Veterinary Assistant

ASPCAPawling, NY, US

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Veterinary Assistant

Are you passionate about helping animals in need and eager to advance the field of animal welfare? Do you thrive in a dynamic, complex, highly collaborative environment? If so, the role of Veterinary Assistant at the ASPCA's new Recovery & Rehabilitation Center (R&R Center) in Pawling, NY might be right for you!

The individual in this role is responsible for providing high quality veterinary care to canines recovering from the physical and behavioral impacts of animal cruelty at the R&R Center. The successful candidate for this role values teamwork, collaboration, and an integrated approach to recovery and rehabilitation that balances medical, behavioral, and environmental needs.

Recovery & Rehabilitation Center Overview & Upcoming Launch

The R&R Center in Pawling, NY, is a unique program dedicated to providing integrated sheltering, behavioral, and medical care for canine victims of cruelty. The R&R Center team works closely with ASPCA teams in New York City to help animals rescued in partnership with the NYPD.

This is an in-person position located in Pawling, NY with a target start date of October 6, 2025.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include but are not limited to :

Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals in our care, our staff, and for our clients by using low-stress handling techniques
Collaborate with behavior and sheltering colleagues to ensure holistic, balanced care for animals and a cohesive team culture for staff
Communicate regularly with the behavior team using objective language and established communication systems to ensure information is shared in a timely fashion with relevant stakeholders
Observe individual animals and the overall population for signs of illness, injury, and / or poor welfare, communicating any issues quickly and effectively
Provide continuous hands-on support during exams, surgery, specimen collection, and humane euthanasia procedures
Administer oral and topical medical for preventive or therapeutic purposes under the direction of a veterinarian and in accordance with all state and federal laws
Monitor patients post-operatively to ensure safety and comfort and to identify possible post-operative or anesthesia-related complications
Maintain active knowledge of all daily procedures and protocols
Provide administrative support to the Veterinary Services team, accurately documenting findings, results, and other data in a timely fashion
Follow all protocols to ensure chain of custody is maintained and appropriately documented, and for the disposition of forensic evidence
Clean and disinfect kennels, equipment, and facility as needed, while donning appropriate PPE
Assist with daily animal care including feeding and medicating, as directed
Ensure medical areas are kept clean, organized, and ready for use
Track inventory and ensure veterinary areas are well stocked at all times
Identify and communicate inventory and ordering needs

Administrative, Financial, and Operational Duties (15%)

Participate in daily rounds alongside behavioral and sheltering staff, collaborating openly to provide excellent and integrated care

Regularly attend all Veterinary Services, appropriate cross-functional, and all-staff meetings

Accurately track and report time worked, time off, and work-related travel expenses

Responsibly steward R&R Center assets

Core Values

Exemplify the ASPCA's Core Values :

Commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animals

Ownership and feels responsible for outcomes

Believe in Team that we are stronger together

Seek to Elevate others and reimagine what is possible

Focus on Impact, specifically making change for animals

Education and Work Experience

High School Diploma or GED required, B.S. or B.A. preferred

A minimum of one year handling and restraining dogs in a veterinary or shelter setting; Veterinary Assistant experience preferred

Fear Free Veterinary certification (approximately 9 hours) required within 60 days or hire

Qualifications

Valid driver's license and ability to pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating safe driving

Ability and willingness to travel up to 5% of the time

Able to work a flexible schedule when needed including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays

Fluent in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; familiarity with shelter software systems or Salesforce a plus

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Able to regularly witness animals suffering medically and / or behaviorally

Comfortable with humane euthanasia in theory and in practice

Displays concern for the safety and well-being of self, animals and others, especially under stress

Fosters collaboration by creating strong connections with colleagues at all levels and in all areas

Builds strong work relationships based on trust, respect, and listening to understand

Freely and generously shares knowledge, skills, and expertise with others

Demonstrates genuine interest in the thoughts, ideas, and expertise of others

Proactively problem-solves and takes appropriate initiative to implement solutions

Flexible; can easily adapt to changes and help others do the same

Resilient; bounces back from difficult and disappointing situations quickly

Models transparency, integrity, honesty and strong ethical principles

Unafraid of hard conversations and approaches them openly, quickly, and kindly

Views conflict as generative, using disagreement to drive innovation, improve communication, clarify and articulate values, and build stronger relationships

Values ongoing training and continuing education for self and team, ensuring ample access to learning opportunities

Willing and able to work in a variety of environments including but not limited to :

Indoor climate-controlled spaces

Outdoor natural climate spaces where extreme temperatures and / or precipitation are possible

On surfaces that are wet or uneven

In loud or continuously noisy areas

Willing and able to work with chemical and biological hazards such as medications, cleaning products, urine, feces, blood, and sharp objects

Able to work in a physically demanding environment that requires standing, walking, bending, squatting, and / or kneeling for extended periods of time

Able to lift and carry animals (50 pounds unassisted, 100 pounds with assistance) and equipment, such as food bags, bedding, and cleaning supplies

Able to comfortably handle and restrain animals safely and humanely, particularly in stressful situations

Ability to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to disposable coveralls, respirators or face masks, and booties

Compensation and Benefits

Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, training, experience, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands or budgeted amount for the role. The target hiring range is for new hire offers only, and staff compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance over time. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. The expected hiring salary range for this role is set forth below and may be modified in the future.

The target hiring range for this role is $24-$25.44 hourly.

For more information on our benefits offerings, visit our website.

Stay Connected Join Our Talent Community

If you are interested in joining our team but do not see a position listed that fits your experience or interests, please visit our website to join our Talent Community and stay connected to future opportunities with the ASPCA.

Language : English

Education and Work Experience : High School Diploma (Required)

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Veterinary Assistant • Pawling, NY, US