Houston SPCA | Houston, TX
$16.00 Hourly
The Houston SPCA is seeking a compassionate, adaptable, and service-oriented Veterinary Assistant to join our Veterinary Services team. This position plays a critical role in the admission, evaluation, and care of animals entering our rehoming center while delivering exceptional customer service to pet owners, adopters, and community members.
The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in a fast-paced animal welfare environment, communicates with empathy and professionalism, and takes pride in ensuring every animal receives quality care from the moment they enter our facility.
Successful Veterinary Assistants at Houston SPCA:
- Demonstrate compassion for animals and the people who care for them.
- Remain calm, patient, and professional during challenging situations.
- Build positive relationships with colleagues, volunteers, and the public.
- Take initiative and proactively solve problems.
- Communicate medical and shelter information accurately and confidently.
- Balance customer service excellence with attention to detail.
- Adapt quickly to changing priorities and shelter needs.
- Support Houston SPCA's mission through every interaction.
The Veterinary Assistant is responsible for ensuring the smooth and efficient admission of animals into the rehoming center. This role involves assessing the health and well-being of incoming animals, supporting veterinarians and veterinary technicians, maintaining accurate records, administering treatments, and helping facilitate successful outcomes for animals in our care.
- Process animal intakes and assess animals entering the shelter.
- Advise customers regarding the adoptability of animals being admitted.
- Communicate accurate medical information to owners and potential adopters.
- Assist veterinary technicians and veterinarians with intake examinations and admissions.
- Administer vaccines and medications as directed.
- Draw blood and perform basic diagnostic testing.
- Monitor, medicate, and assist in the treatment of animals in our care.
- Assist with sterilization of surgical instruments and medical equipment.
- Answer customer calls promptly, professionally, and compassionately.
- Provide information regarding Houston SPCA admissions requirements, programs, and services.
- Address customer concerns and inquiries with a solution-focused approach.
- Promote responsible pet ownership and good animal care practices.
- Document customer interactions thoroughly and accurately.
- Assist staff in resolving customer questions and concerns in a timely manner.
- Represent Houston SPCA with professionalism and exceptional customer service.
- Maintain accurate records within the shelter database.
- Clean and maintain the admissions lobby, workspaces, cat holding areas, and dog holding areas daily.
- Maintain inventory of supplies and report shortages as needed.
- Ensure assigned equipment and vehicles remain in safe working condition.
- Report maintenance and repair needs promptly.
- Protect confidential information related to customers, donors, animals, and internal operations.
- Assist with fundraising and donation requests as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Minimum one year of work experience.
- Working knowledge of animal handling, behavior, breeds, diseases, and medical conditions.
- Strong customer service and communication skills.
- Ability to accurately maintain detailed paper and electronic records.
- Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively.
- Ability to learn new programs, procedures, and protocols quickly.
- Ability to work flexible and unscheduled hours when needed.
- Ability to safely lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to safely handle animals with patience, compassion, and confidence.
- Commitment to the mission and values of the Houston SPCA.
- Two years of related work experience.
- Veterinary Assistant Certificate.
- Experience in animal welfare, shelter medicine, veterinary practice, or animal care.
- Valid Texas Driver's License with a good driving record.
Houston SPCA offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees, which include:
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Basic and supplemental life insurance
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching contributions
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Paid Vacation Time Off
- Paid Sick Leave
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Short-term disability options
- Aflac accident and critical illness coverage
- VCA Animal Hospital employee discounts
- Hill's Pet Food discounts
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility for qualifying employees of nonprofit organizations
If you are passionate about animal welfare, committed to excellent customer service, and eager to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals every day, we encourage you to apply.
At Houston SPCA, every animal matters—and every team member makes a difference.
