to making a difference.

If you are passionate about animals, thrive in a mission‑driven environment, and want your work to have purpose, we’d love to have you join us.

About the Role

We are looking for a Veterinary Assistant to join our team and play an important role in supporting CAC’s mission.

In this position, you will:

• Support the Medical Director and staff veterinarian in providing exceptional care for sick and injured animals. You will assist with examinations, treatments, and the administration of medications.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys meaningful work, takes pride in helping others, and wants to contribute to a growing organization making a real impact in the community.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

Your day‑to‑day may include:

• Assist the Medical Director and staff veterinarian in examining, handling, and treating patients
• Administer treatments and medications to sick and injured animals as directed by the Medical Director or Veterinarian
• Perform intake procedures including but not limited to exam, vaccines, medications, testing and treatment
• Monitor sick and injured animals
• Maintain a schedule of boosters and exams for all animals in care
• Maintain medical records in PetPoint software
• Stay current on shelter medicine best practice and follow shelter protocol
• Perform any other shelter duties as directed by the Medical Manager or Medical Director.
• Be present and timely for the duration of each shift
• Be empathetic and compassionate when interacting with the animals, staff and public
• Adhere to the Cincinnati Animal CARE Culture Agreement which includes behaving in a manner that promotes a fun, positive work environment
• Supporting additional organizational needs as they arise

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about CAC’s mission and animal welfare
• Brings a positive, team‑first attitude
• Communicates openly and professionally
• Takes ownership and solves problems proactively
• Thrives in a fast‑paced, ever‑changing environment
• Can balance compassion with accountability
• Is dependable, adaptable, and eager to learn

Qualifications

Preferred/Required:

• Must be 18 years or older
• Must have personal integrity and remain free of felony convictions
• Must maintain confidentiality
• Must be able to walk or stand for long periods of time; frequently works in a bent position
• Ability to read and interpret policies, procedures, and professional publications
• Possess strong oral and listening skills
• Ability to maintain accurate medical records
• Ability to exercise judgment, tact, and diplomacy
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and corresponding safety precautions necessary for the safe performance of assigned duties
• Experience caring for animals in a safe, effective, and humane manner
• Knowledge of and commitment to high levels of customer service
• Knowledge of animal behavior patterns and disease symptoms
• Prior shelter, veterinary or kennel experience preferred but not required
• Ability to maintain composure and professionalism during high stress and often challenging medical situations

Why Join CAC?

At CAC, you’ll be part of more than just a workplace. You’ll join a team of people doing meaningful work together.

We offer:

• The opportunity to make a real difference every day
• A mission‑driven, supportive team culture
• Growth and development opportunities
• Competitive benefits package
• A workplace where your work directly impacts animals and the community

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay: From $16.00/hour
• Retirement plan with employer match
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Professional Development Assistance
• Life Insurance

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, controls, or tools listed above; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places; and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.
• Exposure and handling unvetted animals and their waste is frequent.