Veterinary Assistant

Humane Society of St. Joseph County

Medical Assistant-Triage Staff

Basic Function

Works in collaboration with the Shelter Operations Manager, Shelter Veterinarian, and shelter staff to provide high-quality medical care and support for animals in the organization's care. Responsible for animal intake assessments, medical treatments, medication administration, disease prevention protocols, recordkeeping, and assisting with shelter medical procedures. Helps ensure the health, comfort, and welfare of shelter animals while maintaining a safe, clean, and organized medical environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Non-Exempt Position: Starting wage $15.00/hour with performance-based wage increases available at 90 days and 1 year
• Veterinary Assistance for Personal Pets

Eligible full-time employee benefits available after successful completion of a 90-day probationary period:

• Employer-paid Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability Insurance, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)

Applicant Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required
• Veterinary assistant, veterinary technician, animal shelter, animal welfare, or related animal care experience preferred
• Must be comfortable handling and restraining dogs of all sizes and breeds
• Must be comfortable handling and restraining cats, pocket pets, exotics, livestock, and wildlife
• Strong attention to detail with excellent recordkeeping and data entry skills
• Ability to follow detailed medical instructions and treatment protocols
• Proficient computer skills and ability to learn shelter management software
• Reliable, punctual, and dependable team player
• Must have reliable transportation
• Open and flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and perform physically demanding work for extended periods
• Ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Must possess compassion, professionalism, sound judgment, and a commitment to animal welfare

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Medical Care & Treatment

• Perform intake, triage, wellness, post-surgical, and pre-adoption health evaluations as assigned
• Monitor shelter animals for signs of illness, injury, behavioral concerns, or declining condition and promptly communicate findings to the Shelter Veterinarian and Shelter Operations Manager
• Administer medications, vaccinations, and medical treatments in accordance with veterinary direction and established protocols
• Assist with routine medical procedures, diagnostics, laboratory testing, and blood collection
• Assist veterinary staff during surgical procedures and recovery monitoring
• Maintain accurate medical records, treatment logs, medication inventories, and vaccination records
• Follow all shelter disease prevention, sanitation, biosecurity, and medical protocols
• Assist with humane euthanasia services and aftercare procedures as assigned
• Maintain clean, organized, and properly stocked medical and treatment areas

Animal Care & Shelter Operations

• Provide daily care, feeding, monitoring, and enrichment for animals receiving medical treatment or requiring specialized care
• Assist with cleaning and disinfecting kennels, cages, carriers, medical equipment, and animal housing areas
• Work collaboratively with Animal Care Attendants and other shelter staff to ensure animals receive appropriate care and attention
• Bathe, groom, and provide supportive care to animals as needed
• Assist with animal handling for examinations, vaccinations, transport, and medical procedures
• Maintain a clean, safe, low-stress environment for animals, staff, and visitors
• Support shelter operations during emergencies, large-scale intakes, disease outbreaks, and special events as needed

Administrative & Team Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with the Shelter Operations Manager, Shelter Veterinarian, and shelter staff to ensure continuity of care for all animals
• Maintain confidentiality of organizational, personnel, and animal records
• Participate in staff meetings, training opportunities, and continuing education as assigned
• Demonstrate professionalism and positive customer service when interacting with staff, volunteers, fosters, adopters, and the public
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Shelter Operations Manager, Shelter Veterinarian, or Leadership Team

Additional Duties

• Participate in training opportunities and professional development as assigned
• Assist with special events, adoption promotions, transports, and community outreach activities as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Leadership Team

Work Environment

This position involves frequent exposure to animals, animal waste, cleaning chemicals, loud noises, allergens, and potentially hazardous situations involving animals of unknown health or behavioral history. Employees must be able to work in a physically demanding environment and maintain a positive, team-oriented attitude while providing compassionate care to animals and exceptional service to the public.

Why Join Our Team?

For more than 125 years, the Humane Society of St. Joseph County has served as a leader in animal welfare and public safety. Our team is committed to protecting animals, supporting pet owners, and strengthening the human-animal bond throughout our community. If you're looking for meaningful work where no two days are the same and your efforts directly improve lives, we'd love to hear from you.

The Humane Society of St. Joseph County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pay: From $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Veterinary assistant: 1 year (Preferred)
• Animal shelter: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person