Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Assistant

Schedule

The working schedule for this position is Sunday - Wednesday, 7:30AM - 6PM with Thursday, Friday, and Saturday off. 

Who We Are

ACC is one of the nation’s largest open-admission animal shelters, whose mission is to End Animal Homelessness in NYC. We touch the lives of nearly 30,000 animals each year. ACC is more than an animal shelter; we are a resource to the community, always seeking ways to keep the human-animal bond intact. With a 90% placement rate, our progressive, life-saving initiatives contribute to the successful placement of our animals. 

We strive to find loving homes for homeless and abandoned cats, dogs, guinea pigs and rabbits, both by adopting animals directly to the public and by partnering with more than 200 dedicated animal placement organizations (our New Hope partners). We also help keep NYC communities safe and rescue animals in need, responding to emergencies that involve animals as well as keeping our doors open 24/7 for people and animals in need.

Summary

Assists in the provisions of basic care for animals in the shelter by providing support to the LVT’s and veterinarians. Performs initial screening examinations, documents medical findings, and administers a variety of medical treatments. Facilitates accurate and timely data entry, including photographic documentation as needed. Administers topical and oral medications, bathe and groom animals, and provide direct assistance to veterinary team as directed. Ensures basic maintenance tasks are performed in a timely fashion to ensure smooth functioning of the department. 

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 12 months previous experience working with animals in a veterinary or shelter setting. 
• Must be willing to apply for certification as a euthanasia technician. 
• Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs and stand for prolonged periods of time.

Benefits

ACC values work/life balance and offers a generous paid-time-off (PTO) package that includes vacation time, birthdays off, personal days and sick pay. We also value physical and mental health by offering a great open access Cigna medical, dental and vision insurance at a low premium to our employees as well as 401K and Pension, Life Insurance. We also have on-the-job training for 2-4 weeks, periodic all staff trainings to include safety, DEI, cross training, and other growth opportunities. 

Because ACC is a nonprofit, employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness, cancellation, and/or consolidation under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF). Created under the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, PSLF allows borrowers who work full time for nonprofits and government agencies to have their outstanding debt forgiven tax-free on Federal Direct Loans, after making 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan.

Please use this link for more details on our benefits package.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provide safe and effective restraint for all procedures.
• Assist with all aspects of surgery – pre, intra, and postoperatively.
• Obtain basic vitals of hospitalized animals when directed and notify veterinarians when outside of the normal parameters.

Other Responsibilities:

• Understand basic pharmacology including abbreviations, medications, and their purpose, to aid with medicate animals orally and/or topically.
• Assist in performing and obtaining diagnostics (radiographs, blood work, cultures, etc.).
• Assist in feeding and other basic husbandry care of animals.
• Under the direction of a veterinarian, accurately document medical exam findings, vaccinations, medications, surgery information and treatments in Shelter Buddy medical records.
• Facilitate transfer of animals from intake or medical areas and into appropriate housing. 
• Communicate effectively, cordially, and promptly within and outside of the department. 
• Maintain handling and restraint equipment. 
• Assist in stocking and maintenance of adequate inventory.
• Required to obtain ACC-provided euthanasia certification in order to perform the humane euthanasia of animals when needed. 
• Implant microchips as needed.
• Work cooperatively with ACC volunteers and partners and all departments.
• Fear Free certification required within 30 days of hire. 
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Some college education preferred.
• Good written and oral communication skills and basic computer skills, including a basic understanding of medical terminology. 
• Dependable, reliable, and efficient. 

Work Environment

At ACC it's all hands-on deck. We work together as a team, which means you may be asked to help with tasks that involve working outside in all sorts of weather. As a busy animal shelter in one of the biggest cities in the world it can get noisy inside. Employees should have the ability to remain calm yet professional in stressful situations involving animals and/or members of the public. ACC houses hundreds of animals in its facilities at any given time and with that comes fur, odors and other airborne particles in abundance.  

ACC offers many low-cost services to pets and people in need. This includes compassionate end-of-life services for people who cannot afford to go to a private veterinary office but still want to provide a professional and peaceful transition for their beloved pet.  

This position is based within the medical department at a specific ACC location but flexibility to work at other locations may occasionally be required.

Reports To:  Veterinary Team Manager

Overtime: This is a non-union position and is eligible for overtime.