Care for pets. Find them homes. Save lives. That’s the mission at Nevada Humane Society.

We’re a high-save organization helping nearly 34,000 animals in our community each year and caring for approximately 10,000 across both of our campuses. through sheltering, adoptions and community-centered programs and services that help find pets loving homes and keep them there. We are seeking a Veterinary Assistant to join our team at our Reno Campus. In this role, you’ll provide daily care, support positive outcomes, and help match pets with the families who will love them for life.

At NHS, lifesaving work is powered by dedicated professionals. We support our team with competitive pay, meaningful benefits, and a workplace rooted in compassion, teamwork, and purpose.

Veterinary Assistant Community Med & Surgery

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Our Veterinary Assistant of Community Medicine & Surgery plays an important role in advancing Nevada Humane Society’s mission. As a Veterinary Assistant, you contribute to Nevada Humane Society’s mission by supporting the Community Medicine and Surgery Team.  In this role, you play a critical part with responsibilities including animal handling, pre-operative preparation, intra-operative support, post-operative monitoring, and non-surgical care. You are also part of a collaborative and upbeat team that works across all shelter departments to ensure outstanding care for every animal.

Essential Responsibilities

Position-Specific Responsibilities

1. Support efficient surgical procedures: Assist with the flow of spay/neuter surgeries within the HQHVSN program, ensuring efficiency, animal safety and comfort, with a focus of surgical preparation and monitoring. 
2. Provide essential nursing support: Assist veterinarians and technicians with patient care, including monitoring hospitalized animals, administering medications, and preparing for procedures.  
3. Deliver exceptional client service: Educate clients on animal care, provide compassionate support during difficult times, and build strong relationships with the community.  
4. Participate in shelter medicine initiatives: Contribute to the overall health and well-being of shelter animals, including disease prevention and control programs.  
5. Know basic veterinary medical concepts.   
6. Responsible for prepping patients for surgery, observing all clinic procedures to enforce sterility and safety of patients.  
7. General duties in the operating room during surgery, assisting with movement of patients, recovery of patients, and general flow.   
8. Able to monitor anesthesia, with a clear idea of abnormal conditions.   
9. Ensure prompt and accurate paperwork procedures are followed each day.   
10. Able to respond appropriately during an emergency, able to take directions from a veterinarian and/or veterinary technician, and maintain competency in CPR procedures   
11. Work closely with volunteers and staff in a collaborative manner.  
12. Able to work independently, self-identify and prioritize tasks. 
13. Ensure adherence to Nevada Humane Society’s policies, standard operating procedures and safety practices.  
14. Collaborate effectively with all departments regarding animal medical needs.  

BENEFITS & PERKS

In Nevada

Nevada employers often provide competitive benefits, but NHS stands out with:

• Employer-paid medical & vision premium option (Full-Time Employees)
• Pet-centric benefits not typical in most benefit packages
• Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual starting on day one rather than waiting periods.
• This puts NHS at or above local and national trends for comprehensive total compensation and unique personal perks

Full-Time Employees Are Eligible For:

• Nine paid holidays

• 90% employer-paid buy-up options and low-cost dental plans

• Eligibility for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

All Employees are eligible for:

• Low-cost supplemental plans including Life Insurance, Accident, and Short-Term Disability

• Pet-focused perks such as free vaccines, spay/neuter, and end-of-life services for employee-owned pets

• Free and reduced-cost pet adoptions

• Up to 50% off major brand and prescription pet food delivered directly to the shelter

WHY NORTHERN NEVADA?

Northern Nevada offers an exceptional blend of career opportunity, quality of life, and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal place for professionals who value meaningful work and true work–life balance. Anchored by Reno and Carson City, the region continues to attract people who want to make an impact while enjoying everything life outside of work has to offer.

A Community That Works — and Plays

Northern Nevada is home to:

• Approximately 300 days of sunshine each year

• Easy access to Lake Tahoe, Pyramid Lake, and the Sierra Nevada mountains

• World-class skiing, hiking, biking, paddling, and year-round recreation just minutes away

Here, it’s possible to start your morning on a trail, spend your day doing meaningful work, and unwind by the river or in the mountains after hours.

With no state income tax, abundant sunshine, a diverse economy, and unmatched access to outdoor recreation, Northern Nevada is an ideal home for animal welfare professionals seeking both purpose and balance.

Experience and Qualification Requirements

Position-Specific Requirements

1. 1. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
   2. Strong organizational and time-management abilities. 
   3. Able to work a flexible schedule, five days a week, including weekends, with some shift up to 10-hours. 

Position-Specific Desired Experience

1. Experience in HQHVSN practices. 
2. Experience in an animal shelter or veterinary clinic settings

Salary : $19 - $21