Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistant

Alpha Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness; West Caldwell (NJ); On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship

In-house training

Career growth

Job summary

Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness in Fairfield, New Jersey, is seeking a motivated Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistant to join our growing team. You will work closely with Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapists to help dogs and cats regain strength, mobility, and confidence through hands-on care and therapy sessions.

No rehabilitation experience is required—we will train the right candidate.

Qualifications

• No prior rehabilitation experience required; training provided.
• Ability to stand, walk, lift and handle dogs of various sizes.
• Willingness to learn and grow in rehabilitation techniques.

Responsibilities

• Assist therapists during evaluations and treatment sessions.
• Prepare patients for treatment and assist with therapeutic exercises.
• Support underwater treadmill therapy and mobility activities.
• Help with transfers, gait training, and balancing exercises.
• Maintain clean, organized treatment areas and accurate workflow between appointments.

Skills

Compassionate

Team player

Strong communicator

Energetic

Education

Veterinary Assistant Certification

Job description

Help Pets Recover. Restore Mobility. Change Lives.

At Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness, we believe every pet deserves the opportunity to move comfortably, recover confidently, and enjoy the highest quality of life possible.

As one of New Jersey's leading companion animal rehabilitation practices, we specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation, post-operative recovery, sports medicine, senior mobility, fitness, and pain management.

We're looking for an energetic, compassionate, and motivated Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistant to join our growing team. This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapists, helping dogs and cats regain strength, mobility, confidence, and independence.

If you're passionate about animal health, love working hands-on with patients, enjoy exercise and movement, and want to be part of an innovative healthcare team, we'd love to meet you.

What You'll Do

As a Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistant, you'll work closely with our rehabilitation therapists to provide exceptional patient care while helping create an outstanding experience for every client and pet.

Patient Care

• Assist therapists during rehabilitation evaluations and treatment sessions.
• Safely handle and support canine and feline patients of all sizes.
• Prepare patients for treatment.
• Assist with therapeutic exercises and functional activities.
• Support patients during underwater treadmill therapy.
• Assist with balance, coordination, gait, and strengthening exercises.
• Help perform therapeutic stretching and range-of-motion activities under therapist direction.
• Assist with transfers, standing exercises, gait training, and mobility support for neurological patients.
• Monitor patient comfort, safety, and fatigue throughout treatment sessions.
• Help maintain accurate treatment flow between appointments.

Rehabilitation Equipment

• Underwater treadmills
• Therapeutic exercise equipment
• Balance equipment
• Cavaletti rails
• Peanut balls
• Balance discs and stability equipment
• Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)
• TENS units
• Therapeutic laser
• Shockwave therapy
• PEMF therapy
• Therapeutic braces and mobility devices

(No previous rehabilitation experience is required—we will train the right candidate.)

Facility & Patient Support

• Prepare treatment areas before each appointment.
• Clean and sanitize rehabilitation equipment between patients.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and professional clinic environment.
• Assist with patient transitions throughout the clinic.
• Help therapists maintain efficient treatment flow.
• Assist with laundry, equipment maintenance, and daily clinic preparation.
• Participate in opening, lunch, and closing responsibilities.

Client Education

Help reinforce therapist recommendations by:

• Demonstrating prescribed home exercises.
• Educating pet parents on safe handling techniques.
• Reviewing home exercise programs under therapist guidance.
• Encouraging client participation during rehabilitation sessions.
• Providing exceptional customer service and support.

We're Looking For

• Passionate about helping animals.
• Positive, compassionate, and patient.
• Energetic and enjoys staying active throughout the day.
• Comfortable working with dogs and cats of all sizes and temperaments.
• Dependable and punctual.
• Detail-oriented and organized.
• A strong communicator and team player.
• Calm under pressure.
• Eager to learn and grow professionally.
• Comfortable taking initiative and adapting in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in one or more of the following is preferred but not required:

• Veterinary Assistant
• Veterinary Technician
• Animal Hospital
• Animal Shelter or Rescue
• Dog Daycare or Boarding Facility
• Dog Training
• Grooming
• Animal Handling
• Human Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Athletic Training
• Exercise Science
• Kinesiology
• Biology
• Animal Science
• Pre-Veterinary Studies

Recent graduates and students pursuing careers in veterinary medicine or rehabilitation are encouraged to apply.

Physical Requirements

This is an active position requiring:

• Standing and walking for extended periods.
• Assisting dogs of various sizes with mobility.
• Lifting and supporting pets when appropriate.
• Frequent bending, kneeling, squatting, and reaching.
• Working in and around water during hydrotherapy sessions.
• Ability to safely manage active, fearful, or mobility-impaired patients.

Professional Growth Opportunities

At Alpha, we believe in investing in our team.

Opportunities may include:

• Hands-on mentorship from Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapists.
• Continuing education and in-house training.
• Learning advanced rehabilitation techniques and therapeutic modalities.
• Exposure to orthopedic, neurological, sports medicine, and geriatric rehabilitation.
• Career advancement within a rapidly growing practice.
• Opportunities to attend educational events, conferences, and workshops.

Why Join Alpha?

Every day is different.

One hour you may help a puppy recover after orthopedic surgery.

The next, you'll assist a senior dog taking its first pain-free steps in months.

Later, you might help a paralyzed dog learn to stand and walk again.

The work is physically active, emotionally rewarding, and deeply meaningful.

At Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness, you'll join a team that values:

• Compassion
• Excellence
• Innovation
• Teamwork
• Lifelong learning
• Integrity
• A positive, supportive culture

Together, we're changing lives—one patient, one family, and one step at a time.

Position Details

Position: Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistant

Employment: Full-Time

Location: Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness
Fairfield, New Jersey

Join us in helping pets move better, recover stronger, and live healthier, happier lives.