Job Description

Posting number: 202400665

Department: Fire

Division: Animal Services

Job classification: Vet Assistant

Posting type: Open

Categories: Animal Control, Animal Services

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.

Examples of duties

• 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).

Qualifications

• 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.