Animal Care Specialist (Putnam Lake)

Summary :

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 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.

This is an in-person position located in Pawling, NY.

Responsibilities :

Responsibilities include but are not limited to :

Functional Duties (85%)

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

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

Exemplifies the ASPCAs Core Values :

Has Commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animals

Demonstrates Ownership and feels responsible for outcomes

Believes in Team that we are stronger together

Seeks to Elevate others and reimagine what is possible

Focuses 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 drivers 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 including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays; regular schedule will include at least one weekend day

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 conversation