Job Description

What You'll Be Doing

Join Our Shelter Medicine Team!

Are you passionate about animal welfare and looking to make a real impact in your community? The Wake County Animal Center is seeking a dedicated Veterinary Assistant or Registered Veterinary Technician to support the health and well-being of homeless animals in our care.

In this fast-paced, rewarding environment, you'll assist with medical treatments, vaccinations, diagnostics, surgery support, and daily animal care while working alongside a compassionate team committed to saving lives. The ideal candidate is adaptable, team-oriented, and thrives in a mission-driven setting where every day brings new opportunities to help animals in need.

If you're ready to combine your veterinary skills with meaningful community impact, you could join our team several different ways

As a Veterinary Assistant:

• Starting pay based on education and experience ranging from $26.51/hr. to $33.55/hr
• High School diploma/GED and nine months of experience in a veterinary setting

As a Registered Veterinary Technician:

• Starting pay based on education and experience ranging from $27.58/hr. to $33.55/hr
• Must hold an AVMA accredited degree and current credentials through VTNE or NCVMB
• One year of experience in a veterinary setting

How we can benefit you:

• Registered Vet Techs will have their annual license fee covered and $500 towards their CE requirement (every 2 years)
• 5% (no match required) into a 401K
• Membership in the LGERS Pension Plan after 5 years
• Many more excellent benefits such as paid holidays, paid family illness, paid parental leave, annual and sick leave, and great healthcare benefits

What does a typical day look like?

As a Veterinary Assistant, you will:

• Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians with patient care and examinations
• Restrain and handle animals safely during procedures and treatments
• Feed, exercise, bathe, and monitor animals in the clinic or kennel
• Clean and disinfect exam rooms, cages, kennels, and surgical areas
• Prepare equipment, instruments, and treatment rooms for procedures
• Administer treatments as directed by a veterinarian
• Collect and record animal health information and maintain medical records
• Assist with laboratory testing, specimen collection, and diagnostic procedures
• Maintain inventory of medical supplies and ensure a clean, organized facility

As a Registered Veterinary Technician, you will perform shared duties with Veterinary Assistants as well as directly assist the staff veterinarians, train and mentor Veterinary Assistants, measure and administer drugs to patients, and manage controlled substances.

About Our Team

The Wake County Animal Center is an open-admission animal shelter operated by Wake County Government and on average takes in between 11,000 to 12,000 animals each year. We receive all stray, abandoned and surrendered pets in Wake County. The Center works in partnership with fosters, volunteers and local rescues, to treat and rehome thousands of homeless animals every year.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• High school diploma or GED
• Nine months of experience in animal care and control
• Certified Euthanasia Technician (CET) - Must pass test/exam to become certified within 6 months of employment
• Certified Rabies Vaccinator (CRV) - Must pass test/exam to become certified within 6 months of employment
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted
• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• Preference will be given to candidates who are Registered Veterinary Technicians or to candidates who are eligible to sit for the RVT exams

How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

• Knowledge of basic animal care, behavior, and safe, humane handling techniques
• Knowledge of medical terminology, infection control and sanitation procedures
• Knowledge of animal health and nutrition
• Ability to work with all types of domesticated animals
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

About This Position

Location: Wake County Animal Control Raleigh, NC 27610

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: 40 hours, Monday – Friday, Varying Schedule

Hiring Range: 26.51 - 33.55

Market Range: 26.51 - 33.55

Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 11/17/2026

What Makes Wake Great

Equal Opportunity Statement

Background Check Statement

Emergency Service Worker Statement

What Makes Wake Great

Consistently ranked high among the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is the proud home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and the two-time Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes, winners in 2006 and 2026. In addition to being Wake County’s seat of government, Raleigh is also the center of state government, with the Capitol Building, legislature and many state government offices located in Raleigh. With an estimated population of just over 1.2 million residents, Wake County is North Carolina’s most populous county. Entertainment, recreation, and art and culture abound with the North Carolina Museum of Art, JC Raulston Arboretum, and the Neuse River Trail all in the heart of Wake County. Wake County uses the Council/Manager form of government. Currently, the seven members of the Board of Commissioners are elected by district on a partisan basis and serve four-year terms. Starting in fall 2026, the Wake County Board will have seven commissioners elected by voters in their districts and two at-large commissioners elected by the whole County. The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible and well-managed government, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County’s FY2027 General Fund budget is approximately $2.28 billion, and the County has more than 5,000 full time employees. Wake County Government came in at #2 on the Healthiest Employers list for 2024. This year, US News & World Report ranked Raleigh #5 on its list of Best Places to Live, and the Milken Institute ranked Raleigh #1 on its 2025 list of Best-Performing Cities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.