Veterinary Assistant - Focus on Animal Recovery & Welfare (Lake Carmel)

Summary : Are you passionate about helping animals in need and eager to advance the field of animal welfare? If so, the role of Veterinary Assistant at the ASPCAs 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.

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 topic 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

~ 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%)

~ 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

Has Commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animals

~ Focuses on Impact , specifically making change for animals

Education and Work Experience

~ High School Diploma or GED required, B.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

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

~ Able to work a flexible schedule including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays; Fluent in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; familiarity with shelter software systems or Salesforce a plus

~ Able to regularly witness animals suffering medically and / or behaviorally

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

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