Companion Animal Medical Specialist

Who We Are :

The Asher House is a registered non-profit sanctuary in Salem, Oregon. We rescue animals that have been discarded or unwanted, providing them with a life of comfort, love and adventure.

For over two years, their Founder, Lee Asher, traveled across 49 states to promote dog adoption and spotlight various shelters and rescues.

After his Pitbull Stella passed away, Lee was determined to fulfill his lifelong dream of creating a sanctuary, where animals could feel treasured, protected, and free.

In late 2020, Lee discovered a large parcel of property which was the perfect setting to turn his vision into a reality! We are here to help people have better days and get animals adopted.

The Asher House is on a mission to make the world a better place, one rescue animal at a time!

Job Description :

As a Companion Animal Medical Specialist, you will play a crucial role in the care and well-being of animals, and their medical health and wellbeing.

Your responsibilities will include being able to assess, monitor, and provide treatment under proper supervision for companion animals under your care, as well as providing daily care and enrichment for the animals.

Working closely with a team of animal care professionals, you will implement medical treatment plans to ensure the physical and mental health of the animals and be responsible for the general caretaking of the animals.

This position requires much of the time to be spent outdoors and the desire to be part of a team setting.

Responsibilities :

Daily care includes but is not limited to :

• Assist with feeding, watering, medicating, exercising, and providing daily enrichment.
• Clean and sanitize animal housing areas.
• Monitor animal health for signs of illness, or unusual behavior. Make notation and report any problems regarding health and behavior of the animals to the appropriate staff and notes are entered into animal data base to ensure the necessary medical appointments and follow ups are made.
• Including animals that may be isolated or quarantined.
• Follow proper protocols and procedures to ensure the safety and highest quality of care for all companion animals.
• Ensure animals are always supervised.
• Monitor play groups and ensure dogs are safely playing and engaging with one another.
• Ensure animals are in secured areas of the sanctuary when visitors arrive to the property for the sake of safety to both animals and people.
• Provide overnight care when necessary.
• Keep supplies organized and areas throughout the house organized and free from clutter.
• Meet with outside contractors coming to the property to do various work on the property / house.
• Assist in intake process and ensure proper documentation is completed and maintained.
• Act as a responsible and compassionate representative of The Asher House at all times.

Medical Care :

• Conduct thorough daily medical assessments of animals to identify specific medical needs, issues, progress and changes in status.
• Support medical intake of all new animals, complete intake exams, noting any previous medications or medical issues and ensure proper follow up steps are documented and implemented.
• Ensure all medical records, ongoing medications, treatment plans, etc. are entered into animal database and updated daily.
• Provide daily medication and treatments to all companion animals.
• Administer injections such as (but not limited to) vaccines, microchips, SQ fluids, etc. as appropriate.
• Administer oral, topical, ocular medications as appropriate.
• Work with The Asher House veterinary team to ensure treatments plans are executed correctly and appropriately.

Documentation and Reporting :

• Maintain detailed records of behavioral observations, medical interventions, and progress for each animal.
• Generate regular reports to communicate medical or behavioral changes, challenges, and improvements to relevant team members.

Collaboration and Communication :

• Work closely with staff members to develop and implement cohesive care plans.
• Provide training and guidance to animal care staff regarding medical care and treatment plans.
• Stay current on industry trends, advancements in behavioral science, and best practices in animal welfare.
• Other job duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

• 3-5 years' experience working with companion animals, preferably in a shelter, veterinary clinic, sanctuary, or similar setting.
• Strong knowledge of medical care, language, treatment and veterinary care.
• Strong knowledge of animal behavior and positive reinforcement techniques.
• Excellent observational and analytical skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Physical fitness and agility to work in various environments and handle animals safely.

The Asher House is an equal-opportunity employer.