Veterinary Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Description : Have you always been interested in transforming your love for animals into a career? Join our team to get great hands-on experience! Provide examinations, patient care, and surgical services for animals belonging to Ruff Start Rescue. You’ll have access to a variety of learning and development opportunities, along with hands-on learning, providing an excellent opportunity to advance your career. Work alongside the DVM and certified technicians to give treatments to the rescue animals based on their recommendations.

Essential Job Functions :

Enter required data into medical records legibly, whether paper or computer-based.

Help with set up, check-in, recovery, checkout, and cleaning

Perform physical exam; accurately counts heart rate, capillary refill time, mucous membranes, temperature, respiratory rate, and effort.

Support veterinarians and certified technicians to ensure quality veterinary care, advocate for pets, and educate clients.

Performs standard in-house laboratory diagnostics

Understands basic pharmacology of commonly used medications

Administers medications via appropriate routes and duration

Understands aseptic techniques during surgical and non-surgical procedures

Assists with nail trims and blood draw.

Qualifications :

The ability to lift 50 lbs and bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, and climb steps.

Preferred candidates must have at least 1 year of experience in anesthesiology and surgery support.

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, are a must.

The right candidate will be able to work independently effectively and will be self-motivated.

Must be able to handle the physical and emotional aspects of work in an animal shelter environment, including the use of and assisting with euthanasia

Personal Characteristics :

Able to demonstrate honesty, integrity, and discretion. With the ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations.

Strong interpersonal skills - outgoing, patient, professional, and able to get along well with various people are a must.

Ability to show compassion and empathize with the foster families.

Work as a team player, supporting the organization's overall goals.

Possibility-driven, proactive, personable, energetic, collaborative, and tactful.

Brings a strong drive for results, while maintaining a calm approach to managing change and working through unexpected or challenging situations.

Well organized.

A deep and abiding passion to professionally advocate Ruff Start Rescue's position on key animal welfare and No-Kill issues.

Benefits :

Health insurance will be available for employees on the first day after 90 days. RSR will pay 50% of the employee's monthly premium.

A Retirement plan with up to a 3% employee contribution available after a 90-day trial period is offered to employees making over $5,000 annually.

Optional insurance options availabl.

Paid Time Off (PTO) :

Year 1 : 10 days

Years 2–3 : 15 days

Years 4–5 : 20 days

Years 6–7 : 25 days

Year 8+ : 30 days (PTO is prorated from anniversary date upon moving into a new bracket)

7 paid holidays annually; observed on the closest workday if falling on a weekend.

Paid parental leave

RSR all offers Professional Development $200 annually.

Availability : Monday - Friday 8 am-5 pm (times and days may vary due to workload) Ability and willingness to allow for a flexible schedule are essential.

Hourly rate : $17-$21

Reports to : Practice Manager

Applicants, Please note : Send cover letter, resume, and three professional references to apply@ruffstartrescue.org. Interested applicants who do not include both items in their submission will not be considered for this position.