Animal Care Assistant Part-Time - Animal Clinic of Chardon

At Mission Pet Health, we do things a little differently! As part of our hiring process, we invite candidates to complete a short online assessment so we can better understand your skills and strengths. If you are being considered for the position, you will receive an e-mail from a Mission Pet Health recruiter with a link to complete the assessment at your convenience. Please be sure to check your spam or junk folder - sometimes these messages get filtered out.

INTRODUCTION The Animal Care Assistant provides care and the basic needs of animals that are being boarded or that are patients of Animal Clinic of Chardon including cleaning of cages, runs and ward areas, laundry, walking, and proper feeding, medicating and basic care of some hospitalized animals. He or she is also responsible for the cleaning, disinfecting, and stocking of the hospital as well assisting Veterinary Nurses and Doctors when needed.

ACOC Core Values

• We are Passionate – I choose to be here.
• We are Accountable – Own it.
• We are Positivity Warriors.
• We use our Voice: Pets, People, Each Other.
• We Grow – bring it on!
• We are Healthy – promote physical, mental health of each other and our patients, clients, and community.
  
  

Core Focus Is Made Up Of

Our purpose: making a difference in the lives of pets and the people who love them.

Our niche: we take the time to know you and your pet.

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Know our Core Values and Core Focus. Use our Core Values as part of every decision you make.
• Sign and agree to follow our Mutual Respect Commitment.
• Participate in mandatory team meetings.
• Observe animal appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease, pain, and discontent (fear, anxiety, stress).
• Work closely with Veterinary Nurses/Veterinarians and be responsible for immediately conveying any concerns with animals under our care such as signs of illness, disease, injury, or unusual activity.
• Provide care for animals housed/visiting the Hospital:
• Handle animals as required and restrain animals. Utilize low-stress, Fear Free, and Cat Friendly techniques.
• Walk and play with hospitalized/boarding dogs several times a day to provide exercise and time for elimination of bowels and bladder.
• Provide “tender loving care” (TLC) to hospitalized animals, this includes interactive playtime and enrichment.
• Bathe, groom, and keep animals clean, odor free, and comfortable always.
• Apply knowledge of normal food and water requirements of animals. As required, provide special food requirements.
• Under the supervision of veterinarians or veterinary nurses assist with the administration of medications, post-operative care, preparation of samples for laboratory examination, specimen collection, clean surgical instruments and prepare surgical packs, etc.
• Ensure that cages and animals are properly identified and that personal property (toys, treats, blankets, leashes) are stored in the proper area and identified.
• Clean, disinfect and maintain cages, runs, and outdoor play area as often as is necessary to ensure no cages are soiled and odors are not apparent. Wash and sterilize water and food bowls.
• Responsible for recording all information such as feeding schedules, appearance, personal belongings, behavior of animals that are hospitalized or boarded. Basic knowledge of Cornerstone Veterinary Software is required.
• Assist in the discharge and admittance of animals at the request of CSR (Customer Service Representative), VN (Veterinary Nurse) or DVM (Veterinarian). Assure animals being discharged have been checked by veterinary nurse and/or DVM.
• Communicate with clients (pet owners) at check-in, check-out, and throughout pet’s stay. This includes verbal, written, and texting methods of communication.
• Prepare discharge “report card” and ensure that animals all smell clean and fresh for discharge.
• Launder and dry towels and blankets. Fold and put away.
• Patrol hospital grounds daily, picking up any trash and stool material. Empty trash.
• Complete daily hospital cleaning duties as required and indicated on cleaning log.
• Exhibit a basic knowledge of products and medications sold, including dietary products.
• Work well with all employees and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors and the practice philosophy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

CONTROLS OVER WORK

The Animal Care Assistant works under the direct supervision of the ACA Manger and Lead Technician who will indicate general assignments, limitations, and priorities. Veterinarians and Veterinary nurses provide specific instructions in giving medications, feeding specific diets, or following special sanitary procedures. Recurring assignments are performed independently. Deviations or unfamiliar situations are referred to management.

PHYSICAL EFFORT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job.

• Frequently required to bend, stand, stoop, walk, sit, communicate, and listen, frequently working in a bent position.
• Frequently use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel; will reach with hands and arms.
• Use strength or agility in capturing and restraining stronger, more active animals.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  
  

Occasionally handle dogs weighing up to and over 150 lbs. Assistance will be provided by animal handlers when working with larger animals.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to hazards associated with aggressive patients; hazards associated with infected animals and controlled substances; exposure to unpleasant odors and noises; exposure to bites, scratches and animal wastes; possible exposure to contagious diseases.

Work is normally performed inside; some outside work is required.

Follow federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA.

Essential Functions

• Ability to safely handle animals using appropriate Fear Free and Cat Friendly procedures.
• Ability to clean and maintain cages, runs, dishes, bedding, and perform general cleaning throughout the hospital to control the spread of disease and keep hospital looking nice and orderly.
• Ability to observe animal appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease, pain, and discontent and report to Veterinary Nurse or DVM.
• Time-management and organization.
• Regular attendance and timeliness are an essential function to fulfill the requirements of this position.
• Strong communication and client service skills. Considerable tact and diplomacy is required. Ability to work with clients and patients in a professional, friendly, hospitable manner.
• Work well with all employees and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the medicine that we practice and our core values.
• Perform general physical activities that require bending, standing, stooping, moving from room to room, sit, talk, and listen; may be required to walk or stand for long periods of time; will use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel; will reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently lift, carry dogs weighing 50 lbs. Walk and handle dogs weighing up to 150 lbs.
  
  

How You're Supported

As part of the Mission Pet Health family, you get the stability of a local practice backed by the comprehensive benefits and resources of a larger network. The focus is on investing in you, so you can focus on what you love.

Note: Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you at every stage. Eligibility for specific benefits varies based on your role and hours worked.

Competitive Compensation

A competitive hourly rate or salary based on your experience and role.

Health & Wellbeing

We offer comprehensive coverage options including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, along with access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all teammates.

Financial Security

Plan for your future with our 401k retirement options and additional financial protection benefits like Life Insurance and Disability coverage.

Commitment to Growth

We support your career goals with opportunities for professional development, including educational assistance for qualified teammates to enroll in AVMA-accredited veterinary technician programs.

The Power of a Network

Join a nationwide community of over 20,000 veterinary professionals who share a passion for collaboration, career growth, and sharing best practices.

Valuable Perks

Enjoy discounted veterinary care for your own pets, access to an online discount platform, and free 24/7 access to doctors through Teladoc.

About Mission Pet Health

Mission Pet Health was founded by veterinarians on the belief that local practices thrive with clinical autonomy, collaboration, and medical excellence. The organization provides world-class support to its 850 hospital teams on a hyper-local basis so they can focus on what matters most: the medicine, their patients, and their team culture. Learn more at missionpethealth.com.

Driving the award-winning culture are the WAG values – Work Together, Amaze, and Grow. Mission Pet Health is veterinarian-led, people-focused, and on a mission to be the best place to work in veterinary medicine. We are proud to be recognized as a 2025 "Most Loved Workplace," ranked #2 in America's Top 100 and #1 in veterinary care.

Reasonable Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation. Please contact benefits@mvetpartners.com with your request and contact information.

EEO Statement: Mission Pet Health is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.