The Shelter Veterinary Assistant supports IndyHumane's shelter medicine program through patient intake, physical examinations, preventative care, diagnostics, medical treatments, and daily patient monitoring. This position assists veterinarians and medical staff in providing high-quality medical care while maintaining accurate medical records, supporting shelter operations, and ensuring positive outcomes for animals in our care.
This role requires strong animal handling skills, attention to detail, adaptability, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced shelter environment. The Shelter Veterinary Assistant also supports community-facing veterinary services through participation in IndyHumane's high-volume, low-cost vaccine clinic.
The position plays a critical role in supporting lifesaving efforts, maintaining animal health, and advancing IndyHumane's mission through compassionate care and operational excellence.
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Essential Job Functions
Shelter Medicine & Patient Care
- Perform intake physical examinations on incoming shelter animals.
- Administer vaccinations, parasite prevention, deworming treatments, and routine preventative care.
- Administer medications including oral, topical, and injectable treatments as directed.
- Monitor animal health during daily medical rounds and communicate concerns promptly to veterinarians and leadership.
- Safely and humanely restrain animals for examinations, diagnostics, treatments, and procedures.
- Identify medical and behavioral concerns requiring veterinarian or behavior team intervention.
- Provide humane and compassionate care to all animals regardless of condition or outcome.
- Perform euthanasia according to organizational protocols and medical direction when appropriate.
Diagnostics & Medical Procedures
- Collect samples and perform in-house diagnostic testing.
- Perform venipuncture and laboratory procedures within training and competency levels.
- Assist with radiographs, wound care, rehabilitation, and treatment procedures.
- Support surgical preparation, patient recovery, and surgical operations.
- Assist with patient intake processing and medical evaluations.
- Maintain accurate treatment records and patient documentation.
Vaccine Clinic Support
- Support preventative care services within IndyHumane's high-volume vaccine clinic.
- Assist with vaccine appointments and client interactions.
- Educate clients regarding preventative care, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and basic pet wellness.
- Support efficient clinic workflow while maintaining quality patient care standards.
Medical Records & Documentation
- Maintain accurate and timely medical records within ShelterLuv and other organizational systems.
- Ensure treatments, diagnostics, vaccinations, and observations are documented appropriately.
- Maintain compliance with medical protocols and documentation standards.
- Protect confidentiality of medical and organizational information.
Collaboration & Communication
- Communicate professionally with veterinarians, coworkers, volunteers, fosters, and clients.
- Collaborate effectively with Medical, Behavior, Animal Care, Customer Service, Foster, and Volunteer teams.
- Participate in daily team communication and operational planning.
- Support positive public interactions involving animal intake, resource assistance, and shelter services.
Safety & Sanitation
- Follow all biosecurity, disease prevention, and safety protocols.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization within treatment, surgery, and medical areas.
- Utilize low-stress animal handling techniques whenever appropriate.
- Ensure proper use and storage of medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, and equipment.
Additional Responsibilities
- Support departmental projects and organizational initiatives.
- Provide assistance to other departments as operational needs require.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
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Required Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Graduate of a Veterinary Assistant Program or equivalent veterinary assistant experience required.
- Veterinary clinic, shelter medicine, animal welfare, or related experience preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong animal handling and restraint skills.
- Knowledge of common canine and feline diseases and preventative care protocols.
- Ability to identify medical and behavioral concerns requiring escalation.
- Experience performing venipuncture and basic laboratory procedures.
- Understanding of low-stress animal handling techniques.
- Ability to multitask and work effectively under time constraints.
- Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities and operational demands.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic communication systems.
- Experience with ShelterLuv or similar shelter management software preferred.
- Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
- Spanish language proficiency is a plus.
Licenses & Certifications
- Valid Indiana Driver's License required.
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Preferred Qualifications
- Previous shelter medicine experience.
- Experience working in high-volume veterinary environments.
- Veterinary Assistant certification or formal veterinary education.
- Experience with ShelterLuv or similar shelter management software.
- Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency.
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Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds safely.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, squat, kneel, and perform repetitive motions throughout the workday.
- Ability to safely handle dogs and cats of varying sizes, temperaments, and medical conditions.
- Ability to work in a physically demanding shelter and clinical environment.
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Work Environment & Potential Exposures
This position operates in both veterinary clinic and animal shelter environments with frequent exposure to animals, medical equipment, cleaning chemicals, noise, odors, and biological hazards.
Potential exposures may include:
- Animal-related allergens, scratches, bites, and zoonotic diseases.
- Cleaning and disinfecting chemicals.
- Veterinary equipment and medical supplies.
- Blood, bodily fluids, and biological materials.
- Frequent exposure to barking dogs and vocalizing animals.
- Fast-paced work environments with changing priorities and emergency situations.
Employees are expected to follow all safety procedures and utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
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Core Competencies
- Animal Handling & Restraint
- Shelter Medicine Knowledge
- Adaptability & Flexibility
- Compassion for Animals and People
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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
IndyHumane is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.
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Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement
IndyHumane is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws. Employees and applicants requiring accommodations should contact Human Resources.
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At-Will Employment Disclaimer
Employment with IndyHumane is at-will. This means that either the employee or IndyHumane may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and with or without cause, subject to applicable law. Nothing in this job description should be interpreted as creating a contract of employment.
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Job Description Disclaimer
The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required. IndyHumane reserves the right to modify duties, responsibilities, and position requirements based on organizational needs.
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Safety Statement
Employees are expected to comply with all workplace safety standards, organizational policies, confidentiality expectations, and OSHA-related safety requirements.
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