Veterinary Assistant

Ulster County SPCA; City of Kingston (NY); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ulster County SPCA seeks a Veterinary Assistant to support veterinarians in a fast-paced animal shelter. Responsibilities include administering medications, cleaning medical spaces, and ensuring animal welfare. Ideal candidates possess strong communication skills and experience in veterinary care.

Benefits

Health insurance

Paid sick time

Paid vacation

Employee Assistance Program

Employee discount

Uniforms/scrubs provided

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in veterinary care preferred.
• Ability to handle animals of all temperaments.

Responsibilities

• Feed, bathe, and monitor animals in medical spaces.
• Assist with surgical operations and procedures.
• Complete animal intake procedures and maintain records.

Skills

Communication

Customer Service

Animal Handling

Organization

Education

High school graduate

Veterinary Assistant certification

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Are you looking for a job where you can truly change lives, have an impact and make a difference every day? The Ulster County SPCA is looking for an organized, enthusiastic team member with a passion for animal welfare and great people skills for our fast-paced animal shelter.

The Veterinary Assistant supports the veterinarian and Licensed Veterinary Technicians, at either the clinic or shelter, in their daily tasks by administering prescribed medications and treatments, cleaning and maintaining equipment, feeding, monitoring and bathing/grooming animals, preparing and sanitizing surgery suites, exam rooms and medical housing spaces, restraining and handling animals, preparing for anesthesia, catheterization and intubation, monitoring patients, interacting with clients and completing clerical and administrative tasks.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Shelter Medicine

· Feed, bathe and monitor animals located in medical spaces on a daily basis

· Clean, sterilize and maintain shelter medical spaces, exam rooms and storage areas and associated equipment

· Administer daily medications and treatments according to established protocols and veterinarian prescriptions including full documentation in the animal’s record

· Complete animal intake procedures according to established protocols including screenings, preventatives, vaccinations and basic grooming (ear cleanings/nail trims) including full documentation in the animal’s record

· Complete outgoing checklists for animals being adopted, ensuring records are

complete and any medications are sent home with the adopter

· In the absence of the Shelter Medical Coordinator, conduct daily rounds with department supervisors

· Assist the Veterinarian and/or Shelter Medical Coordinator (LVT) with medical examinations, intakes, and procedures as directed, providing Fear Free humane restraint of animals

· Ensure accurate, timely recordkeeping and tracking of animal status’ throughout intake and exam processes

· Complete administrative duties, e.g., restocking, cleaning, organizing, filing, phone calls, etc., as directed

Clinic

· Assist the Veterinarian and/or Surgery Technician (LVT) by preparing, positioning and restraining animals for surgical operations/procedures, catheterization, intubation and recovery observing all clinic procedures to ensure sterility and safety of patients

· Intake and discharge patients, including providing client information and post-op instructions, dispensing medications and establishing recheck appointments

· Clean, sterilize and maintain shelter medical spaces, exam rooms and storage areas and associated equipment including surgical instruments, packs and drapes

· Clean and fold surgical laundry

· Complete administrative duties, e.g., restocking, cleaning, organizing, filing, phone calls, etc., as directed

Minimum Qualifications

Education

· High school graduate

· Veterinary Assistant certification or equivalent education preferred

Experience

· 1 or more years of experience in veterinary care preferred, preferably in a shelter environment, or equivalent medical position

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

· Fear Free humane animal care/husbandry and handling skills, to include safe handling/restraint techniques with animals of all temperaments, ability to interpret animal body language, ability to determine breed, reproductive status and age, and understanding of medical terminology, techniques and procedures.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills, to include effectively handling high-stress, emotionally-charged situations

· Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting deadlines; must be detail-oriented, reliable, and able to rapidly and accurately process information

· Ability to create and sustain positive working relationships with staff, volunteers, and the public, and be a team player while also working independently; must work well with people from a variety of backgrounds

· Strong customer service/sales skills

· Proficiency in computer applications, including MS Office, etc.

Pay & Benefits:

Pay is $16.00 - $21.64, commensurate with experience, with holiday pay and bonuses and longevity bonuses.
Clinic VA works a 4-day work week; Shelter VA works a 5-day work week
Health insurance (medical/dental/vision), life insurance
Paid sick time, paid vacation/personal time, paid family leave
Employee Assistance Program, employee discount, uniforms/scrubs provided

Interested candidates should include a cover letter with resume.

The Ulster County SPCA is a private nonprofit animal welfare organization. We are not a part of the County government or the ASPCA.